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The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz
“We must die standing up for something.”
“And what are we standing up for?”
“The most important thing there is. Freedom.”
Millions of people walked through Auschwitz’s gates, but she was the first woman who escaped. This powerful novel tells the inspiring true story of Mala Zimetbaum, whose heroism will never be forgotten, and whose fate altered the course of history…
Nobody leaves Auschwitz alive.
Mala, inmate 19880, understood that the moment she stepped off the cattle train into the depths of hell. As an interpreter for the SS, she uses her position to save as many lives as she can, smuggling scraps of bread to those desperate with hunger.
Edward, inmate 531, is a camp veteran and a political prisoner. Though he looks like everyone else, with a shaved head and striped uniform, he’s a fighter in the underground Resistance. And he has an escape plan.
They are locked up for no other sin than simply existing. But when they meet, the dark shadow of Auschwitz is lit by a glimmer of hope. Edward makes Mala believe in the impossible. That despite being surrounded by electric wire, machine guns topping endless watchtowers and searchlights roaming the ground, they will leave this death camp.
A promise is made––they will escape together or they will die together. What follows is one of the greatest love stories in history…
Based on a true story, The Girl Who Escaped Auschwitz shows that, in darkness, love can be your light…
“And what are we standing up for?”
“The most important thing there is. Freedom.”
Millions of people walked through Auschwitz’s gates, but she was the first woman who escaped. This powerful novel tells the inspiring true story of Mala Zimetbaum, whose heroism will never be forgotten, and whose fate altered the course of history…
Nobody leaves Auschwitz alive.
Mala, inmate 19880, understood that the moment she stepped off the cattle train into the depths of hell. As an interpreter for the SS, she uses her position to save as many lives as she can, smuggling scraps of bread to those desperate with hunger.
Edward, inmate 531, is a camp veteran and a political prisoner. Though he looks like everyone else, with a shaved head and striped uniform, he’s a fighter in the underground Resistance. And he has an escape plan.
They are locked up for no other sin than simply existing. But when they meet, the dark shadow of Auschwitz is lit by a glimmer of hope. Edward makes Mala believe in the impossible. That despite being surrounded by electric wire, machine guns topping endless watchtowers and searchlights roaming the ground, they will leave this death camp.
A promise is made––they will escape together or they will die together. What follows is one of the greatest love stories in history…
Based on a true story, The Girl Who Escaped Auschwitz shows that, in darkness, love can be your light…
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2021
About the author
Ellie Midwood
41 books983 followersEllie Midwood is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning historical fiction author, whose works have been translated into 20 languages. She owes her interest in the history of the Second World War to her grandfather, Junior Sergeant in the 2nd Guards Tank Army of the First Belorussian Front, who began telling her about his experiences on the frontline when she was a young girl. Growing up, her interest in history only deepened and transformed from reading about the war to writing about it. After obtaining her BA in Linguistics, Ellie decided to make writing her full-time career and began working on her first full-length historical novel, "The Girl from Berlin." Ellie is continuously enriching her library with new research material and feeds her passion for WWII and Holocaust history by collecting rare memorabilia and documents.
In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her husband and their three dogs.
In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her husband and their three dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 611 reviews
March 7, 2021
Mala Zimetbaum was in a position of authority in Auschwitz-Birkenau as an interpreter for the SS and she used that position to improve conditions for inmates, to save some lives where she could, all the while in danger of being discovered. Meanwhile Edward (Edek) Galinski, a political prisoner, and his best friend Wieslaw Kielar had been in the camp since the early days and were also in higher positions. They were also members of the underground resistance, doing their best to mess with the Nazis as often as they could.
When Mala and Edek met there was admiration for what each was doing, but there was more. And as time went on, Edek’s plan for his and Wieslaw’s escape soon included Mala. But the SS’s mantra was ‘no one leaves Auschwitz alive’ – would the three close friends prove that edict wrong? Horrors surrounded everyone in the camp – soon Mala could do no more for those entering camp and being sent straight to the gas chambers. With sorrow in her eyes and a hardening of her heart, she vowed to bring down the vicious and brutal Nazis or die trying. Edek would do all he could to save Mala or he would die trying. What would be the outcome in those harrowing days of hell?
The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood is based on a true story and gives the reader more of the heartbreak and sadness that surrounded that horrific time in history. It showed a little of the happiness that true love could find, while surrounded by pure evil. And it showed how the strength and compassion of some people could surpass everything which was thrown at them. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Mala and Edek met there was admiration for what each was doing, but there was more. And as time went on, Edek’s plan for his and Wieslaw’s escape soon included Mala. But the SS’s mantra was ‘no one leaves Auschwitz alive’ – would the three close friends prove that edict wrong? Horrors surrounded everyone in the camp – soon Mala could do no more for those entering camp and being sent straight to the gas chambers. With sorrow in her eyes and a hardening of her heart, she vowed to bring down the vicious and brutal Nazis or die trying. Edek would do all he could to save Mala or he would die trying. What would be the outcome in those harrowing days of hell?
The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood is based on a true story and gives the reader more of the heartbreak and sadness that surrounded that horrific time in history. It showed a little of the happiness that true love could find, while surrounded by pure evil. And it showed how the strength and compassion of some people could surpass everything which was thrown at them. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2021
I am a newcomer to the writing of Ellie Midwood having just recently read the Violinist of Auschwitz and being blown away by how she made me feel as if I was right there in the midst of it all, so I was excited to see that she had another book coming out and requested the chance to read an advance copy. Many thanks to #NetGalley, #Bookouture and author #EllieMidwood for giving me that opportunity. My opinions are all my own.
I think the dedication of a book can often give you a good idea about what you will find inside the pages to follow. This is true here as well and so I share the dedication:
“Dedicated to all the freedom fighter, past and present; to everyone who has ever spoken against oppression, persecution and inequality. Keep speaking your truth and fighting your battles. Your bravery won’t be forgotten.”
One really shouldn’t be surprised at how many stories are coming forth from the era of the Holocaust and the War. So many people were touched/rocked by the events of the time, and their stories are so valuable to those of us who follow after. Ellie Midwood is doing an excellent job at introducing her readers to the lives of some people who were indeed individuals who stood up for all that was good even at great personal cost.
This novel was inspired by the lives of two real individuals – Mala Zimetbaum and Edek Galiński. I have visited Auschwitz, but I don’t remember hearing about these two as part of the tour that I took. I’m sorry about that and very thankful to Midwood for drawing their story to my attention. They are known as a young Jewish woman who because of her skills had a job that gave her more freedom than most within the camp and a Polish man who before the war had been embarking on naval service but also was skilled in carpentry and other hands-on skills. While at Auschwitz they met, fell in love, and eventually managed to escape together from Auschwitz. Sadly, the prologue makes it clear that their freedom did not last long.
Their story is a fascinating one and has been very well-researched by the author. When I had finished reading it, I was able to go online and find out more information about this couple and even see pictures of them. For those who are interested you can read more at the following link.
https://artsandculture.google.com/exh...
Ellie Midwood has an excellent way with words that as I mentioned before pulled me in as a reader. Here are some words she used to voice the thoughts of Mala as she moved around Auschwitz as part of her duties: “She loathed the processing block the most; it was the place where the last fragments of hope were clubbed to death, where former lives were cut short and swept away along with lumps of shorn hair, where names were abolished and replaced by numbers, forever branded into women’s forearms with a crude tattooing tool.”
Another sentence that grabbed me: “Danger was virtually everywhere; the air stank of it just like it stank of burnt flesh and singed hair.”
Midst all the horror there was also this: “The whipped golden butter of golden clouds was slowly melting around the glowing disk, reddening the tops of the trees tucked in snow “As though someone spilled pure honey atop the reddest apple one can find.” “
In this book you will learn how some doctors refused to perform abortions on pregnant women even though pregnancy itself was pretty much a death sentence. So often those who claimed moral authority truly lacked any morals at all. “They spoke at length of their Christian values, but when it came to offering shelter to the persecuted, they shut their doors and chased the invaders off their property with guns and curses.” Sadly this is still true today.
For fans of The Violinist of Auschwitz, you will reconnect with Alma and Zippy, both real women who featured in both books. You will also learn more about the real men and women who were part of the Nazi machine at Auschwitz.
Midwood has include a section with the historical background behind the story which I found well worth reading. I would highly recommend this book to other readers. I believe the story of Mala and Edek has much to teach all of us. I will finish with a final quote from the thoughts of Mala. “Bravery was a muscle that ought to be trained.” May we all train our muscles so that we can become braver in standing up and looking out for the needs of those we encounter.
I think the dedication of a book can often give you a good idea about what you will find inside the pages to follow. This is true here as well and so I share the dedication:
“Dedicated to all the freedom fighter, past and present; to everyone who has ever spoken against oppression, persecution and inequality. Keep speaking your truth and fighting your battles. Your bravery won’t be forgotten.”
One really shouldn’t be surprised at how many stories are coming forth from the era of the Holocaust and the War. So many people were touched/rocked by the events of the time, and their stories are so valuable to those of us who follow after. Ellie Midwood is doing an excellent job at introducing her readers to the lives of some people who were indeed individuals who stood up for all that was good even at great personal cost.
This novel was inspired by the lives of two real individuals – Mala Zimetbaum and Edek Galiński. I have visited Auschwitz, but I don’t remember hearing about these two as part of the tour that I took. I’m sorry about that and very thankful to Midwood for drawing their story to my attention. They are known as a young Jewish woman who because of her skills had a job that gave her more freedom than most within the camp and a Polish man who before the war had been embarking on naval service but also was skilled in carpentry and other hands-on skills. While at Auschwitz they met, fell in love, and eventually managed to escape together from Auschwitz. Sadly, the prologue makes it clear that their freedom did not last long.
Their story is a fascinating one and has been very well-researched by the author. When I had finished reading it, I was able to go online and find out more information about this couple and even see pictures of them. For those who are interested you can read more at the following link.
https://artsandculture.google.com/exh...
Ellie Midwood has an excellent way with words that as I mentioned before pulled me in as a reader. Here are some words she used to voice the thoughts of Mala as she moved around Auschwitz as part of her duties: “She loathed the processing block the most; it was the place where the last fragments of hope were clubbed to death, where former lives were cut short and swept away along with lumps of shorn hair, where names were abolished and replaced by numbers, forever branded into women’s forearms with a crude tattooing tool.”
Another sentence that grabbed me: “Danger was virtually everywhere; the air stank of it just like it stank of burnt flesh and singed hair.”
Midst all the horror there was also this: “The whipped golden butter of golden clouds was slowly melting around the glowing disk, reddening the tops of the trees tucked in snow “As though someone spilled pure honey atop the reddest apple one can find.” “
In this book you will learn how some doctors refused to perform abortions on pregnant women even though pregnancy itself was pretty much a death sentence. So often those who claimed moral authority truly lacked any morals at all. “They spoke at length of their Christian values, but when it came to offering shelter to the persecuted, they shut their doors and chased the invaders off their property with guns and curses.” Sadly this is still true today.
For fans of The Violinist of Auschwitz, you will reconnect with Alma and Zippy, both real women who featured in both books. You will also learn more about the real men and women who were part of the Nazi machine at Auschwitz.
Midwood has include a section with the historical background behind the story which I found well worth reading. I would highly recommend this book to other readers. I believe the story of Mala and Edek has much to teach all of us. I will finish with a final quote from the thoughts of Mala. “Bravery was a muscle that ought to be trained.” May we all train our muscles so that we can become braver in standing up and looking out for the needs of those we encounter.
February 12, 2021
This is a wonderful although tragic fictional story based on true events and real figures, mémoirs of sorts that depict the terrible conditions the internees at Auschwitz-Birkenau had to suffer. This powerful novel of heroism tells the story of Mala, inmate 19880, who was the first woman to escape the horrors of the camp and of Edek, inmate 531, a fighter in the underground resistance who had an escape plan. Together they will succeed or die trying. What follows is one of the greatest love stories.
I never get bored reading Holocaust memoirs and Ms. Midwood is by far one of my favourite authors of this genre.
The author recounts in a third person narrative the horrors of that time remarkably. Through the eyes of Mala and Edek we feel the emotions they have, what they are thinking and doing, most of all the suffering they are seeing or enduring themselves. The repeated beatings so well said I could feel the sting of each lash. The life in the camp is vividly painted and does not shy from the atrocities that occurred.
Mala and Edek had privileged positions and did all in the power to help as many people they could by smuggling food, delegate them jobs so they could survive, give them clothes , cigarettes , liquor, things to trade with. They were heroes that were forced to live in the bowels of hell facing imminent death till one day they planned an escape in order to build a life together....giving them hope in this dark place... Yes, by the end I had tears in my eyes...What a sad story one that will stay with me for a long time.
This book is difficult to put down it is so well written and moving to no ends, harrowing and yet has tender moments...Well- said as usual.
I received this ARC from Bookouture via Netgalley for my thoughts.. I have not been influenced by the opportunity, this is the way I see it.
I never get bored reading Holocaust memoirs and Ms. Midwood is by far one of my favourite authors of this genre.
The author recounts in a third person narrative the horrors of that time remarkably. Through the eyes of Mala and Edek we feel the emotions they have, what they are thinking and doing, most of all the suffering they are seeing or enduring themselves. The repeated beatings so well said I could feel the sting of each lash. The life in the camp is vividly painted and does not shy from the atrocities that occurred.
Mala and Edek had privileged positions and did all in the power to help as many people they could by smuggling food, delegate them jobs so they could survive, give them clothes , cigarettes , liquor, things to trade with. They were heroes that were forced to live in the bowels of hell facing imminent death till one day they planned an escape in order to build a life together....giving them hope in this dark place... Yes, by the end I had tears in my eyes...What a sad story one that will stay with me for a long time.
This book is difficult to put down it is so well written and moving to no ends, harrowing and yet has tender moments...Well- said as usual.
I received this ARC from Bookouture via Netgalley for my thoughts.. I have not been influenced by the opportunity, this is the way I see it.
September 30, 2022
Mala and Edek are based on real people.
In the midst of the horror of Auschwitz/Birkenau the author has intersperse a tinge of humor. For me it felt misplaced.
The inmates that are described as ‘elite’ (such as Mala) seems a bit overdone.
A lot of the dialogue doesn’t feel right.
There is a bit too much comradery between the inmates and the SS that just doesn’t ring true.
I didn’t care for the writing.
The “Prologue” pretty much gives away the ending.
“The Violinist of Auschwitz” by this author was a much better book.
In the midst of the horror of Auschwitz/Birkenau the author has intersperse a tinge of humor. For me it felt misplaced.
The inmates that are described as ‘elite’ (such as Mala) seems a bit overdone.
A lot of the dialogue doesn’t feel right.
There is a bit too much comradery between the inmates and the SS that just doesn’t ring true.
I didn’t care for the writing.
The “Prologue” pretty much gives away the ending.
“The Violinist of Auschwitz” by this author was a much better book.
September 10, 2021
This is a story about standing in the deep bowels of hell, staring imminent death in the face every moment yet still managing to stand up for one's beliefs, daring to hope and to love.
Auschwitz was the Grim Reaper's abode, where the SS harvested souls of the people whose only crimes were being able to pick up a weapon, following a different God or simply existing. Imprisonment wasn’t punishment enough. So the prisoners were forced to take part in murdering their own - operate the Gas Chambers and Crematoriums. The SS seemed to do it all for their twisted entertainment. And when the war seemed to be lost, they took even more drastic measures to hide their crimes.
Amidst of it all Mala, Edek and their friends from the resistance stood for hope. Each and every character were memorable. They enriched the story regardless of however small their appearance were. Their struggles, their love for each other and their ability to hold on to their humanity in that living hell broke my heart into million pieces. The book also focused on the German character and their complexities. How some of them too were human, how they tried to make life a little bearable for the prisoners and were punished for it.
"𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙗𝙖𝙙 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙥 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙠𝙣𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝙨𝙤 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙘𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙤𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙨 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙨𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙄 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤."
This is my first time reading Ellie Midwood and I have to say I'm in awe. I was amazed by how she managed to balance the ugliness and brutality of the camps with the beauty and humanity of the characters. There were moments the book made me cry, stare blankly in despair. There were also moments it put a genuine smile on my face. The author's note at the end of the novel showed how much research she had done to get the story as accurate and rich as possible.
I received an e-ARC via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thankyou so much Bookoutour for giving me this priviledge. The book comes out in 9 March, 2021. Don't forget to check this one out.
Auschwitz was the Grim Reaper's abode, where the SS harvested souls of the people whose only crimes were being able to pick up a weapon, following a different God or simply existing. Imprisonment wasn’t punishment enough. So the prisoners were forced to take part in murdering their own - operate the Gas Chambers and Crematoriums. The SS seemed to do it all for their twisted entertainment. And when the war seemed to be lost, they took even more drastic measures to hide their crimes.
Amidst of it all Mala, Edek and their friends from the resistance stood for hope. Each and every character were memorable. They enriched the story regardless of however small their appearance were. Their struggles, their love for each other and their ability to hold on to their humanity in that living hell broke my heart into million pieces. The book also focused on the German character and their complexities. How some of them too were human, how they tried to make life a little bearable for the prisoners and were punished for it.
"𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙣 𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙗𝙖𝙙 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢. 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙙𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙥 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙠𝙣𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝙨𝙤 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙘𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙤𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙨 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙨𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙄 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤."
This is my first time reading Ellie Midwood and I have to say I'm in awe. I was amazed by how she managed to balance the ugliness and brutality of the camps with the beauty and humanity of the characters. There were moments the book made me cry, stare blankly in despair. There were also moments it put a genuine smile on my face. The author's note at the end of the novel showed how much research she had done to get the story as accurate and rich as possible.
I received an e-ARC via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thankyou so much Bookoutour for giving me this priviledge. The book comes out in 9 March, 2021. Don't forget to check this one out.
March 9, 2021
The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz is at once a life-affirming and heartbreaking love story of two Auschwitz-Birkenau prisoners and the very definition of the adage "love conquers all". In the early afternoon of the 24th of June 1944 an SS officer left Birkenau Concentration Camp escorting a female prisoner, who was carrying a bathroom sink. The guard at the gate did not even take a glance at the pass, he opened the gate and allowed them to leave. Several hours later, the sound of a siren announcing escape filled the Camp. Edek Galiński with prisoner number 531 was missing from the men’s camp, while in the women's camp the same was case of Mala Zimetbaum, prisoner number 19880. This escape became legendary within the camp and gave other prisoners hope that they could eventually escape their confines too, but that didn't last for too long. Malka "Mala" Zimetbaum was a Jewish woman born in 1918 in the Polish city of Brzesko, who had been arrested on the 11th September 1942, during a roundup of Jews at the main railway station in Antwerp, and when she arrived in Auschwitz, 717 of those she was with were sent to the gas chambers immediately. Mala was among those classified as fit for work. This is likely what saved her life. She spoke Flemish, French, German, English, as well as Polish fluently and also some Russian, which would later be the reason that she was assigned as an interpreter and courier for the SS — a privileged position and one she used to help other inmates. With all of the nationalities and languages spoken throughout the camp, her skills were extremely valuable. Edward " Edek" Galiński was born in 1923 near Jarosław, Poland, and was arrested in the spring of 1940 during the “Operation AB” against the polish intelligence.
He was imprisoned in Gestapo prison in Tarnów before being sent to Auschwitz on 14th June 1940 becoming one of the first political prisoners. He worked an as metal apprentice and had initially planned to escape with hometown friend and fellow inmate Wiesław Kielar but the thought of leaving Mala behind meant he couldn't go through with it. They had met for the first time in 1943/44 when Edek went with the fitter’s commando to the women's camp to make repairs and a deep affection grew between them, so much so that both told their friends of their feelings for one another. Mala took Wiesław’s place in the escape plan. On 24th of June 1944 she put on work clothes prepared earlier and Edek put on an SS uniform. He attached a holster holding a pistol with two bullets to his waist. Like the uniform, he had received it earlier from SS officer Lubusch. They crossed the line of camp guard post by showing a forged SS pass, made on the blank form stolen by Mala, but that's where their luck ran out. On 6th July 1944, they met a German border patrol. As Mala, was in front, she was stopped first. Edek, not noticed by the Nazis, could easily have withdrawn to safety, but he didn't. They were recognized as fugitives and sent back to the camp. This is richly-detailed, scintillating and deeply evocative fact meets fiction read with an extensively researched and authentic historical backdrop and a captivating, immersive narrative that pulls you in from the very first page. It not only tells of the atrocities that happened but also the staggering feats of kindness performed by prisoners for one another and sometimes even the Nazi officers. Edek and Mala's love story is timeless and reminds us that even in circumstances of extreme adversity love can flourish. Highly recommended.
He was imprisoned in Gestapo prison in Tarnów before being sent to Auschwitz on 14th June 1940 becoming one of the first political prisoners. He worked an as metal apprentice and had initially planned to escape with hometown friend and fellow inmate Wiesław Kielar but the thought of leaving Mala behind meant he couldn't go through with it. They had met for the first time in 1943/44 when Edek went with the fitter’s commando to the women's camp to make repairs and a deep affection grew between them, so much so that both told their friends of their feelings for one another. Mala took Wiesław’s place in the escape plan. On 24th of June 1944 she put on work clothes prepared earlier and Edek put on an SS uniform. He attached a holster holding a pistol with two bullets to his waist. Like the uniform, he had received it earlier from SS officer Lubusch. They crossed the line of camp guard post by showing a forged SS pass, made on the blank form stolen by Mala, but that's where their luck ran out. On 6th July 1944, they met a German border patrol. As Mala, was in front, she was stopped first. Edek, not noticed by the Nazis, could easily have withdrawn to safety, but he didn't. They were recognized as fugitives and sent back to the camp. This is richly-detailed, scintillating and deeply evocative fact meets fiction read with an extensively researched and authentic historical backdrop and a captivating, immersive narrative that pulls you in from the very first page. It not only tells of the atrocities that happened but also the staggering feats of kindness performed by prisoners for one another and sometimes even the Nazi officers. Edek and Mala's love story is timeless and reminds us that even in circumstances of extreme adversity love can flourish. Highly recommended.
February 17, 2021
I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I want to start this review by discussing some of the criticisms others have put in their reviews.
Someone has complained that the book had a sad ending - 1. It's Auschwitz, scene of the biggest horror the world has even seen, 2. The book doesn't start with "once upon a time", 3. It's based on a true story so what a massive disservice this would be to lie at the end. I was gobsmacked that this was a criticism.
Another complaint was that the main characters could've just waited a few months to be free.....Are you serious?! Can you even begin to fathom the atrocities of Auschwitz. It was completely a reality that you could be shot, burned alive, tortured etc. any second. When the allies did arrive there was no way they'd keep all of those people alive to share their stories. It even says it several times in the story. It’s because of brave souls like them that we’re not all speaking German right now.
Now for my own feedback....
This was a fantastic book. Truly harrowing, heart breaking and gripping. It's so surreal to search for all of the characters in this book and to see their photographs and their own wiki pages.
I’m not a particularly emotional person but this book really got to me. Ellie Midwood does a truly amazing job of describing the reality for all of those poor people. She writes about this world in such detail you can imagine yourself there. The horror comes from realising that this isn’t in the slightest fictional and the cruel things that are done to the inmates, which you think how could an author come up with that, are real.
Another thing I really valued in this book was how Ellie writes about the SS commanders. In particular, those guards who have their humanity still. I’m sure we’ve all wondered if everyone who was a Nazi was actually evil or if they just went along with it to keep themselves alive. This book does a wonderful job of talking about SS Edward Lubush and how he really tries to be a good man despite the danger to himself and his family. It was a really refreshing change to read about the humanity of some of these German’s who were just as much prisoners as the inmates (albeit in considerably better conditions).
I don’t want to spoil the story too much but I would like to end this review with a photograph of Mally and Edek. No one can look at this photograph and not feel immense pride at how incredibly brave Mala aged 26, and Edek aged just 21 were. I know at 28 I don’t think I could be as brave as they were.
I normally scrapbook all of my 5 star reads but I can't bring myself to do it with this book. If you do want to see them then follow me on Instagram @green_wonderland_home
I want to start this review by discussing some of the criticisms others have put in their reviews.
Someone has complained that the book had a sad ending - 1. It's Auschwitz, scene of the biggest horror the world has even seen, 2. The book doesn't start with "once upon a time", 3. It's based on a true story so what a massive disservice this would be to lie at the end. I was gobsmacked that this was a criticism.
Another complaint was that the main characters could've just waited a few months to be free.....Are you serious?! Can you even begin to fathom the atrocities of Auschwitz. It was completely a reality that you could be shot, burned alive, tortured etc. any second. When the allies did arrive there was no way they'd keep all of those people alive to share their stories. It even says it several times in the story. It’s because of brave souls like them that we’re not all speaking German right now.
Now for my own feedback....
This was a fantastic book. Truly harrowing, heart breaking and gripping. It's so surreal to search for all of the characters in this book and to see their photographs and their own wiki pages.
I’m not a particularly emotional person but this book really got to me. Ellie Midwood does a truly amazing job of describing the reality for all of those poor people. She writes about this world in such detail you can imagine yourself there. The horror comes from realising that this isn’t in the slightest fictional and the cruel things that are done to the inmates, which you think how could an author come up with that, are real.
Another thing I really valued in this book was how Ellie writes about the SS commanders. In particular, those guards who have their humanity still. I’m sure we’ve all wondered if everyone who was a Nazi was actually evil or if they just went along with it to keep themselves alive. This book does a wonderful job of talking about SS Edward Lubush and how he really tries to be a good man despite the danger to himself and his family. It was a really refreshing change to read about the humanity of some of these German’s who were just as much prisoners as the inmates (albeit in considerably better conditions).
I don’t want to spoil the story too much but I would like to end this review with a photograph of Mally and Edek. No one can look at this photograph and not feel immense pride at how incredibly brave Mala aged 26, and Edek aged just 21 were. I know at 28 I don’t think I could be as brave as they were.
I normally scrapbook all of my 5 star reads but I can't bring myself to do it with this book. If you do want to see them then follow me on Instagram @green_wonderland_home
March 30, 2021
Omg!!! Nothing compares to the raw beauty and brilliance of a Midwood novel. These days, I find myself counting down until her next release, and when the book arrives...I’m off to a quiet place to read, and ultimately, get lost, in the heart-wrenching world of her heroes & heroines. This time we’re introduced to Maya and Edward, two separate souls who share the same fate but also the same fearlessness and resiliency. Midwood has this uncanny ability to pick me up and drop me right in the story, leaving me so enmeshed and committed to what happens next, I feel like I can see what they’re seeing, breathe the same air ... and she wields words like paintbrushes, creating an atmosphere that felt so painfully realistic.
These stories are haunting and tragic because we know the reality of it all, but that’s why they’re so important. These stories must be told. Midwood writes with the passion of a poet, but her work is as well-thought-out and researched as a practiced historian. I enjoy both sides of it—the history and the deep POV that connects me so much to these people as individuals. It left me in tears, but it also filled my heart with joy and hope in the next breath ... because, despite all the darkness, love still lit the way ... and the bravery — THE BRAVERY — should inspire all of us. Hope is not a dangerous thing ... it’s a NECESSARY thing, especially in moments of unimaginable horror and pain. I just loved this story so much ... and I’ll begin counting down again for the next one!
These stories are haunting and tragic because we know the reality of it all, but that’s why they’re so important. These stories must be told. Midwood writes with the passion of a poet, but her work is as well-thought-out and researched as a practiced historian. I enjoy both sides of it—the history and the deep POV that connects me so much to these people as individuals. It left me in tears, but it also filled my heart with joy and hope in the next breath ... because, despite all the darkness, love still lit the way ... and the bravery — THE BRAVERY — should inspire all of us. Hope is not a dangerous thing ... it’s a NECESSARY thing, especially in moments of unimaginable horror and pain. I just loved this story so much ... and I’ll begin counting down again for the next one!
February 16, 2021
Once I began this book, I could not put it down, and the pages flew. Unfortunately, this is based on truth, and I kept thinking, how could they get away with what they did. Why did the world allow it? Then I remembered the part where they put on the show for the Red Cross. What a blight on history, I don’t know how the perpetrators lived with themselves?
This book also follows a young woman and a young man, they have big hearts under horrendous conditions, and with their selflessness end up saving lives. I found myself walking in the shoes of these people condemned to Hades in the form of Auschwitz-Birkenau and witnessing the atrocious happenings.
This is my first book by Ellie Midwood, and it won’t be my last, be sure to read the author’s notes at the end!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bookouture, and was not required to give a positive review.
This book also follows a young woman and a young man, they have big hearts under horrendous conditions, and with their selflessness end up saving lives. I found myself walking in the shoes of these people condemned to Hades in the form of Auschwitz-Birkenau and witnessing the atrocious happenings.
This is my first book by Ellie Midwood, and it won’t be my last, be sure to read the author’s notes at the end!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bookouture, and was not required to give a positive review.
March 7, 2021
A heart wrenching read as it’s based on a true story.
Mala and Edek meet at Auschwitz and both of them have dreams of escaping.
They both help obtain items for a group that are planning an attack and they also start to plan their escape.
The timing needs to be right so they agree to wait several months before trying to escape the camp.
Life at Auschwitz is described well in this book and the evil treatment of the Jews really makes for some difficult reading at times.
I liked the references to the orchestra, having read the violinist of Auschwitz and it was good to see this from another angle.
I really liked what Mala and Edek stood for and I think they gave courage to others as well.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Mala and Edek meet at Auschwitz and both of them have dreams of escaping.
They both help obtain items for a group that are planning an attack and they also start to plan their escape.
The timing needs to be right so they agree to wait several months before trying to escape the camp.
Life at Auschwitz is described well in this book and the evil treatment of the Jews really makes for some difficult reading at times.
I liked the references to the orchestra, having read the violinist of Auschwitz and it was good to see this from another angle.
I really liked what Mala and Edek stood for and I think they gave courage to others as well.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
February 12, 2021
This book will leave you hollow. It literally punched you in the gut. It’s gritty, stirring, and so powerful. I had heard of Mala and Edek, but not on this level. Mid wood is a skilled author who brings their combined stories to life, amid all the horror and suffering of Auschwitz. When I was reading this book, it was like I was actually there, looking at the horridness, feeling the despair, smelling the stench that assailed the nostrils. The details were so precise and graphic, it’s really unlike anything I’ve read, even in non fiction. I was thoroughly chilled. Even at the end, when the conclusion is evident, the emotions swell. If you don’t read any historical fiction this year, please reconsider and read this book. And then spread the word. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
February 8, 2021
“Hell was empty because all the devils were in Auschwitz.”
Countless others have wanted someone to share Mala’s story as they reached out with memories from time spent in Auschwitz, but it is renowned author and Nazi Germany history expert, Ellie Midwood, a Jew herself, who picked up the torch and shed light on the first woman and first Jewish woman to escape from Auschwitz-Birkenau. Midwood’s novel, ‘The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz,’ records courage in the face of tragedy and bravery in the face of fear as two inmates plot and escape from the death camp.
Mala Zimetbaum’s fluency in several languages was the reason she was chosen as a runner and translator for the SS and progressed to a privileged prisoner allowed freedom of movement within the camp. The reality was that Mala was prisoner 19880, but to many, she was their saviour as she used her position to save lives by smuggling food. While in the camp, Mala met Edward (Edek) Galiński and fell in love. Edek, a man with a dream and an escape plan, was, in reality, inmate 531, a Polish political prisoner who became a fighter for underground resistance in the camp.
With anti-Semitism on the rise again across the world, Midwood thinks it’s important to bring awareness of it and remind us what can happen if we allow hatred to run free and permeate our society. Speaking in an interview recently, she shared “it all starts with small things but can quickly grow into something atrocious that can devour countless human lives.” Midwood masterfully and eloquently honours Zimetbaum with her historical fiction tribute to this miraculous woman, a living symbol of resistance for all the inmates.
Despite the difficult read at times, Midwood’s characterization helps us focus on two inmates who displayed heroism and love in the darkness right until the bitter end. Midwood gently reminds us that this can’t be read like any other love story; time was not on Mala and Edek’s side. You may get swept away in the gentleness and tender moments shared between two people, but before long Midwood will bring you back to the harsh reality of guarded life behind the barbed wire. She is to be commended for not diluting the events; illness, beatings, death, constant ash, blood, the constant smell of burnt flesh and singed hair, hunger and the ongoing experimentations by Joseph Mengele. Readers of her previous novel will notice the re-appearance of several inmates. Midwood reminds us to continue to be the light in the darkness and search deep to find the hero within.
“We must die standing up for something.”
“And what are we standing up for?”
“The most important thing there is. Freedom.”
To be published March 09, 2021, this is a must-read for all historical fiction lovers.
Thank you again to Ellie Midwood, Bookouture, and NetGalley for this superb advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Countless others have wanted someone to share Mala’s story as they reached out with memories from time spent in Auschwitz, but it is renowned author and Nazi Germany history expert, Ellie Midwood, a Jew herself, who picked up the torch and shed light on the first woman and first Jewish woman to escape from Auschwitz-Birkenau. Midwood’s novel, ‘The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz,’ records courage in the face of tragedy and bravery in the face of fear as two inmates plot and escape from the death camp.
Mala Zimetbaum’s fluency in several languages was the reason she was chosen as a runner and translator for the SS and progressed to a privileged prisoner allowed freedom of movement within the camp. The reality was that Mala was prisoner 19880, but to many, she was their saviour as she used her position to save lives by smuggling food. While in the camp, Mala met Edward (Edek) Galiński and fell in love. Edek, a man with a dream and an escape plan, was, in reality, inmate 531, a Polish political prisoner who became a fighter for underground resistance in the camp.
With anti-Semitism on the rise again across the world, Midwood thinks it’s important to bring awareness of it and remind us what can happen if we allow hatred to run free and permeate our society. Speaking in an interview recently, she shared “it all starts with small things but can quickly grow into something atrocious that can devour countless human lives.” Midwood masterfully and eloquently honours Zimetbaum with her historical fiction tribute to this miraculous woman, a living symbol of resistance for all the inmates.
Despite the difficult read at times, Midwood’s characterization helps us focus on two inmates who displayed heroism and love in the darkness right until the bitter end. Midwood gently reminds us that this can’t be read like any other love story; time was not on Mala and Edek’s side. You may get swept away in the gentleness and tender moments shared between two people, but before long Midwood will bring you back to the harsh reality of guarded life behind the barbed wire. She is to be commended for not diluting the events; illness, beatings, death, constant ash, blood, the constant smell of burnt flesh and singed hair, hunger and the ongoing experimentations by Joseph Mengele. Readers of her previous novel will notice the re-appearance of several inmates. Midwood reminds us to continue to be the light in the darkness and search deep to find the hero within.
“We must die standing up for something.”
“And what are we standing up for?”
“The most important thing there is. Freedom.”
To be published March 09, 2021, this is a must-read for all historical fiction lovers.
Thank you again to Ellie Midwood, Bookouture, and NetGalley for this superb advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 10, 2021
‘The Girl who Escaped from Auschwitz’ -Ellie Midwood
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romantic/ Historical Fiction
“...and it instilled faith into something bigger than death itself in the hungry hearts aching for a sliver of hope.”
After reading this, I can officially report my tear ducts have run completely and utterly dry. A harrowing story of faith, hope and overcoming adversity even in the most bleak of circumstances. Based on a true story, Mala and Edek strike-up comradeship and moreover, a deep, incorruptible love. Together, their discernible determination to escape Auschwitz and liberate their fellow prisoners, meets no bounds.
Reading this novel both shattered my heart and instilled me with immense adoration and compassion for the courage these individuals possessed in order to stand up against this horrific mass exodus and fight for freedom, despite the threat of severe repercussions.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romantic/ Historical Fiction
“...and it instilled faith into something bigger than death itself in the hungry hearts aching for a sliver of hope.”
After reading this, I can officially report my tear ducts have run completely and utterly dry. A harrowing story of faith, hope and overcoming adversity even in the most bleak of circumstances. Based on a true story, Mala and Edek strike-up comradeship and moreover, a deep, incorruptible love. Together, their discernible determination to escape Auschwitz and liberate their fellow prisoners, meets no bounds.
Reading this novel both shattered my heart and instilled me with immense adoration and compassion for the courage these individuals possessed in order to stand up against this horrific mass exodus and fight for freedom, despite the threat of severe repercussions.
December 31, 2021
This book based on true events of such a horrific time was definitely all the 5 stars I rated it. The descriptions that were given through this book were so easily pictured.
The two main characters, Mala, and Edek are brought to Auschwitz. Soon become believers to escape from hell. They made a promise to each other "They will escape together or they will die together."
Such a dark time but promises hope.
The two main characters, Mala, and Edek are brought to Auschwitz. Soon become believers to escape from hell. They made a promise to each other "They will escape together or they will die together."
Such a dark time but promises hope.
July 27, 2023
"Už pinigus galima nusipirkti labai daug ką, bet ne žmoniškumą. Tokio dalyko neįmanoma įsigyti - jį būtina užsitarnauti, o vėliau galima nešiotis kaip garbės ordiną. Jo neįmanoma nei pamesti, nei pavogti."
Ši knyga parašyta remiantis tikros asmenybės, Malos Zimetbaum istorija. Ne tik ji, daugelis įvykių bei asmenų šioje istorijoje realūs. Mala būdama kalinė sugebėjo gauti reikšmingas pareigas SS koncentracijos stovykloje. Nors tai labai žemino, ji žinojo, kad tik taip galės prisidėti prie kalinių gelbėjimo. Už visą gerumą, atjautą pačiame pragare, pavadinimu Aušvicas, Malai buvo atlyginta. Pamilusi kalinį Edeką, veikdami pogrindyje, jie buvo vienas kito stiprybė ir ramstis. Jie kartu ėmė kurti pabėgimo planą.
Nepaisant visų baisumų, kurių čia buvo labai daug, širdį nuolat šildė Malos ir Edeko jausmai, jų stiprybė. Ši knyga dar kartą parodė, kad žmogui suteikus viltį, galima palaužti kūną, bet ne sielą. Galima mirti, bet kartu likti gyvam.
Ši knyga parašyta remiantis tikros asmenybės, Malos Zimetbaum istorija. Ne tik ji, daugelis įvykių bei asmenų šioje istorijoje realūs. Mala būdama kalinė sugebėjo gauti reikšmingas pareigas SS koncentracijos stovykloje. Nors tai labai žemino, ji žinojo, kad tik taip galės prisidėti prie kalinių gelbėjimo. Už visą gerumą, atjautą pačiame pragare, pavadinimu Aušvicas, Malai buvo atlyginta. Pamilusi kalinį Edeką, veikdami pogrindyje, jie buvo vienas kito stiprybė ir ramstis. Jie kartu ėmė kurti pabėgimo planą.
Nepaisant visų baisumų, kurių čia buvo labai daug, širdį nuolat šildė Malos ir Edeko jausmai, jų stiprybė. Ši knyga dar kartą parodė, kad žmogui suteikus viltį, galima palaužti kūną, bet ne sielą. Galima mirti, bet kartu likti gyvam.
March 12, 2021
Wow. I was not prepared for this at all. Thank you so much to Net Galley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this amazing book. This book NEEDS to be read by EVERYONE!
Mala, privileged prisoner as an interpreter and camp runner for the SS, has been imprisoned simply for being Jewish. She uses her position within the camp to save thousands of lives any way she knows how.
Edek is a camp veteran and a political prisoner. Having managed to stay alive in Auschwitz since 1940, he is determined that things must change.
Both part of the underground camp resistance, they meet and their hopes for the future seem brighter.
This is such a beautiful love story in the darkest of places where promises are kept and courage inspires hope!
Elle Midwood writes so passionately! It is so clear to the reader how invested she is in the lives of her characters and how strongly she feels about the horrors of the Holocaust. I love that the majority of the characters in this book were real and that Elle has taken the time to learn about them, love them and tell their story.So many beautiful speeches that send a message to the reader: spread the word, stop the hate, let this never happen again!
Mala, privileged prisoner as an interpreter and camp runner for the SS, has been imprisoned simply for being Jewish. She uses her position within the camp to save thousands of lives any way she knows how.
Edek is a camp veteran and a political prisoner. Having managed to stay alive in Auschwitz since 1940, he is determined that things must change.
Both part of the underground camp resistance, they meet and their hopes for the future seem brighter.
This is such a beautiful love story in the darkest of places where promises are kept and courage inspires hope!
Elle Midwood writes so passionately! It is so clear to the reader how invested she is in the lives of her characters and how strongly she feels about the horrors of the Holocaust. I love that the majority of the characters in this book were real and that Elle has taken the time to learn about them, love them and tell their story.So many beautiful speeches that send a message to the reader: spread the word, stop the hate, let this never happen again!
February 6, 2021
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Hell was empty because all the devils were in Auschwitz.
While reading The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz, every few pages I would repeat this to myself, because it was so very difficult to imagine cruelty beyond what the Nazis were already inflicting. This novel takes place in the concentration camp of Auschwitz (including Birkenau) and follows the true stories of Mala Zimetbaum, that is, inmate 19880, and Edward Galinski, inmate 531.
Mala served as an interpreter for the Nazi military. She used her position to smuggle food to the starving prisoners, delegate them jobs which they could survive, and often gave them the very clothes of her back. Edward was a political prisoner, a member of the underground resistance, and one of the first people imprisoned in Auschwitz. Edward had a plan to escape.
When the two meet, together they commit the most heinous of crimes in the regime: igniting hope in the hell that the Nazi's had made on Earth.
Ellie Midwood painted a vivid picture of life in the camps with her novel. Her writing style was superb, because I no longer felt like I was reading and it was more like I was a bystander watching the events unfold. Many of the characters in her novel were all real people and she did an exceptional job of making their stories come alive.
I am glad that the author did not shy away from writing about the atrocities that occurred in the concentration camps. Because, even if it is hard to read them, we NEED to read them because, we need to REMEMBER. We need to remember how the world was brainwashed by one man's bigotry and how easy it is to lose our humanity. We need to remember so that something like this never, ever happens again.
What I really loved however, was the way the author showed the resilience and courage in her characters, their kindness, that no amount of torture could stamp out. Mala and Edward saved countless lives in the camp, and forged bonds of love and friendship even in the worst of hells. There is something to learn there, from their courage.
I shy away from grief in novels. I don't even watch any horror movies. But when it comes to novels centering around WWII, I make an exception: because, if more than a million people could be exterminated in that manner, many just because the Nazi's wanted to erase evidence of their crimes, the very LEAST we can do is read and remember the victims' stories.
The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz will doubtless go on to receive awards and prizes, and rightfully so. This is a novel that every single person should read. I don't know what lucky stroke of fate made Bookouture send an ARC of this novel to me, but I am very, very grateful to have had this privilege. I received an early copy of this novel from NetGalley.
The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz will be published on the 9th of March and I highly recommend you book your copy now. This novel is definitely a must-read of 2021.
February 9, 2021
This book is outside of my usual genre, but sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone and this story is worth it.
It’s a work of fiction but based on the true story. Stories like these, fictional or not are important to keep sharing, there are many lessons to learn from these stories.
Mala is an Auschwitz veteran, she works as a Läuferin while also being an important member of the resistance and helping those she can. Edek is a dreamer, a romantic who does handyman jobs in the Auschwitz camp. Edek and Mala meet because he needs her help for his escape plan to work. What unfolds during some of the darkest days in the history is a great love story and a pact to live and to die together.
The book tells the story of their escape, where I think the main focus is in them as a couple and I feel there is more of Edek in this book than there is of Mala. Her role is very important in all of and she is a resistance heroine, but the title of the book might be slightly misleading. She was the first female to escape from the horrible camps, but maybe a different title would have been better. As mentioned the story is a work of fiction but based on true events and Mala and Edek we’re very real people, as are most of the other characters. I wish I would have known about them when I visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum a couple of years ago. It would have been interesting to have seen some of the things the author writers about. What surprised me most while visiting the camps were the endless groups of tourists taking selfies/ family pictures in the gas chambers and the crematorium. Knowing what happened there, not only because you are told in school during history class, but also because maybe some family members suffered at the hands of the Nazis... How can you smile and take your picture in these places? It made me feel sick. Being in this place, experiencing the awful history you should show respect and sense, mostly sense. Books like this one, although fictional only underline my views on this. Here’s to hoping this book helps to educate people to not take stupid pictures like these just so they can put it on their socials.
This book is by no means a fun and light read, but it is informative, captivating and well written. And it teaches us about resilience and appreciating the things you have and can do for others and yourself.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
It’s a work of fiction but based on the true story. Stories like these, fictional or not are important to keep sharing, there are many lessons to learn from these stories.
Mala is an Auschwitz veteran, she works as a Läuferin while also being an important member of the resistance and helping those she can. Edek is a dreamer, a romantic who does handyman jobs in the Auschwitz camp. Edek and Mala meet because he needs her help for his escape plan to work. What unfolds during some of the darkest days in the history is a great love story and a pact to live and to die together.
The book tells the story of their escape, where I think the main focus is in them as a couple and I feel there is more of Edek in this book than there is of Mala. Her role is very important in all of and she is a resistance heroine, but the title of the book might be slightly misleading. She was the first female to escape from the horrible camps, but maybe a different title would have been better. As mentioned the story is a work of fiction but based on true events and Mala and Edek we’re very real people, as are most of the other characters. I wish I would have known about them when I visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum a couple of years ago. It would have been interesting to have seen some of the things the author writers about. What surprised me most while visiting the camps were the endless groups of tourists taking selfies/ family pictures in the gas chambers and the crematorium. Knowing what happened there, not only because you are told in school during history class, but also because maybe some family members suffered at the hands of the Nazis... How can you smile and take your picture in these places? It made me feel sick. Being in this place, experiencing the awful history you should show respect and sense, mostly sense. Books like this one, although fictional only underline my views on this. Here’s to hoping this book helps to educate people to not take stupid pictures like these just so they can put it on their socials.
This book is by no means a fun and light read, but it is informative, captivating and well written. And it teaches us about resilience and appreciating the things you have and can do for others and yourself.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
May 15, 2021
"The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz" is a remarkable novel based on the true story of Mala and Edek. Ellie Midwood has a wonderful ability to capture attention from the very first words and keep the reader absorbed until the last pages. The emotions I felt as I read this novel moved me in a way I can not easily describe. I was truly invested in the characters and wished the story wouldn't end.
What I loved most was how the powerful writing immersed me into the characters' lives. I was right alongside Mala and Edek trapped in the hell that they were forced to endure. Despite all the hate and death around them, Edek and Mala found each other, and I found their love beautiful.
The following passage is one of many that I highlighted while reading. I found it to be especially telling of the pure love these two incredible people shared, while also showing the author's exquisite writing.
"But it was her eyes that riveted him with some inexplicable, magnetic force. Such steely, rebellious power was concentrated in them and yet such warmth radiated from their amber specks, and Edek felt all the layers of horror he'd lived through fall off him gradually like dried plaster. For a few precious moments, he felt free of the camp..."
I recently finished "The Violinist of Auschwitz" by the same author, and I loved how the two novels were interwoven, but yet completely standalone. It was nice to be reacquainted with some of the characters that I grew to love in the previous novel.
I will think about this book and the gorgeous yet heartbreaking story it told, and will be recommending it to any fan of WWII Historical Fiction. These stories should never be forgotten, and I can't thank the author enough for continuing to share them and keeping the memories alive.
What I loved most was how the powerful writing immersed me into the characters' lives. I was right alongside Mala and Edek trapped in the hell that they were forced to endure. Despite all the hate and death around them, Edek and Mala found each other, and I found their love beautiful.
The following passage is one of many that I highlighted while reading. I found it to be especially telling of the pure love these two incredible people shared, while also showing the author's exquisite writing.
"But it was her eyes that riveted him with some inexplicable, magnetic force. Such steely, rebellious power was concentrated in them and yet such warmth radiated from their amber specks, and Edek felt all the layers of horror he'd lived through fall off him gradually like dried plaster. For a few precious moments, he felt free of the camp..."
I recently finished "The Violinist of Auschwitz" by the same author, and I loved how the two novels were interwoven, but yet completely standalone. It was nice to be reacquainted with some of the characters that I grew to love in the previous novel.
I will think about this book and the gorgeous yet heartbreaking story it told, and will be recommending it to any fan of WWII Historical Fiction. These stories should never be forgotten, and I can't thank the author enough for continuing to share them and keeping the memories alive.
February 11, 2021
Wow! This one is definitely gonna get ya but it is so worth the emotional roller coaster when you meet and get to know Edek & Mala...two very real people whom this story was written around.
Edek and Mala were both arrested and sent to Auschwitz, he as a political prisoner and she as a Jewish woman. Together they work to help as many people as they can as a part of the camp resistance but ultimately, their goal is to escape the hell they’re in and build a future beyond the barbed wire together. These characters exude strength, bravery, compassion and selflessness. Hope shines bright in one of the darkest places and times in history.
I was excited to read this book because I have previously read the authors other work, The Violinist of Auschwitz and it was amazing. I knew this one would be too and it was that and more. It’s a perfect companion to The Violinist. Characters from that story are mentioned in this one, their stories overlap. If you haven’t read the Violinist, you’ll want to after reading this book. Also...please, please, please don’t close the book when you read the last sentence of the story. Read the authors notes, you’ll learn more about the REAL Mala and Edek and some of the other characters who were either based on real people or in many cases, were the real person, like Alma Rose, the Violinist.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Bookouture and Ellie Midwood for allowing me to get to know Mala...a true heroine and sharing her story with us!
Edek and Mala were both arrested and sent to Auschwitz, he as a political prisoner and she as a Jewish woman. Together they work to help as many people as they can as a part of the camp resistance but ultimately, their goal is to escape the hell they’re in and build a future beyond the barbed wire together. These characters exude strength, bravery, compassion and selflessness. Hope shines bright in one of the darkest places and times in history.
I was excited to read this book because I have previously read the authors other work, The Violinist of Auschwitz and it was amazing. I knew this one would be too and it was that and more. It’s a perfect companion to The Violinist. Characters from that story are mentioned in this one, their stories overlap. If you haven’t read the Violinist, you’ll want to after reading this book. Also...please, please, please don’t close the book when you read the last sentence of the story. Read the authors notes, you’ll learn more about the REAL Mala and Edek and some of the other characters who were either based on real people or in many cases, were the real person, like Alma Rose, the Violinist.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Bookouture and Ellie Midwood for allowing me to get to know Mala...a true heroine and sharing her story with us!
February 20, 2021
This is a beautifully told yet tragic story based on true events and real people. It’s kind of a fictional memoir about the lives of Mala, an inmate at Auschwitz-Birkenau who was the first woman to escape the camp and Edek, a fighter in the underground resistance who had the escape plan. They vowed do succeed in escaping together or die trying. It is a heartbreaking love story with many moments of beauty in between.
I always enjoy reading historical fiction, in part because of the ways the stories are told, but also because the people are so incredibly strong and brave and you as the reader are given such vivid details of the horrors they endured and how much the people like Mala and Edek were willing to do to get the freedom that they were entitled to and deserved.
Mala and Edek not only looked out for themselves, as most people do nowadays, but they made sure that any contraband that they were able to get was shared with others. And by the end of the story, the depths of emotions you have felt is indescribable.
Highly recommend to fans of this genre.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for my review.
I always enjoy reading historical fiction, in part because of the ways the stories are told, but also because the people are so incredibly strong and brave and you as the reader are given such vivid details of the horrors they endured and how much the people like Mala and Edek were willing to do to get the freedom that they were entitled to and deserved.
Mala and Edek not only looked out for themselves, as most people do nowadays, but they made sure that any contraband that they were able to get was shared with others. And by the end of the story, the depths of emotions you have felt is indescribable.
Highly recommend to fans of this genre.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for my review.
April 26, 2021
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.
April 22, 2021
Sadly this book wasn’t for me, I have to admit I don’t read historical fiction like this much and I kind of feel there are enough true life stories to be told, I don’t think fiction is the way to go, yes I’m aware this is based on a true story, but I’d rather read an account, biography, not a fictionalised version. I’m sure plenty will appreciate this, just not one for me
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
March 3, 2021
The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood is an excellent WWII era historical fiction novel that kept me interested from beginning to end.
I have now read several books by Ms. Midwood in the past, and I have thoroughly enjoyed each one, so when I saw that she had a new book coming out, I knew I had to read it. And it did not disappoint.
This novel has it all: true history, emotion, suspense, complex narrative and wonderfully written characters, a few surprises, and a sense of hope amongst the discovery of romance. This book touches on the fundamentals of : survival, overcoming obstacles, perseverance, love, loss, forging friendships and relationships, finding inner strength, and finding that light amongst the darkness.
The story of Mala and Edek is awe-inspiring, yet heartbreaking and devastating. I am not going to lie, I teared up a few times while reading their stories. The author has a way with her prose. She is able to express and describe emotions, images, and thoughts into a narrative that is just stunning.
The author’s additions and notes give a historical reference and sobering/definitive edge that keeps the whole story in perspective. It really adds to the book.
I am a huge fan of Ms. Midwood, and with this book, I will continue to be.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Bookouture for this stunning arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/9/21.
From the Publisher:
Buy LINKS
Amazon: https://geni.us/B08P3HH53VCover
Apple: http://ow.ly/mZuu50CBqkh
Kobo: http://ow.ly/C5Ft50CBqbv
Google: http://ow.ly/oVUo50CBqm7
Description:
“We must die standing up for something.”
“And what are we standing up for?”
“The most important thing there is. Freedom.”
Millions of people walked through Auschwitz’s gates, but she was the first woman who escaped. This powerful novel tells the inspiring true story of Mala Zimetbaum, whose heroism will never be forgotten, and whose fate altered the course of history…
Nobody leaves Auschwitz alive.
Mala, inmate 19880, understood that the moment she stepped off the cattle train into the depths of hell. As an interpreter for the SS, she uses her position to save as many lives as she can, smuggling scraps of bread to those desperate with hunger.
Edward, inmate 531, is a camp veteran and a political prisoner. Though he looks like everyone else, with a shaved head and striped uniform, he’s a fighter in the underground Resistance. And he has an escape plan.
They are locked up for no other sin than simply existing. But when they meet, the dark shadow of Auschwitz is lit by a glimmer of hope. Edward makes Mala believe in the impossible. That despite being surrounded by electric wire, machine guns topping endless watchtowers and searchlights roaming the ground, they will leave this death camp.
A promise is made––they will escape together or they will die together. What follows is one of the greatest love stories in history…
Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Choice, and The Orphan Train will love this breathtakingly beautiful tale, of courage in the face of tragedy and bravery in the face of fear. Based on a true story, The Girl Who Escaped Auschwitz shows that, in darkness, love can be your light…
Author Bio:
Ellie Midwood is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning historical fiction author. She owes her interest in the history of the Second World War to her grandfather, Junior Sergeant in the 2nd Guards Tank Army of the First Belorussian Front, who began telling her about his experiences on the frontline when she was a young girl. Growing up, her interest in history only deepened and transformed from reading about the war to writing about it. After obtaining her BA in Linguistics, Ellie decided to make writing her full-time career and began working on her first full-length historical novel, The Girl from Berlin.' Ellie is continuously enriching her library with new research material and feeds her passion for WWII and Holocaust history by collecting rare memorabilia and documents.
In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her fiancé and their Chihuahua named Shark Bait.
Author Social Media Links
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/EllieMidwood
Website: http://elliemidwood.com/
I have now read several books by Ms. Midwood in the past, and I have thoroughly enjoyed each one, so when I saw that she had a new book coming out, I knew I had to read it. And it did not disappoint.
This novel has it all: true history, emotion, suspense, complex narrative and wonderfully written characters, a few surprises, and a sense of hope amongst the discovery of romance. This book touches on the fundamentals of : survival, overcoming obstacles, perseverance, love, loss, forging friendships and relationships, finding inner strength, and finding that light amongst the darkness.
The story of Mala and Edek is awe-inspiring, yet heartbreaking and devastating. I am not going to lie, I teared up a few times while reading their stories. The author has a way with her prose. She is able to express and describe emotions, images, and thoughts into a narrative that is just stunning.
The author’s additions and notes give a historical reference and sobering/definitive edge that keeps the whole story in perspective. It really adds to the book.
I am a huge fan of Ms. Midwood, and with this book, I will continue to be.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Bookouture for this stunning arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/9/21.
From the Publisher:
Buy LINKS
Amazon: https://geni.us/B08P3HH53VCover
Apple: http://ow.ly/mZuu50CBqkh
Kobo: http://ow.ly/C5Ft50CBqbv
Google: http://ow.ly/oVUo50CBqm7
Description:
“We must die standing up for something.”
“And what are we standing up for?”
“The most important thing there is. Freedom.”
Millions of people walked through Auschwitz’s gates, but she was the first woman who escaped. This powerful novel tells the inspiring true story of Mala Zimetbaum, whose heroism will never be forgotten, and whose fate altered the course of history…
Nobody leaves Auschwitz alive.
Mala, inmate 19880, understood that the moment she stepped off the cattle train into the depths of hell. As an interpreter for the SS, she uses her position to save as many lives as she can, smuggling scraps of bread to those desperate with hunger.
Edward, inmate 531, is a camp veteran and a political prisoner. Though he looks like everyone else, with a shaved head and striped uniform, he’s a fighter in the underground Resistance. And he has an escape plan.
They are locked up for no other sin than simply existing. But when they meet, the dark shadow of Auschwitz is lit by a glimmer of hope. Edward makes Mala believe in the impossible. That despite being surrounded by electric wire, machine guns topping endless watchtowers and searchlights roaming the ground, they will leave this death camp.
A promise is made––they will escape together or they will die together. What follows is one of the greatest love stories in history…
Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Choice, and The Orphan Train will love this breathtakingly beautiful tale, of courage in the face of tragedy and bravery in the face of fear. Based on a true story, The Girl Who Escaped Auschwitz shows that, in darkness, love can be your light…
Author Bio:
Ellie Midwood is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning historical fiction author. She owes her interest in the history of the Second World War to her grandfather, Junior Sergeant in the 2nd Guards Tank Army of the First Belorussian Front, who began telling her about his experiences on the frontline when she was a young girl. Growing up, her interest in history only deepened and transformed from reading about the war to writing about it. After obtaining her BA in Linguistics, Ellie decided to make writing her full-time career and began working on her first full-length historical novel, The Girl from Berlin.' Ellie is continuously enriching her library with new research material and feeds her passion for WWII and Holocaust history by collecting rare memorabilia and documents.
In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her fiancé and their Chihuahua named Shark Bait.
Author Social Media Links
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/EllieMidwood
Website: http://elliemidwood.com/
February 2, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Girl Who Escaped From Aushcwitz' by Ellie Midwood.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 9th March 2021.
This is the second book I have read by this author. The other book I read by Ellie is called 'The Violinist Of Aushcwitz' which I also highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis. I also loved Ellie Midwood's 'The Violinist Of Aushcwitz' so am hoping it is as good. It also stated in the synopsis that fans of 'The Tattoist of Aushcwitz' will love it. I am a huge fan of that book so am looking forward to see if it lives up to this. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 37 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in the Auschwitz, Kraków, Poland 🇵🇱.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Edek and Mala Zimetbaum. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out on anything.
Well, what can I say but wow!!! This story is definitely not going to leave my head anytime soon. Firstly I must congratulate Ellie Midwood for yet another extraordinary novel that seriously needs to be made into a movie which I assure would be best selling!!!
This book is very powerful and extremely well written. It is devastatingly heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. The storyline of this book is based on a true story which is another thing that drew me to read it. It is absolutely rammed with emotions that will make you smile, cry and laugh on the roller-coaster ride to hell that is Aushcwitz. Nothing is left out and the author has done an immense amount of research and brings Edek and Mala's story to life. Mala and Edek are such powerful, strong and kind hearted heroes and I am looking forward to reading more about them. I had never heard of either before reading this but read 'The Violinist Of Aushcwitz', 'Celia' s Journey', 'The tattooist of Aushcwitz' and 'The librarian of Aushcwitz', both of which I enjoyed so when I seen this I was intrigued to discover the ongoing of Aushcwitz through another person's eyes. I have now also added many books to my wish list thanks to Ellie, her own and ones that she recommends at the end of this story.
This book did not disappoint. Some people believe that these stories should not be written but I am a strong believer that these victims earned the right for their stories to be told and to not be forgotten and this book does just that. I loved discovering not just Edek and Mala's stories but those who surrounded them also. I also loved reading more about characters I met in 'The Violinist Of Auschwitz'. This amazing group of people who supported and lifted each other up during these dark times and helping them see the light are absolutely... Words can't really describe but I will go with angelic. This book was very hard to read as a whole but there were certain parts that will stay with me for a very long time and that we're soul destroying. What the Nazi's did to these innocent people makes me absolutely sick to my soul. The poor children and parents watching each other suffering especially. The heroism of both Mala and Edek until the bitter end.
Again congratulations Ellie Midwood on all your research and for writing this amazing story of both Mala and Edek who deserved to have their stories told in a way that did them justice and you have done that. I would say this book is on par with the likes of 'The' diary of Anne Frank' which left me with the same feelings your novel has of not even more emotional.
Overall a heart wrenching, absolutely beautifully devastating story of two lesser known heroes of Aushcwitz.
Genres covered in this novel include War Story, Romance Novel and Jewish History amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Ellie Midwood, The Tattooist of Aushcwitz, The Librarian of Aushcwitz and anyone interested in Auschwitz and its history.
342 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheGirlWhoEscapedAuschwitz #Bookouture #EllieMidwood #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@EllieMidwood @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'The Girl Who Escaped From Aushcwitz' by Ellie Midwood.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 9th March 2021.
This is the second book I have read by this author. The other book I read by Ellie is called 'The Violinist Of Aushcwitz' which I also highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis. I also loved Ellie Midwood's 'The Violinist Of Aushcwitz' so am hoping it is as good. It also stated in the synopsis that fans of 'The Tattoist of Aushcwitz' will love it. I am a huge fan of that book so am looking forward to see if it lives up to this. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 37 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in the Auschwitz, Kraków, Poland 🇵🇱.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Edek and Mala Zimetbaum. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out on anything.
Well, what can I say but wow!!! This story is definitely not going to leave my head anytime soon. Firstly I must congratulate Ellie Midwood for yet another extraordinary novel that seriously needs to be made into a movie which I assure would be best selling!!!
This book is very powerful and extremely well written. It is devastatingly heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. The storyline of this book is based on a true story which is another thing that drew me to read it. It is absolutely rammed with emotions that will make you smile, cry and laugh on the roller-coaster ride to hell that is Aushcwitz. Nothing is left out and the author has done an immense amount of research and brings Edek and Mala's story to life. Mala and Edek are such powerful, strong and kind hearted heroes and I am looking forward to reading more about them. I had never heard of either before reading this but read 'The Violinist Of Aushcwitz', 'Celia' s Journey', 'The tattooist of Aushcwitz' and 'The librarian of Aushcwitz', both of which I enjoyed so when I seen this I was intrigued to discover the ongoing of Aushcwitz through another person's eyes. I have now also added many books to my wish list thanks to Ellie, her own and ones that she recommends at the end of this story.
This book did not disappoint. Some people believe that these stories should not be written but I am a strong believer that these victims earned the right for their stories to be told and to not be forgotten and this book does just that. I loved discovering not just Edek and Mala's stories but those who surrounded them also. I also loved reading more about characters I met in 'The Violinist Of Auschwitz'. This amazing group of people who supported and lifted each other up during these dark times and helping them see the light are absolutely... Words can't really describe but I will go with angelic. This book was very hard to read as a whole but there were certain parts that will stay with me for a very long time and that we're soul destroying. What the Nazi's did to these innocent people makes me absolutely sick to my soul. The poor children and parents watching each other suffering especially. The heroism of both Mala and Edek until the bitter end.
Again congratulations Ellie Midwood on all your research and for writing this amazing story of both Mala and Edek who deserved to have their stories told in a way that did them justice and you have done that. I would say this book is on par with the likes of 'The' diary of Anne Frank' which left me with the same feelings your novel has of not even more emotional.
Overall a heart wrenching, absolutely beautifully devastating story of two lesser known heroes of Aushcwitz.
Genres covered in this novel include War Story, Romance Novel and Jewish History amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Ellie Midwood, The Tattooist of Aushcwitz, The Librarian of Aushcwitz and anyone interested in Auschwitz and its history.
342 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheGirlWhoEscapedAuschwitz #Bookouture #EllieMidwood #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@EllieMidwood @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
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March 9, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of "The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz" in exchange for my honest review.
Author Ellie Midwood has written a brilliant follow-up book to "The Violinist of Auschwitz" which told the true story of violinist Alma Rosé. While these two books are both stand alone novels, some of the events described in this novel make more sense if one has read "The Violinist of Auschwitz" first.
The Prologue introduces us to Edward (Edek) Galiński and Mala Zimetbaum in the Żywiec Mountains of Poland on July 6th, 1944. This is their true story.
Edek arrived in Auschwitz in June 1940 as a political prisoner. He had been a maritime school cadet. He became inmate 531 sentenced to hard labour for plotting against the Reich. On the transport he became friends with Wiesław Kielar, inmate 290.
At Birkenau Women's Camp Mala is a camp runner in charge of delivering orders and official documents from one block to another for Maria Mandl the women's camp leader. She is inmate 19880, she is allowed to keep her dark blond locks and wear civilian clothes.
The story alternates between Auschwitz and Birkenau. Edek answers to Rottenführer Lubusch, whom he shares a first name with. He is always kind and tried to treat the inmates decently and with humanity in this place of ruthlessness.
Edek learns that Mala is held in high regard. She is a favourite with the camp administrators and is in a position where she can help others with better work details, bits of food, clothes, passing of notes.
As the story progresses to March of 1944 the author mentions the death of Alma Rosé after her beloved Miklós dies during the Family Camp exterminations. He gave her hope and without him her life had no meaning.
On June 24th, 1944 Edek and Mala escape from the camps. Their freedom is so close yet impossibly out of their reach. They placed their trust in people who were making promises and were brave until they were faced with the reality of their decisions.
On October 7th, 1944 the Sonderkommando lead an uprising in Edek and Mala's memory.
The Epilogue describes the visit of Wiesław Kielar to the State Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 29th, 1968.
Author Ellie Midwood has written a brilliant follow-up book to "The Violinist of Auschwitz" which told the true story of violinist Alma Rosé. While these two books are both stand alone novels, some of the events described in this novel make more sense if one has read "The Violinist of Auschwitz" first.
The Prologue introduces us to Edward (Edek) Galiński and Mala Zimetbaum in the Żywiec Mountains of Poland on July 6th, 1944. This is their true story.
Edek arrived in Auschwitz in June 1940 as a political prisoner. He had been a maritime school cadet. He became inmate 531 sentenced to hard labour for plotting against the Reich. On the transport he became friends with Wiesław Kielar, inmate 290.
At Birkenau Women's Camp Mala is a camp runner in charge of delivering orders and official documents from one block to another for Maria Mandl the women's camp leader. She is inmate 19880, she is allowed to keep her dark blond locks and wear civilian clothes.
The story alternates between Auschwitz and Birkenau. Edek answers to Rottenführer Lubusch, whom he shares a first name with. He is always kind and tried to treat the inmates decently and with humanity in this place of ruthlessness.
Edek learns that Mala is held in high regard. She is a favourite with the camp administrators and is in a position where she can help others with better work details, bits of food, clothes, passing of notes.
As the story progresses to March of 1944 the author mentions the death of Alma Rosé after her beloved Miklós dies during the Family Camp exterminations. He gave her hope and without him her life had no meaning.
On June 24th, 1944 Edek and Mala escape from the camps. Their freedom is so close yet impossibly out of their reach. They placed their trust in people who were making promises and were brave until they were faced with the reality of their decisions.
On October 7th, 1944 the Sonderkommando lead an uprising in Edek and Mala's memory.
The Epilogue describes the visit of Wiesław Kielar to the State Museum Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 29th, 1968.
December 25, 2023
Un roman inspirée de fait réel très intéressant à lire. Il
m’a fait me poser de nombreuses questions sur l’Homme et la cruauté dont il est capable mais aussi de son courage et de sa beauté. Quand on lit ce genre d’histoire qui date de 1945 on se dit que l’homme ne retombera jamais dans cette soif d’annihilation totale et sans raison et pourtant…
J’aimerai tellement qu’on fasse plus d’effort pour s’éduquer au quotidien…
m’a fait me poser de nombreuses questions sur l’Homme et la cruauté dont il est capable mais aussi de son courage et de sa beauté. Quand on lit ce genre d’histoire qui date de 1945 on se dit que l’homme ne retombera jamais dans cette soif d’annihilation totale et sans raison et pourtant…
J’aimerai tellement qu’on fasse plus d’effort pour s’éduquer au quotidien…
February 7, 2023
“El trabajo os hará libres” era el lema escrito en grandes letras metálicas en la entrada del campo de concentración de Auschwitz, pero la realidad era muy distinta, nada les haría libres de su triste realidad.
Edek, un joven polaco, cadete de la escuela de la marina, fue de los primeros prisioneros políticos en llegar al campo, sobrevivir en aquel infierno era muy complicado, pero ser de los primeros presos le facilitaba algo la tarea.
Mala no temía a los guardias, dentro de su condición de prisionera, consiguió una situación privilegiada gracias a los seis idiomas que manejaba con fluidez.
Pero la vida en el campo no era fácil y no había día que no soñasen con su libertad, lo que nunca imaginaron es que en ese terrible lugar sentirían el verdadero amor…
Todos sabemos la masacre que se cometió en aquella época y en mayor o menor medida conocemos datos espeluznantes de los campos de concentración pero poco sabemos de las vidas personales de los prisioneros, por este motivo me encanta leer novelas ambientadas en esta época. La chica que escapó de Auschwitz es una novela de ficción, pero está basada en una historia real, sus protagonistas existieron y su amor también.
Como todos los libros ambientados en la Segunda Guerra Mundial y especialmente en los campos de concentración, estamos ante una novela estremecedora con escenas muy duras que no son aptas para todos los lectores. Pero, si habéis leído más sobre la época o queréis comenzar a hacerlo os recomiendo que le deis una oportunidad.
Desde el primer momento me ha sorprendido mucho su narración, los capítulos son muy cortos y abundan los diálogos, por este motivo la lectura es muy amena no como otras novelas desarrolladas durante esta época que son mucho más descriptivas y tediosas.
Edek y Mala, los protagonistas, te roban el corazón poco a poco y son tan reales que te pones en su piel y sufres con ellos el odio, la xenofobia y el fanatismo de los cargos de las SS del campo. Pero, también quiero mencionar a un personaje que me ha sorprendido muchísimo, el Kommandofürer Lubusch, un alto cargo nazi, uno de los pocos que tenían corazón y que sin duda es clave en esta historia.
Respecto a la trama, me ha gustado mucho, además de conocer nuevos datos sobre cómo era el día a día de los prisioneros he disfrutado de escenas muy conmovedoras, porque a pesar de todo, tuvieron pequeños momentos de felicidad y es algo que me ha emocionado mucho.
El final de la novela me ha dejado un sabor agridulce, no lo esperaba, aún así creo que es muy acertado teniendo en cuenta los hechos reales, porque sí, después de leer la novela no pude evitar buscar más información sobre los protagonistas para empaparme de su historia.
Sin duda alguna os recomiendo esta historia si os gusta leer novela histórica, ha sido una de mis mejores lecturas del mes de enero.
Edek, un joven polaco, cadete de la escuela de la marina, fue de los primeros prisioneros políticos en llegar al campo, sobrevivir en aquel infierno era muy complicado, pero ser de los primeros presos le facilitaba algo la tarea.
Mala no temía a los guardias, dentro de su condición de prisionera, consiguió una situación privilegiada gracias a los seis idiomas que manejaba con fluidez.
Pero la vida en el campo no era fácil y no había día que no soñasen con su libertad, lo que nunca imaginaron es que en ese terrible lugar sentirían el verdadero amor…
Todos sabemos la masacre que se cometió en aquella época y en mayor o menor medida conocemos datos espeluznantes de los campos de concentración pero poco sabemos de las vidas personales de los prisioneros, por este motivo me encanta leer novelas ambientadas en esta época. La chica que escapó de Auschwitz es una novela de ficción, pero está basada en una historia real, sus protagonistas existieron y su amor también.
Como todos los libros ambientados en la Segunda Guerra Mundial y especialmente en los campos de concentración, estamos ante una novela estremecedora con escenas muy duras que no son aptas para todos los lectores. Pero, si habéis leído más sobre la época o queréis comenzar a hacerlo os recomiendo que le deis una oportunidad.
Desde el primer momento me ha sorprendido mucho su narración, los capítulos son muy cortos y abundan los diálogos, por este motivo la lectura es muy amena no como otras novelas desarrolladas durante esta época que son mucho más descriptivas y tediosas.
Edek y Mala, los protagonistas, te roban el corazón poco a poco y son tan reales que te pones en su piel y sufres con ellos el odio, la xenofobia y el fanatismo de los cargos de las SS del campo. Pero, también quiero mencionar a un personaje que me ha sorprendido muchísimo, el Kommandofürer Lubusch, un alto cargo nazi, uno de los pocos que tenían corazón y que sin duda es clave en esta historia.
Respecto a la trama, me ha gustado mucho, además de conocer nuevos datos sobre cómo era el día a día de los prisioneros he disfrutado de escenas muy conmovedoras, porque a pesar de todo, tuvieron pequeños momentos de felicidad y es algo que me ha emocionado mucho.
El final de la novela me ha dejado un sabor agridulce, no lo esperaba, aún así creo que es muy acertado teniendo en cuenta los hechos reales, porque sí, después de leer la novela no pude evitar buscar más información sobre los protagonistas para empaparme de su historia.
Sin duda alguna os recomiendo esta historia si os gusta leer novela histórica, ha sido una de mis mejores lecturas del mes de enero.
February 28, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the arc of The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood.
5 stars- If you loved Ellie's other book then you'll love this one!! This follows Mala whom is inmate 19880 and Edward whom is inmate 531. Mala is an interpreter for the SS, and she uses that to her advantage to save as many people who she can by smuggling bits of bread for them and for those who are so desperate to eat! Then there's Edward whom is what they call a camp veteran and a political prisoner, but he is like everyone else wearing a striped uniform and having a shaved head... but as well as this he is also what they call an undergorund resistance fighter and has a plan.. the escape plan... Edward and Mala then end up meeting and Edward talks to Mala and even ends up making her believe the impossible of things... that thing was that even though their are watch towers with germans/SS on them as well as electric fencing and wiring and searchlights around that they both will end up escaping this death camp one way or another! So they have made a promise to each other that they will either die together in each others company or that theyll actually escape together with each other!
This was a sensational heartwarming read that in times of absolute horror a heartwarming love between two happened! this is one of the most inspiring love stories of all time that they will do anything together even if that is risking their lives to escape and be with one another!! I find books about Auschwitz so fascinating and this was an AMAZING read! I loved this so much, Cant wait for more in the future by the lovely author!! So thank you ever so much Ellie Midwood!
HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND 100%
5 STARS!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 stars- If you loved Ellie's other book then you'll love this one!! This follows Mala whom is inmate 19880 and Edward whom is inmate 531. Mala is an interpreter for the SS, and she uses that to her advantage to save as many people who she can by smuggling bits of bread for them and for those who are so desperate to eat! Then there's Edward whom is what they call a camp veteran and a political prisoner, but he is like everyone else wearing a striped uniform and having a shaved head... but as well as this he is also what they call an undergorund resistance fighter and has a plan.. the escape plan... Edward and Mala then end up meeting and Edward talks to Mala and even ends up making her believe the impossible of things... that thing was that even though their are watch towers with germans/SS on them as well as electric fencing and wiring and searchlights around that they both will end up escaping this death camp one way or another! So they have made a promise to each other that they will either die together in each others company or that theyll actually escape together with each other!
This was a sensational heartwarming read that in times of absolute horror a heartwarming love between two happened! this is one of the most inspiring love stories of all time that they will do anything together even if that is risking their lives to escape and be with one another!! I find books about Auschwitz so fascinating and this was an AMAZING read! I loved this so much, Cant wait for more in the future by the lovely author!! So thank you ever so much Ellie Midwood!
HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND 100%
5 STARS!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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