The Powerful Spirit

Last Stop Auschwitz by Eddy de Wind is a powerful account of the author’s time in Auschwitz until the end of the war.

The book was actually penned whilst the author was in Auschwitz. We get a first-hand account of daily life in which Eddy de Wind pulls no punches. All his memories were still in tact as he was still in the camp.

We witness the cruelty of the Nazi war machine. Like most bullies, the guards fled as the Soviets approached. Those who valued their lives were “keeping hope alive.” Without hope the people will perish.

In Auschwitz, morals were abandoned due to starvation and desperation. There were those who worked for the good of others but they are overshadowed by those who looked out for themselves.

As well as needing hope, luck was needed too. People needed to keep their wits about them and try hard not to be noticed, as the guards needed no excuse to end a life.

Last Stop Auschwitz is unique because it was written in Auschwitz and published in 1946.

Alongside the beyond terrible cruelty, there were pockets of humanity and a desire to live and to tell. “I have seen death and lived to tell the tale. I have to tell it, and I will tell it.”

Last Stop Auschwitz must be read in memory of the six million innocents. May we never forget.

JULIA WILSON