Archives

The Swimmer Of Auschwitz by Renaud Leblond

Mar5

Inspiring

The Swimmer Of Auschwitz by Renaud Leblond is the true story of Olympic swimmer Alfred Nakache who survived Auschwitz.

Alfred Nakache was born in Constantine. It was a cosmopolitan city. “Muslims, Jews, Catholics, all are first and foremost citizens of Constantine.”

As a child he was afraid of water. He overcame this fear and was in the Berlin Olympics in 1936.

The book alternates the time before Auschwitz and while he was in Auschwitz. He was a brave man who inspired others. “Yes to life… Yes to continue believing in it, despite everything.” He always shared what little he had with others. He helped to keep men going. They, in turn, copied him by sharing. “One of us needed to stay alive to one day report what goes on here.” [In Auschwitz].

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Franci’s War by Franci Rabinek Epstein

Mar28

Brave & Resourceful

Franci’s War by Franci Rabinek Epstein is a powerful account of the author’s time spent in various concentration camps during World War II.

We also briefly hear of the author’s background and there is an afterword by her daughter. The inclusion of photos is great to be able to put faces to names.

Although Franci Rabinek Epstein’s family was Jewish, they were not practicing Jews. Indeed, her father said “I am a Czechoslovakian citizen of German nationality.”

As the 1930’s progressed and their liberties were eroded, her father “believed in German decency, justice, honor and civilization.”

Her mother was in the business of haute couture, and the author followed in her footsteps. This was to be of an advantage in the camps as she was able to work as a seamstress. Later the author worked as an electrician (her father’s trade) in the camps. She was resourceful. This plus luck, helped her to survive.

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Auschwitz: A Mother’s Story by Rosa de Winter-Levy

Mar21

Heartbreaking & Harrowing

Auschwitz: A Mother’s Story by Rosa de Winter-Levy is a powerful and heartbreaking account of a mother’s time in Auschwitz, and how she held on to the hope of being re-united with her daughter.

Rosa de Winter-Levy, her husband and daughter (born 1928) were not devout Jews but still had to go into hiding in April 1943 in Gelderland (Holland) where they lived. For 464 days they remained hidden until the 17th August 1944. They were transported, along with Anne Frank’s family to Westerbork, before being transported to Auschwitz.

Rosa de Winter-Levy wrote her account shortly after liberation and also in 1946, meaning that the details were still fresh in her mind.

Auschwitz: A Mother’s Story has harrowing details as the author recalls daily life in Auschwitz. Despite illness and mistreatment Rosa de Winter-Levy is extremely brave. She has the hope of being re-united with her daughter, and that keeps her going.

At the end of the book is an interview with the author’s two grandchildren.

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Last Stop Auschwitz by Eddy de Wind

Feb26

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.

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