Happy Friday! Auschwitz Lullaby, now available from Thomas Nelson, came highly recommended by my dear Goodreads’ friend, Angela. When she says a book is four or more stars, I don’t miss it. She gave this one 4.5.
My Thoughts:
I never tire of these World War II stories involving the Holocaust. I must sound like a broken record at this point, but I have to say, because of the insurmountable number of people affected, there will always be new perspectives and stories to tell, and I am here to read them and listen.
It is 1942 in Germany when Helene’s family home is broken into by the police. They are there to take away her husband, deemed a “gypsy,” and their five children. The police say that Helene can stay because she is German, but she chooses to leave with her family. They are all taken to Auschwitz.
After her family is set-up in the crowded barracks, Dr. Mengele arrives to see Helene because she is known to be a nurse. From there, he directs her to run the concentration camp’s nurseries, set across two barracks; one for newborns and one for children older than six.
In these incredibly harsh and dire conditions, Mengele provides child-friendly items like movies and toys, while people are dying in gas chambers close by. Helene works tirelessly to save the children, her own and all those under her care. What will happen to her family?
Auschwitz Lullaby is based on a true story of one woman and her family. It sheds an important light on the prejudice against, and extermination of, the Romani people by the Nazis during WWII. I found the writing to be straight, and with that, my own emotions could fill in the full picture of this living, breathing story.
My favorite aspect of this book was the characterization. It made the story real. Helene was a hero and a risk-taker, and most of all, she was a mother.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for the complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
In 1943 Germany, Helene is just about to wake up her children to go to school when a group of policemen break into her house. The policemen want to haul away her gypsy husband and their five children. The police tell Helene that as a German she does not have to go with them, but she decides to share the fate of her family. After convincing her children that they are going off to a vacation place, so as to calm them, the entire family is deported to Auschwitz.
For being German, they are settled in the first barracks of the Gypsy Camp. The living conditions are extremely harsh, but at least she is with her five children. A few days after their arrival, Doctor Mengele comes to pay her a visit, having noticed on her entry card that she is a nurse. He proposes that she direct the camp’s nursery. The facilities would be set up in Barrack 29 and Barrack 31, one of which would be the nursery for newborn infants and the other for children over six years old.
Helene, with the help of two Polish Jewish prisoners and four gypsy mothers, organizes the buildings. Though Mengele provides them with swings, Disney movies, school supplies, and food, the people are living in crowded conditions under extreme conditions. And less than 400 yards away, two gas chambers are exterminating thousands of people daily.
For sixteen months, Helene lives with this reality, desperately trying to find a way to save her children. Auschwitz Lullaby is a story of perseverance, of hope, and of strength in one of the most horrific times in history.
Have you read Auschwitz Lullaby, or is it on your TBR? Do you enjoy historical fiction, especially from this time period? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
Wow Jennifer, this book sounds intense!! I do read historical fiction, but I haven’t in a while. And no, I haven’t read this book. I’m still trying to read Sarah’s Key. 😔
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It is definitely an emotional read, Laurie. Take it easy. Thinking of you. ♥️
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Thanks Jennifer!! 💕
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Sounds wonderful! Can’t wait to pick this up!
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Oh, yay, Holls! I didn’t know you had this one too! I hope you enjoy!
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I have a harder time with historical fiction than other genres but I’ve been getting more into it. I’ve never even heard of this one but it sounds intense for sure! Amazing review!
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Thank you, Christina! There are so many historical fiction books out there and some read just like any other books we might love; they just happen to be based on true events. I’m happy you are enjoying it more. It’s my favorite. I’m going to come over and see what you’ve been cooking! ♥️
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I think, no matter how much one reads about the Holocaust, it never fails to appal. There is always that same question: why? I’ve yet to read a book that supplies an adequate answer. I wonder if this is why we continue to read books on the subject? Perhaps one of the reasons. A superb review, Jennifer.
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Thanks, Paula! I think you are exactly right. We want understanding, and there is probably none to be found.
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I am super happy that you liked this one. I felt it was so authentic and heart felt. Lovely review as always, Jennifer!
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Thank you, Marialyce! Yes, it’s a genuine and beautifully-written story. I loved it!
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Wonderful review. I enjoy historical fiction and plan to read this one.
Happy reading.
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Thank you, Virginia! It’s an engaging and heartrending read. 💕
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This sounds really good again. There are so many different aspects of World War II-so many stories that one needs to know of all those affected. Wonderful review!
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Thank you, Mallika! You are definitely right about that. I’ll keep reading as long as the stories are being told.
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Beautiful review Jennifer! I have this one waiting for me and really look forward to it. I’m so glad you enjoyed it – pretty sure I will too. Thanks for a wonderful review! 😊💜
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Thanks so much, Lindsay! I am pretty sure you will enjoy it, too. 💗 I’m excited to see what you think. Enjoy and happy weekend! Xoxo
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Tough subject. I can’t believe the atrocities that man got away with. And in ways, we still haven’t learned.
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You are right, Jacquie. Genocide is happening in the modern world today.
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True stories are always very poignant. Wonderful review! 🙂
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Thank you, Chrissi! You are absolutely right.
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Wow this is a tough one, but wonderful review Jen!😊💕
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Thanks, Sus! Definitely a tissue read. ♥️ xo
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Books about Dr. Mengele are always tough for me to read through, but this sounds like *such* a powerful story. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Jennifer! ❤
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You’re welcome, Kathy! Thank you for reading them! ♥️ This showed a complex side to Mengele that I wasn’t expecting, but it was still a challenging read for sure.
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Oh my goodness, Helene sounds wonderful, strong and determined, to say the least. I don’t know if I could’ve read this, I must admit.
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I understand, Verushka. Helene is unforgettable, powerful, a real force.
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I haven’t heard of this but I’ve read a couple of books very much about the subject and Mengele it’s such a terrifying thing. So I will definitely be checking this one out!
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I’m glad you’ll be checking it out! I think I have another book here with a Mengele theme- Mischling? I also read The Lilac Girls where he was part of the story. Happy Saturday!
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Wonderful review Jen! Like you I never tire of reading stories set in this time period, especially the Holocaust which I never fail to find utterly horrifying. I’ll be watching out for this one for sure! 🤗
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Thanks, Beth! We need to talk about the ones we’ve read some time. I bet you’ve read some that I haven’t. Happy Saturday! ♥️ xo
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Sounds fascinating. I’ll have to check this out!
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It was, Lisa, and beautifully told.
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