The Teacher of Auschwitz A Novel

"Even though it occurred more than 70 years ago, the story's truth is so chillingly portrayed that it seems as if it could have happened recently. . . . An engrossing, intense, and highly descriptive narrative chronicling the ghastly conditions three pregnant women suffered through at the hands of the Nazis." - Kirkus Reviews on Born Survivors

"Holden deftly weaves together the stories of three women-Priska, Rachel, and Anka-whose children were born in Nazi concentration camps during the last chaotic weeks of World War II. The author's analysis of each woman's experiences. . . provide[s] valuable insight into the stark choices faced by Jews during the Holocaust. This book is recommended for a wide audience and all libraries." - Library Journal on Born Survivors

"An astonishing and deeply moving work. . . . With remarkable detail gleaned from a wealth of research." - Booklist (starred review) on Born Survivors

"This novel is the closest possible narrative a person who didn't experience those times could have written . . . . a most important work, which will do justice to Fredy and all those victims." - Dita Kraus, The Librarian of Auschwitz

"Haunting and beautiful. Excruciatingly vivid, The Teacher of Auschwitz is rigorously researched and true to the history, powerfully conveying what a smart, loving and energetic man Fredy was." - Dr. Elizabeth Baer, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

"[A] remarkable novel . . . . Wendy Holden lives up to her fine reputation, deftly handling the research she has amassed since she began to immerse herself in this harrowing subject. If you can only bear to read one novel about the Holocaust, let it be this one." - Historical Novel Society

"Extraordinarily wonderful, moving and superbly researched . . . . A new and remarkably valuable window into that terrible place." - Stephen Fry

"Wendy Holden delivers a hauntingly powerful tribute to a man whose quiet resistance was built on love, dignity, and courage. The Teacher of Auschwitz is not an easy read, but it is a necessary one. Holden captures the weight of history without sensationalism, honoring Fredy Hirsch's humanity in a setting meant to erase it. This book left me both heavy and heartened. It is a reminder that even in the darkest corners of history, light can exist when someone chooses to be it." - Book Referees

"Rich with detail, The Teacher of Auschwitz shines the light on an unlikely source of inspiration within a concentration camp known for brutality." - Novels Alive (5 star review)