Happy Monday! The purpose of memorable Monday is to showcase a book that you’ve read in the past and share how/why it has stuck with you.
This week I’m featuring:
Amazon | Goodreads
You ever read a mark that just seems to leave a permanent mark on you emotionally? That would be me with Auschwitz Lullaby. This was my first read by the author. I sincerely hope that more of Mario Escobar’s novels get translated into English because while I can understand enough Spanish to understand the blurbs, I would struggle getting through full novels–but they sound so gripping I want to read them all! If you haven’t read this one yet I’d highly recommend it, but I have to warn you that you’re going to want a box of tissues handy.
If you want to see my full review you can view it HERE.
About the Book:
Based on the true story of a brave German nurse tasked with caring for Auschwitz’s youngest prisoners.
Auschwitz Lullaby brings to life the story of Helene Hannemann—a woman who sacrificed everything for family and fought furiously for the children she hoped to save.
On an otherwise ordinary morning in 1943, Helene Hannemann is preparing her five children for the day when the German police arrive at her home. Helene’s worst fears come true when the police, under strict orders from the SS, demand that her children and husband, all of Romani heritage, be taken into custody. Though Helene is German and safe from the forces invading her home, she refuses to leave her family—sealing her fate in a way she never could have imagined.
After a terrifying trek across the continent, Helene and her family arrive at Auschwitz and are thrown into the chaos of the camp. Her husband, Johann, is separated from them, but Helene remains fiercely protective of her children and those around her. When the powers-that-be discover that Helene is not only a German but also a trained nurse, she is forced into service at the camp hospital, which is overseen by the notorious Dr. Mengele himself.
Helene is under no illusions in terms of Dr. Mengele’s intentions, but she agrees to cooperate when he asks her to organize a day care and school for the Romani children in the camp. Though physically and emotionally brutalized by the conditions at Auschwitz, Helene musters the strength to protect the children in her care at any cost. Through sheer force of will, Helene provides a haven for the children of Auschwitz—an act of kindness and selflessness so great that it illuminates the darkest night of human history.
Based on a true story, Mario Escobar’s Auschwitz Lullaby demonstrates the power of sacrifice and the strength of human dignity—even when all hope seems lost.
About the Author:
Mario Escobar Golderos has a degree in History, with an advanced studies diploma in Modern History. He has written numerous books and articles about the Inquisition, the Protestant Reformation, and religious sects. He is the executive director of an NGO and directs the magazine Nueva historia para el debate, in addition to being a contributing columnist in various publications. Passionate about history and its mysteries, Escobar has delved into the depths of church history, the different sectarian groups that have struggled therein, and the discovery and colonization of the Americas. He specializes in the lives of unorthodox Spaniards and Americans.
So, I just finished Children of the Stars last night. It took me 10 days to read. I was SO bored. I don’t know how to write my review. With that said, I know you loved this book. But I’m hesitant to read any more by this author.
Oh wow! I wonder if I’ll read that one now 😕
I can read a long novel in about 3-4 days. This book was almost 400 pages and it took me FOREVER to read. 10 days!!! Unheard of for me. I would pass, but that’s cause I know you have a lot of reviews on your plate.