Keeping in mind that there are some who have tried to say to the world that the Third Reich didn't persecute and commit mass murder of millions of Jews, either in the wider world of Europe or in the death camps such as Auschwitz in the late 1930s and 1940s, I would recommend Joel C. Rosenberg's historical novel, "The Auschwitz Escape". Many novels based on fact as well as memoirs have been written about the concentration camps and the inhumane conditions and actions of the German military. I think Rosenberg's recreation of the climate prior to the onset of World War II as well as the evil that permeated the Third Reich for so many years is well conceived and written, and that he has built characters that relate to actual persons from those times. Even to the depiction of Luc, the French husband, father, assistant Protestant pastor who is part of an effort to save displaced Jews before he is found out by the Gestapo, beaten, and himself sent to Auschwitz, where he encounters a young Jewish man, Jacob, who had worked with members of the Resistance prior to being captured and himself sent to Auschwitz. Rosenberg sets up theological discussions between the two prisoners, Luc and Jacob, as to why Luc risked everything to help Jews, when Jacob knows many brutal acts have been carried out in the name of Christianity. It would be great as a Christian, to have had Rosenberg written of Jacob's ultimate conversion to Christ, but this isn't done. In the end, there's an ultimate sacrifice -- but for Rosenberg's purposes it's enough that Jacob at least is converted to belief in God. I didn't plan on reading this in one sitting. Then the power went out and thankfully I had enough charge in my Kindle to read this while warming myself by the fireplace praying for the power/heat to come back on. As always, I can't say I "enjoyed" this book due to the horrific subject matter. However, it was a good read. I've read many holocaust novels and this one shed light on a topic I hadn't read about before which was escape from Auschwitz (obviously, hence the title). I found this book to be well written, heartbreaking, eye opening, and just a good book (despite the subject matter).
What do You think about The Auschwitz Escape (2014)?
Very well written, riveting story. I'm looking forward to reading other books by Joel C. Rosenberg.
—tudou
Solid book. The escape-perspective was different than I have read in other holocaust themed books.
—whikk
Excellent report of a horrible event in recent history.
—Chris
