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The reviews consistently praise this book for its crucial contribution to Holocaust scholarship, presenting an essential and eye-opening account of often-neglected aspects of the Shoah. Many readers found it to be a deeply needed work that broadens understanding beyond the actions of Nazi perpetrators, revealing the widespread complicity, exploitation, and antisemitism among local populations in occupied territories, particularly in Poland. The book is lauded for its courage in confronting uncomfortable historical truths and challenging prevalent national narratives. Its use of a striking post-war photograph as a powerful starting point for its central thesis is frequently highlighted as effective, drawing readers into a lesser-known but vital dimension of the historical catastrophe. Reviewers also emphasize its contemporary relevance, particularly in light of ongoing debates surrounding historical memory and attempts to control narratives about the past.

Despite its acknowledged importance, many readers found the book an exceptionally difficult and harrowing experience, frequently eliciting feelings of profound horror, pain, and disgust. Several reviewers admitted to struggling to continue reading due to the sheer brutality and disturbing nature of the testimonies presented. For some readers already well-versed in Holocaust literature or the author's previous works, the book occasionally felt repetitive or did not offer a significant amount of entirely new information, sometimes presenting summary over groundbreaking analysis. A few criticisms were also directed at the writing style, with some describing it as meandering or structured more like an academic article rather than a cohesive narrative, which detracted from their engagement with the powerful subject matter.

Overall, the book is considered a vital, albeit profoundly disturbing, piece of historical documentation. It serves as a stark reminder of humanity's capacity for cruelty and greed, forcing readers to confront the uncomfortable reality that such atrocities were not solely the work of a few monsters, but also of "ordinary" people. While challenging to read due to its graphic content and the moral questions it raises, the book is highly recommended for those deeply interested in the Holocaust, students of history, or anyone seeking a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of human behavior during extreme times. It is particularly valuable for readers willing to grapple with complex historical truths and those interested in how national myths are constructed and challenged.