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The Librarian of Auschwitz

The heart-breaking historical novel based on the incredible true story of Dita Kraus

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The Librarian of Auschwitz

By: Antonio Iturbe, Lilit Zekulin Thwaites - translator
Narrated by: Marisa Calin
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Summary

Random House presents the audiobook edition of The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe, read by Marisa Calin.

From the author of The Prince of the Skies, for readers of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Choice: this is the story of the smallest library in the world - and the most dangerous.


'It wasn't an extensive library. In fact, it consisted of eight books and some of them were in poor condition. But they were books. In this incredibly dark place, they were a reminder of less sombre times, when words rang out more loudly than machine guns...'

Fourteen-year-old Dita is one of the many imprisoned by the Nazis at Auschwitz. Taken, along with her mother and father, from the Terezín ghetto in Prague, Dita is adjusting to the constant terror that is life in the camp. When Jewish leader Freddy Hirsch asks Dita to take charge of the eight precious books the prisoners have managed to smuggle past the guards, she agrees. And so Dita becomes the secret librarian of Auschwitz, responsible for the safekeeping of the small collection of titles, as well as the 'living books' - prisoners of Auschwitz who know certain books so well, they too can be 'borrowed' to educate the children in the camp.

But books are extremely dangerous. They make people think. And nowhere are they more dangerous than in Block 31 of Auschwitz, the children's block, where the slightest transgression can result in execution, no matter how young the transgressor...

20th Century Biographical Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Jewish Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction World Literature Fiction Inspiring Heartfelt Tear-jerking Holocaust
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Critic reviews

an unforgettable, heartbreaking novel
Like Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, it’s a sophisticated novel with mature themes, delivering an emotionally searing reading experience. An important novel that will stand with other powerful testaments from the Holocaust era.
Though no punches are pulled about the unimaginable atrocity of the death camps, a life-affirming history.
this novel is one that could easily be recommended... alongside Elie Wiesel's Night and The Diary of Anne Frank ...once read, will never be forgotten...A hauntingly authentic Holocaust retelling
an engrossing read, seamlessly translated from Iturbe's original Spanish. Iturbe retains the dignity and full horror of Dita's situation, while creating a narrative of hope and bravery in the face of fear.
Reading The Librarian Of Auschwitz may make you feel sadness, anger, and disbelief (I had to stop reading at points), but overwhelmingly it’s about hope, courage, and the importance of the written word. This is a story for everyone who loves books.
All stars
Most relevant
Strong survivors in horrific conditions. The value of books and the stories in them that held their imagination and have hope.

Excellent well written and read

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A harrowing portrayal of darker times. A period in History that must not be forgotten.

Honoured and recognise it should never be repeated.

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How could the Germans who worked in these Camps be convinced what they were doing was right? It’s a long time since a book made me cry. This one did, and I have read many books on the holocaust. These books should NEVER go out of circulation but sadly and slowly they are being discontinued.

The sheer hopelessness and terror of these camps.

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such an insight into a horrible childhood and nightmare reality. Just wish things could been different.

moving story

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You have got to read this book! You will never be the same afterwards. Thanks

Must Read!

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