Germany, 1947.
A strange case scheduled for the Denazification Court lands on the desk of an American psychiatrist currently serving in Germany, Dr. Hoffman.
A former Auschwitz guard, Franz Dahler, is set to appear in court, and he has requested to bring the most unexpected witness to testify in his defense – one of his former inmates and current wife, Helena.
As soon as one of the newly … as one of the newly emerging Nazi hunters and former Auschwitz inmate, Andrej Novák, recognizes the officer’s name, he demands a full investigation of Dahler’s crimes, claiming that the former SS man was not only abusing Helena in the camp but is also using her as a ploy to escape prosecution.
Silent, subdued, and seemingly dependent on her husband’s every word, Helena appears to be a classic victim of abuse, and possibly more of an aid to the prosecution instead of the defense.
As she begins giving her testimony, Dr. Hoffman finds himself more and more confused at the picture that gradually emerges before his eyes; a perpetrator is claimed to be the savior and the accuser, the criminal.
The better Dr. Hoffman gets to know each participant, the more he begins to question himself; whether he’s facing a most unimaginable love story, or a new and still-nameless psychological disorder affecting the very manner in which Helena sees the events of the past.
Partially based on a true story, this deeply psychological, haunting novel will take you back in time to the heart of Auschwitz and post-war Germany, and will keep you guessing the true motive of each side.
A strange case scheduled for the Denazification Court lands on the desk of an American psychiatrist currently serving in Germany, Dr. Hoffman.
A former Auschwitz guard, Franz Dahler, is set to appear in court, and he has requested to bring the most unexpected witness to testify in his defense – one of his former inmates and current wife, Helena.
As soon as one of the newly emerging Nazi hunters and former Auschwitz inmate, Andrej Novák, recognizes the officer’s name, he demands a full investigation of Dahler’s crimes, claiming that the former SS man was not only abusing Helena in the camp but is also using her as a ploy to escape prosecution.
Silent, subdued, and seemingly dependent on her husband’s every word, Helena appears to be a classic victim of abuse, and possibly more of an aid to the prosecution instead of the defense.
As she begins giving her testimony, Dr. Hoffman finds himself more and more confused at the picture that gradually emerges before his eyes; a perpetrator is claimed to be the savior and the accuser, the criminal.
The better Dr. Hoffman gets to know each participant, the more he begins to question himself; whether he’s facing a most unimaginable love story, or a new and still-nameless psychological disorder affecting the very manner in which Helena sees the events of the past.
Partially based on a true story, this deeply psychological, haunting novel will take you back in time to the heart of Auschwitz and post-war Germany, and will keep you guessing the true motive of each side.more
There are books you devour, and then there are books you chew on for a while. Auschwitz Syndrome, the latest book by Ellie Midwood, is one you chew on.
From the courtroom and backroom drama of a Denazification court, we’re asked a few questions: Is Franz Dahler guilty of crimes against humanity? Did he beat, rape, and abuse a female inmate who worked under his command, a woman, Helena, who is now his wife? And did he marry her to secure his clearance from the court? You’ll have to make your own decision.
Auschwitz Syndrome is such an emotionally raw and painfully real book that I had to put it down on several occasions. Even the courtroom scenes crackled with intensity as the judge had to bring down his gavel else chaos would have ensued (and sometimes I felt it did, as he kept going back and forth between prosecution and defense).
The dismal imagery portrayed in the novel is hard on the reader, but in a setting such as Auschwitz, readers need to be reminded of just how brutal things got. Trust me in that you’ll hug your pets or children after this one. I had some good snuggles with my dog and blared The Young Rascals for a while.
Some of the language may be difficult for readers to take, but I felt it leant towards the reality of the situation. I felt Ms. Midwood handled the sensitivity of the situation with skill and stayed true to the story. There were tender moments between Franz and Helena that lighten things.
The characters and storyline are largely based on real accounts, so if you want moving fiction, then pick up Auschwitz Syndrome. Just have puppies or kittens available for after you read it.
Another excellent work of historical fiction from Ellie Midwood
Read any book by Ellie Midwood, and you’ll be taken by the narrative and admire the undeniable talent of the author.
The story of Helena and Franz creates the book’s central tension and keeps those pages turning (clicking) throughout the novel’s vivid historical setting.
The author transports us back to a place and time (KZ Auschwitz, 1942-January 1945 and Denazification Tribunal in 1947) and through the characters she created, allows the reader to experience and feel what the people living back then felt and had been forced to endure. Their pain and horror of living (read existing) under Nazi horrendous and sadistic rule (by the hands of SS).
“This place broke me, broke me to such extent that I couldn’t imagine life behind its walls anymore”, in Helena’s words. The story is hard-hitting, dark and, at times, unpalatable. It is also honest. It’s the type of book that should be required reading for all high school students in order to keep alive in us the horrors of the Hitler regime, along with the preciousness of freedom.
Despite the tragic content, the novel makes for an excellent read.
As all other books of the author, I highly recommend this one.
Thank you HFVT and the author for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Auschwitz Syndrome
By: Ellie Midwood
*REVIEW*
I have read extensively about WWII, but I have never read anything quite like the Auschwitz Syndrome. It is almost beyond belief that this story is based on facts. Helena was a prisoner at Auschwitz. She was saved from the gas chamber by an SS guard named Franz. Now, it is the time of the denazification trials in 1947. Franz is on trial and may go to prison. Helena is there to testify for Franz because he is her husband. Two different psychologists try to understand how a guard and his prisoner came to be married. Did Helena marry Franz for love, or was she forced into marriage out of fear for her life? The account is narrated in the past tense, during the imprisonment at Auschwitz, and the present day 1947 trial. It is difficult and disturbing to read about the horrors Helena and countless others suffered at the hands of their captors. Still, in this place of hopelessness and despair, a tiny ray of hope found a place between Franz and Helena. A marriage of actual love between a Nazi SS guard and a Jewish prisoner borne from the hell of Auschwitz is nothing short of miraculous. This story is amazing and inspiring. The research and work to write such a book is obvious on every page and in every detail. I found it informative in many ways, and I was speechless at times. If you have any interest in the subject matter, pick up a copy and read it. You will be stunned, awed, fascinated and compelled to believe things you never thought possible. Just a remarkable book!