All But My Life is the unforgettable story of Gerda Weissmann Klein’s six-year ordeal as a victim of Nazi cruelty. From her comfortable home in Bielitz (present-day Bielsko) in Poland to her miraculous survival and her liberation by American troops–including the man who was to become her husband–in Volary, Czechoslovakia, in 1945, Gerda takes the reader on a terrifying journey. Gerda’s serene …
Gerda’s serene and idyllic childhood is shattered when Nazis march into Poland on September 3, 1939. Although the Weissmanns were permitted to live for a while in the basement of their home, they were eventually separated and sent to German labor camps. Over the next few years Gerda experienced the slow, inexorable stripping away of “all but her life.” By the end of the war she had lost her parents, brother, home, possessions, and community; even the dear friends she made in the labor camps, with whom she had shared so many hardships, were dead.
Despite her horrifying experiences, Klein conveys great strength of spirit and faith in humanity. In the darkness of the camps, Gerda and her young friends manage to create a community of friendship and love. Although stripped of the essence of life, they were able to survive the barbarity of their captors. Gerda’s beautifully written story gives an invaluable message to everyone. It introduces them to last century’s terrible history of devastation and prejudice, yet offers them hope that the effects of hatred can be overcome.
more
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to all who like to read about the tragedies of WWII. I could not put my Kindle down and was sorry when I finished it that there wasn’t more to read. Great job by the author!!
Amazing true story, highlighting both the worst of mankind and the gift of true love
Totally unforgettable!
I think this is the best book I have read from a survivor of the holocaust. I thought it was very poignant . It was so real and so mind numbingly cruel, I found myself crying at several points. The courage and steadfastness of this woman are a beacon for all of us to follow when life lets you down. There were times when I wondered how people …
One of the best books I’ve read.
This book was excellent
What a moving book…. Greta is to be applauded for documenting her memories. One of the most moving books I’ve read to date regarding the holocaust.
A very good memoir by a concentration camp survivor.
This is an excellent book and I highly recommend it. It is not always easy to read but it is well worth it. I’m always amazed at the resilience of The survivors who turn around and make something of their lives.
Generally, I have difficulty getting through biographies/non-fiction but this memoir is so well written I was unable to put it down. Mrs Klein is a gifted story teller. She painted an unforgettable picture of the horrors she experienced during one of the darkest periods of history. I read this book some 20 years ago and can still remember a great …
The authors use of language in telling her tale is wonderful.
This book was well written. It makes you realize that evil truly exists in this world. We must be on guard so that history does not repeat itself.
Heart wrenching story of the life and survival of a young Jewish woman during the Nazis regime in World War II. Yet through all the hardships she found the spirit and strength to go on and find a life of beauty and love after the liberation. Highly recommend this book!
All but My Life is a well told story. I was pulled into the story, the people were real. A definite reread.
This was a wonderful book. IT is a moving story and I highly recommend it.
N
One of the best books I’ve ever read!
How a young girl survived the horrors of Nazi death and work camps and manages to keep alive her soul and the souls of her friends is at the core of this strong, well written and poignant memoir. I taught this book for over a decade in a college Holocaust Literature class and the students never failed to learn, be moved and ultimately uplifted.