The Stunning and Emotional Autobiography of an Auschwitz Survivor April 7, 1944—This date marks the successful escape of two Slovak prisoners from one of the most heavily-guarded and notorious concentration camps of Nazi Germany. The escapees, Rudolf Vrba and Alfred Wetzler, fled over one hundred miles to be the first to give the graphic and detailed descriptions of the atrocities of Auschwitz. … atrocities of Auschwitz.
Originally published in the early 1960s, I Escaped from Auschwitz is the striking autobiography of none other than Rudolf Vrba himself. Vrba details his life leading up to, during, and after his escape from his 21-month internment in Auschwitz. Vrba and Wetzler manage to evade Nazi authorities looking for them and make contact with the Jewish council in Zilina, Slovakia, informing them about the truth of the “unknown destination” of Jewish deportees all across Europe. This first-hand report alerted Western authorities, such as Pope Pius XII, Winston Churchill, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, to the reality of Nazi annihilation camps—information that until then had only been recognized as nasty rumors.
I Escaped from Auschwitz is a close-up look at the horror faced by the Jewish people in Auschwitz and across Europe during World War II. This newly edited translation of Vrba’s memoir will leave readers reeling at the terrors faced by those during the Holocaust. Despite the profound emotions brought about by this narrative, readers will also find an astounding story of heroism and courage in the face of seemingly hopeless circumstances.
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This book gave a realistic story of the suffering the prisoner’s had to endure and what conditions were like in the camps. A true test of survival.
Very informative and sad
only for the brave at heart
Wonderful for those who have known the general history of the holocaust to hear a survivor’s amazing story of what really happened and the amazing intelligence and resilience that was needed to survive. The horror of these experiences must not be forgotten.
this book is amazing. someone who survived auschwitz and how. again absolutely amazing
The author is truly a blessed man too have survived when so many did not.
A realistic and yet had a good story Little different approach from some of this type novel
I haven’t read it in one sitting bit will finish it.
A difficult book to read and hard to imagine what the author and many, many others went through. The author was a true hero. He thought of others and how he could protect them. This book will stay in my mind and heart for a very long time.
The book was easy to read but the story had too many last minute escapes from death to be believable hence the three stars.
This is an autobiographical account of one man’s struggle to survive and finally escape From Auschwitz. It’s a compelling and damning account. Its epilogue refers to other escapees and reveals the Political schisms within the Jewish community/hierarchy which arguably prevented any effective opposition to the deportation of Hungarian jews.
It was very clear what it was like in Nazi Germany.
I have read many books on concentration camps and the Nazis. This was written so that any one can understand. Good story. Bravery.
Good to know parts of history that are trying to reappear
This story of survival from Auschwitz provides insight into the underground groups helping prisoners to survive and escape. In addition, the in-depth information about the level of wealth acquired by the Nazis in the camp is astonishing. The author is a strong and resilient character full of insight.
I have read a few books about the holocaust; this first-person narrative of the author’s years (yes, years) in Auschwitz, and his incredible escape, was both haunting and hopeful. One gets the impression from his story that he was being saved for a higher purpose. The real tragedy was the unwillingness of those he was trying to warn about the actual outcome of “resettlement” to take concrete action to warn those Jews earmarked for transportation of their fate. As a result, hundreds of thousands more innocents perished. This is a must-read.
I have read lots of memoirs about the Holocaust. This is one of the best. Highly recommend.