Based on the true story of a brave German nurse tasked with caring for Auschwitz’s youngest prisoners.
“Auschwitz Lullaby grabbed my heart and drew me in. A great choice for readers of historical fiction.” —Irma Joubert, author of The Girl from the Train
Auschwitz Lullaby brings to life the story of Helene Hannemann—a woman who sacrificed everything for family and fought furiously for the children she hoped to save.
On an otherwise ordinary morning in 1943, Helene Hannemann is preparing her five children for the day when the German police arrive at her home. Helene’s worst fears come true when the police, under strict orders from the SS, demand that her children and husband, all of Romani heritage, be taken into custody. Though Helene is German and safe from the forces invading her home, she refuses to leave her family—sealing her fate in a way she never could have imagined.
After a terrifying trek across the continent, Helene and her family arrive at Auschwitz and are thrown into the chaos of the camp. Her husband, Johann, is separated from them, but Helene remains fiercely protective of her children and those around her. When the powers-that-be discover that Helene is not only a German but also a trained nurse, she is forced into service at the camp hospital, which is overseen by the notorious Dr. Mengele himself.
Helene is under no illusions in terms of Dr. Mengele’s intentions, but she agrees to cooperate when he asks her to organize a day care and school for the Romani children in the camp. Though physically and emotionally brutalized by the conditions at Auschwitz, Helene musters the strength to protect the children in her care at any cost. Through sheer force of will, Helene provides a haven for the children of Auschwitz—an act of kindness and selflessness so great that it illuminates the darkest night of human history.
Based on a true story, Mario Escobar’s Auschwitz Lullaby demonstrates the power of sacrifice and the strength of human dignity—even when all hope seems lost.
-
Sexual Content - 0/5
0/5
-
Violence - 1/5
1/5
-
Language - 0/5
0/5
-
Drugs and Alcohol - 0/5
0/5
Summary
From: Rebecca Maney
Book Title: Auschwitz Lullaby
Book Author: Mario Escobar
What do you like about this book:
"Help me to tell the world the story of Helene Hannemann and her children" . . . writes the author in her opening statements.
Married to a Romani Gypsy, Helene Hannemann is concerned that the welfare of her family lies in the hands of those who aggressively seek to destroy it. Her pure German heritage adds a layer of protection over her own future, a luxury that her husband and five young children do not have. When the worst possible scenario is realized, Helene bravely refuses to be separated from those she loves; bravely taking the train to Auschwitz where death hangs over life like a smokey specter.
Surprisingly, Helene captures the attention of Dr. Josef Mengele, whose aspirations for greatness among the Third Reich supersede any resemblance of the Hippocratic oath. When she is chosen to organize a school for the children among the Gypsy camp, her nurse's training serves her well as Helene concedes a deal with the devil himself. And the rest . . . . as one might say, is history.
Written beautifully, carefully, and reverently . . . . . "Auschwitz Lullaby" exposes unspeakable cruelty and brutality in such a gentle way that it makes one's heart sing a love song for those who lived to die.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
Your ratings of the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use on a scale of 1-5.
Sex:0
Violence:1
Language:0
Drug/Alcohol use:0