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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
This historical fiction is about the factual lives of some of the Auschwitz inmates who were part of the first transfers to the concentration camp. It was eye-opening and heartbreaking to find out so much I hadn’t previously known, including the fact that even in such a terrible place, new love was found.
The author writes with beautiful detail, easily bringing each character and experience to life. For me, however, that descriptive talent was a bit of a double-edged sword. The detailing that made some moments so beautiful was difficult to handle each time the Nazi brutality was described (and there was a lot of that brutality).
This is a very well written and researched book, an easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me.
I’m grateful to NetGalley for the ARC and opportunity to read this story.
TW: brutality, abuse, torture, mass murder, suicide.
The author writes with beautiful detail, easily bringing each character and experience to life. For me, however, that descriptive talent was a bit of a double-edged sword. The detailing that made some moments so beautiful was difficult to handle each time the Nazi brutality was described (and there was a lot of that brutality).
This is a very well written and researched book, an easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me.
I’m grateful to NetGalley for the ARC and opportunity to read this story.
TW: brutality, abuse, torture, mass murder, suicide.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Oh my goodness, this true story about Mala and Edek, two brave and beautiful souls who helped so many and instilled hope and bravery among their fellow prisoners in Auschwitz, is one that will stay with you. I’m not sure how to explain the way this book made me feel, it’s, just, incredible!
This beautiful, heartbreaking book is so poignant and raw, I read it with a heavy heart but also found myself smiling through my tears. I have read many historical fictions based on the Holocaust and I have quite a few favourites. This is now one of them!
The writing is exquisite, and the storyline gut-wrenchingly real and absolutely horrific as it details the realistic and barbaric ways the SS conducted themselves and treated the prisoners of Auschwitz. I was saddened, shaking my head in shock and even though I know so much about the concentration camps, I still can’t get my head around the fact this it is true and all of this really happened in our human history.
I highly recommend this incredible, realistic and beautiful read for all historical fiction lovers, it is one not to be missed.
This beautiful, heartbreaking book is so poignant and raw, I read it with a heavy heart but also found myself smiling through my tears. I have read many historical fictions based on the Holocaust and I have quite a few favourites. This is now one of them!
The writing is exquisite, and the storyline gut-wrenchingly real and absolutely horrific as it details the realistic and barbaric ways the SS conducted themselves and treated the prisoners of Auschwitz. I was saddened, shaking my head in shock and even though I know so much about the concentration camps, I still can’t get my head around the fact this it is true and all of this really happened in our human history.
I highly recommend this incredible, realistic and beautiful read for all historical fiction lovers, it is one not to be missed.
The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz is a tale inspired by a real woman named Mala and her beau Edek. Throughout the book, the reader is taken on a journey swapping between Mala's and Edek's point of view as they help others, fall in love, and hope to survive another day at the infamous Nazi concentration camp. Author Ellie Midwood, weaves a beautiful and harrowing tale of love, loyalty, and a fight for survival.
I was initially drawn to this book because of its cover art, and upon starting it realized it filled a specific reading void for me in the moment. Historical fiction - specifically ones set in World War II - almost always capture my attention. This book was no exception being well written, having intriguing characters, and hooking me immediately. I read through it in just a few days, and the story was a good experience for my reading journey this year.
As the book progressed, I had a hard time believing how much of it was true as the circumstances described seemed impossible given the setting. I found I couldn't suspend my belief well enough to be drawn completely into the story. That being said, I really appreciated the Author's Note at the end describing how and where she got her information showing that the story was more accurate than I initially gave it credit. I did a little research on my own into Mala, and found a lot of the same information. Obviously the dialogue was made up, but the main plot points were based on what Mala and Edek actually experienced and accomplished while at Auschwitz. In the end, this really influenced my decision about the book, and I would recommend it to others who specifically enjoy WWII novels.
CW: death, thematic, torture
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased and honest review (publish date is March 9th).
I was initially drawn to this book because of its cover art, and upon starting it realized it filled a specific reading void for me in the moment. Historical fiction - specifically ones set in World War II - almost always capture my attention. This book was no exception being well written, having intriguing characters, and hooking me immediately. I read through it in just a few days, and the story was a good experience for my reading journey this year.
As the book progressed, I had a hard time believing how much of it was true as the circumstances described seemed impossible given the setting. I found I couldn't suspend my belief well enough to be drawn completely into the story. That being said, I really appreciated the Author's Note at the end describing how and where she got her information showing that the story was more accurate than I initially gave it credit. I did a little research on my own into Mala, and found a lot of the same information. Obviously the dialogue was made up, but the main plot points were based on what Mala and Edek actually experienced and accomplished while at Auschwitz. In the end, this really influenced my decision about the book, and I would recommend it to others who specifically enjoy WWII novels.
CW: death, thematic, torture
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased and honest review (publish date is March 9th).
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
I recieved a free ARC copy from Netgalley for an honest review.
I was hooked to this book from the very start. It's obviously a very emotional book but beautifully written and so well researched.
It's based on a true story which I didn't realise until after finishing it which made reading this even more heart wrenching.
No words can explain what a good book this is. Will definetly be reading more by this author from now on.
I was hooked to this book from the very start. It's obviously a very emotional book but beautifully written and so well researched.
It's based on a true story which I didn't realise until after finishing it which made reading this even more heart wrenching.
No words can explain what a good book this is. Will definetly be reading more by this author from now on.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Genocide, Gun violence, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, War
Moderate: Suicide, Abortion
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Vomit
First let me say that this is my first book by Ellie Midwood. I bought The Violinist of Auschwitz and The Aftermath by the same author. When I'll be able to read them is another story as this one has left me truly weeping. To think that people can be this cruel. Cold hearted and so filled with hatred is beyond anything that my mind can honestly comprehend. It's completely mind boggling to me. And the sad truth is that it could happen again. If we don't stay on top of things and keep history alive it certainly could. I believe with all my heart that it almost has on an occasion or two through the years. I hope beyond hope that we as humans will never let it happen though. But with all the hatred that is in the world never think that it can't. We must be bigger than that. Love each other. Cherish what we have. Stop the hate.....
This book is told from two people's POV who were in the Auzchwitz concentration camp. Both had jobs and both were prisoners. Not that they did anything wrong but because they were hated. They might do something. They were different. What happened to the people in this camp is completely unacceptable. It should never ever be forgotten. We all need to remember and make sure that our children and our grandchildren know. We never what anything like this to happen in this world or any other world again. Two people, yet also thousands upon thousands were killed. Gassed, tortured, treated like they were the lowest of the low. Like they were nothing.
The two people telling this story are Mala, a young woman, and Edek, a young man. They both did a lot in this place. They helped the other prisoners as much as they could. In every manner possible. Both were strong and respected. Respected by their fellow inmates and even by some of the guards it seems. They fell in love. Deeply in love and plotted to escape together. To be free. This book takes you through their story. From start to dramatic finish you will learn so much about each of them and how they came together. How they planned and how they fell in love. What each did for others that made them admired and loved. Their strength was unimaginable. Their lives were horrid yet they didn't complain. They did what they had to do to survive.
This is a story that will make you weep. It will give you insight as to what happened in Auschwitz. What cruelty was dealt. How people found what happiness they could when they could. What horrors they saw and faced each and every day of their lives. How it stayed with some long after the war was over and they were rescued from this atrocious place. If you are human you will feel the sadness that was their lives.
It's hard to read this type of book often but it's one that needs to be read. I personally can't imagine what it was like to live during this time but I do have relatives who did. My daddy was Polish. He had relatives who died in prison camps. His parents were here in the USA where he was born and raised but they had friends and relatives who were not so lucky.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #EllieMidwood, #Bookouture for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.
5/5 stars and a high recommendation. Please read this one. It's very well written, researched and just a good one to read. Sad yes. Good yes. It has some parts that will make you smile too. Just read it.
This book is told from two people's POV who were in the Auzchwitz concentration camp. Both had jobs and both were prisoners. Not that they did anything wrong but because they were hated. They might do something. They were different. What happened to the people in this camp is completely unacceptable. It should never ever be forgotten. We all need to remember and make sure that our children and our grandchildren know. We never what anything like this to happen in this world or any other world again. Two people, yet also thousands upon thousands were killed. Gassed, tortured, treated like they were the lowest of the low. Like they were nothing.
The two people telling this story are Mala, a young woman, and Edek, a young man. They both did a lot in this place. They helped the other prisoners as much as they could. In every manner possible. Both were strong and respected. Respected by their fellow inmates and even by some of the guards it seems. They fell in love. Deeply in love and plotted to escape together. To be free. This book takes you through their story. From start to dramatic finish you will learn so much about each of them and how they came together. How they planned and how they fell in love. What each did for others that made them admired and loved. Their strength was unimaginable. Their lives were horrid yet they didn't complain. They did what they had to do to survive.
This is a story that will make you weep. It will give you insight as to what happened in Auschwitz. What cruelty was dealt. How people found what happiness they could when they could. What horrors they saw and faced each and every day of their lives. How it stayed with some long after the war was over and they were rescued from this atrocious place. If you are human you will feel the sadness that was their lives.
It's hard to read this type of book often but it's one that needs to be read. I personally can't imagine what it was like to live during this time but I do have relatives who did. My daddy was Polish. He had relatives who died in prison camps. His parents were here in the USA where he was born and raised but they had friends and relatives who were not so lucky.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #EllieMidwood, #Bookouture for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book.
5/5 stars and a high recommendation. Please read this one. It's very well written, researched and just a good one to read. Sad yes. Good yes. It has some parts that will make you smile too. Just read it.
challenging
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and I was so excited to get my hands on this one.
I started this book with little knowledge of the two characters this book is based upon; Mala & Edek. These two meet in Auschwitz and soon fall into a love neither of them could have expected. After months of planning, they decide it’s time to escape Auschwitz -together.
I started this book with an open mind, not sure what type of journey it would take me on. I soon found myself transported to Auschwitz and I was meeting characters that I couldn’t help but also love. Ellie Midwood’s ability to describe these characters, based off of real people who lived in these camps, is outstanding. I felt like I could truly see each of one them clear as day inside my head. I wanted to meet every single one, I was rooting for every single one, I felt pain and anguish for every single one.
This story was quite frankly, beautifully written. I couldn’t put it down, I was reading it all through the night. How could I fall asleep without finding out the fate of our beloved Mala & Edek? I truly never knew how their stories ended and I held hope in my heart for them all the way until the last page.
Ellie Midwood did something differently in this novel that I haven’t seen much in other books written about the Holocaust. She was able to give faces to the SS, Kapos, and other Nazi’s in the camp; she gave faces to the people who were accessories to murder, although they may not have been murderers themselves. She was able to describe them as human beings that held love and empathy inside themselves even though they weren’t supposed to. I think it’s hard to imagine anyone in that camp having the ability to hold empathy in their heart when their whole job is to dispose of other human beings without a second glance. Midwood’s ability to separate the two different types of people in charge of the camp was truly brilliant and refreshing to see.
I have read quite a few historical fiction novels, all surrounding the topic of WWII and the Holocaust. I have found it extremely important to continue to read, learn, and share these stories with others in hopes that something this horrendous will never happen again. As hard as these books are to get through, I almost feel like it’s our duty to read them so that we can share what we know with others. It’s important for names like Mala & Edek, and all their companions, to be known and never forgotten.
A beautiful, heart wrenching story; a story I read with blurry eyes thanks to all the tears. A must-read for all. This one will stick with me forever. I am now an Ellie Midwood fan for life.
I started this book with little knowledge of the two characters this book is based upon; Mala & Edek. These two meet in Auschwitz and soon fall into a love neither of them could have expected. After months of planning, they decide it’s time to escape Auschwitz -together.
I started this book with an open mind, not sure what type of journey it would take me on. I soon found myself transported to Auschwitz and I was meeting characters that I couldn’t help but also love. Ellie Midwood’s ability to describe these characters, based off of real people who lived in these camps, is outstanding. I felt like I could truly see each of one them clear as day inside my head. I wanted to meet every single one, I was rooting for every single one, I felt pain and anguish for every single one.
This story was quite frankly, beautifully written. I couldn’t put it down, I was reading it all through the night. How could I fall asleep without finding out the fate of our beloved Mala & Edek? I truly never knew how their stories ended and I held hope in my heart for them all the way until the last page.
Ellie Midwood did something differently in this novel that I haven’t seen much in other books written about the Holocaust. She was able to give faces to the SS, Kapos, and other Nazi’s in the camp; she gave faces to the people who were accessories to murder, although they may not have been murderers themselves. She was able to describe them as human beings that held love and empathy inside themselves even though they weren’t supposed to. I think it’s hard to imagine anyone in that camp having the ability to hold empathy in their heart when their whole job is to dispose of other human beings without a second glance. Midwood’s ability to separate the two different types of people in charge of the camp was truly brilliant and refreshing to see.
I have read quite a few historical fiction novels, all surrounding the topic of WWII and the Holocaust. I have found it extremely important to continue to read, learn, and share these stories with others in hopes that something this horrendous will never happen again. As hard as these books are to get through, I almost feel like it’s our duty to read them so that we can share what we know with others. It’s important for names like Mala & Edek, and all their companions, to be known and never forgotten.
A beautiful, heart wrenching story; a story I read with blurry eyes thanks to all the tears. A must-read for all. This one will stick with me forever. I am now an Ellie Midwood fan for life.
Mala Zimetbaum is prisoner 19880 in Auschwitz and she uses her work position in the concentration camp to help save as many other prisoners as possible. Edward, a camp veteran and political prisoner, needs her help and finds her in camp. Together they plan their escape from Auschwitz and fall in love along the way.
This is based on the true story of Mala who was the first woman to escape from Auschwitz.
The book is incredibly well written and really does justice to the story of Mala.
It is moving, harrowing and yet intercepted with moments of humanity and “normal every day” life. I connected with all of the characters, whether it is willing on Mala and Edwards escape, or despising the SS officers working in the camp.
The end had me in tears and it is a book that will stay with me for a long time.
With thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Ellie Midwood for my copy of this in exchange for my honest review.
This is based on the true story of Mala who was the first woman to escape from Auschwitz.
The book is incredibly well written and really does justice to the story of Mala.
It is moving, harrowing and yet intercepted with moments of humanity and “normal every day” life. I connected with all of the characters, whether it is willing on Mala and Edwards escape, or despising the SS officers working in the camp.
The end had me in tears and it is a book that will stay with me for a long time.
With thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Ellie Midwood for my copy of this in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Boukouture, Netgalley and the author for an advance copy. I was late to request this one and was expecting to be declined so felt truly humbled to have the request granted.
This novel has given me one of the worst book hangovers I have had in a while. The book moved me in such a way I felt desolate at the end. What was I going to do with the time that I had given to Mala and Edick and everyone I had met in the novel.
This novel is meticulously researched and beautifully written. I have read numerous novels set in Auschwitz but for me it was the first introduction to the Sauna, and Mexico, and to the Orchestra who the author features in another novel The Violinist of Auschwitz (which has not gone onto my TBR list). This is a harrowing read though which at times can be very difficult. Even though I know the background, I know what went on, it still makes quite distressing reading.
I never get bored of reading holocaust novels and the Girl (and boy) who Escaped Auschwitz didn’t disappoint.
This novel has given me one of the worst book hangovers I have had in a while. The book moved me in such a way I felt desolate at the end. What was I going to do with the time that I had given to Mala and Edick and everyone I had met in the novel.
This novel is meticulously researched and beautifully written. I have read numerous novels set in Auschwitz but for me it was the first introduction to the Sauna, and Mexico, and to the Orchestra who the author features in another novel The Violinist of Auschwitz (which has not gone onto my TBR list). This is a harrowing read though which at times can be very difficult. Even though I know the background, I know what went on, it still makes quite distressing reading.
I never get bored of reading holocaust novels and the Girl (and boy) who Escaped Auschwitz didn’t disappoint.