Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “The Auschwitz Escape” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

more photos (1)

The Auschwitz Escape

Joel C. Rosenberg (Goodreads Author)

4.33 · Rating details · 11,210 ratings · 1,311 reviews

A terrible darkness has fallen upon Jacob Weisz's beloved Germany. The Nazi regime, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, has surged to power and now hold Germany by the throat. All non-Aryans -- especially Jews like Jacob and his family -- are treated like dogs.

When tragedy strikes during one terrible night of violence, Jacob flees and joins rebel forces working to underm

...more

Get A Copy

Or buy for

Hardcover, 468 pages

Published March 18th 2014 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

More Details... edit details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about The Auschwitz Escape, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

A Match Made in Texas by Karen Witemeyer

NEW 2014 Christian Fiction

322 books — 785 voters

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

WWII Historic Fiction

1,035 books — 1,113 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

4.33 ·

Rating details

· 11,210 ratings · 1,311 reviews

Filter

Sort order

Jan 15, 2015 Lauren Hopkins rated it did not like it

DO NOT. DO NOT. DO NOT. EVER. READ. THIS. BOOK.

According to Joel C. Rosenberg, it's okay that 6 million Jews died at the hands of the Nazis because not *ALL* of the Jews died. God got the Jews through it, just like he saw them through Egyptian slavery! Sure, he only managed to save like 10% max of those who went into concentration camps, but it's all good. Because he came through at the end! You know, after the Nazis had nearly finished what they set out to do, effectively wiping out European Je DO NOT. DO NOT. DO NOT. EVER. READ. THIS. BOOK.

According to Joel C. Rosenberg, it's okay that 6 million Jews died at the hands of the Nazis because not *ALL* of the Jews died. God got the Jews through it, just like he saw them through Egyptian slavery! Sure, he only managed to save like 10% max of those who went into concentration camps, but it's all good. Because he came through at the end! You know, after the Nazis had nearly finished what they set out to do, effectively wiping out European Jewry as a whole because those who did survive immediately booked it for Palestine and the U.S.

Also, did you know Christians were *not* responsible? Even though I've never heard someone blame Christians for the Holocaust, Joel C. Rosenberg makes a hell of a lot of excuses for them and how even church-going Nazis weren't *real* Christians. No shit. But Christians across Europe are culpable in the fact that a very very tiny percentage of non-Jews in Europe actually did something to save the Jews. Denmark and the French city of Le Chambon were anomalies in terms of actual communities of people who worked together to save Jews, as were the individuals who made up various resistance groups, but the MAJORITY of Christians in Europe were not only apathetic, but were in fact COMPLICIT in the Holocaust, especially in Poland where most threw morality and values out the window to turn in their Jewish neighbors to the police so they could be rewarded with loaves of bread. I don't blame these people - they did what they had to in order to survive, even if it meant culpability in systematic murder. But this book basically asserts that all Christians in Europe were saints because they loved Jesus so much and Jesus was Jewish. He spends less of the book on his weak plot and more on trying to get us to believe that Christians have literally zero responsibility for what happened. (He also seems to believe that Polish Christians were evangelical Protestants when in fact like 90% of Poles were Roman Catholic but I digress.)

It's so alarmingly offensive, I really don't even know where to begin. Aside from Rosenberg making excuses on every other page and aside from him making every character try to force their belief in God in the main character Jacob Weisz (who, SHOCKER, believes in God by the end of the book!), there are just so many problematic issues...I rolled my eyes at the less offensive nonsense but mostly gritted my teeth in rage.

One of the best things ever was when Jacob fell in love with Abby, who worked in the medical clinic and was part of the underground resistance along with him. As he's getting ready to escape, she gives him a gift and tells him to open it once they get outside. So Jacob and Luc, a French pastor, escape, naturally, with a bunch of close calls. But oh noes, they're really sick! So Jacob decides to open the package. It's from the medical clinic and they're sick so you're thinking it's gonna be medicine, right? WRONG. IT'S BIBLES! Bibles. If I just escaped a DEATH CAMP and had to run a couple hundred miles through a Polish forest crawling with people there to hunt me while running a fever, the last thing I'd want is a BIBLE. But of course Jacob is like "maybe God is watching out for me!" UGH. UGH UGH UGH.

Basically, the author is trying to say that Jews shouldn't have lost faith in God during the Holocaust because sometimes, he looked out for his 'chosen people' and even though it happened, God ended it. I mean, come on, God. Too little too late, amirite? Of course, many Jews did hold onto their faith, because it got them through difficult times. If that was how Rosenberg described things, I'd be totally onboard. But those who did lose faith had a pretty valid reason. They don't need some asshat who could barely do his research to come around 70 years later and explain why they should have all kept their faith.

There's a lot to hate about this book, but on top of everything the research done was abysmal. Two sentences in, a character quotes some made-up book. It's 1940 and the quote is "evil, unchecked, is the prelude to genocide." COOL, except the word genocide didn't actually exist in a wide scale vernacular until 1944, when it was coined and introduced by Raphael Lemkin. That one little factual error irked me to my core, but I clearly didn't know what was coming. I'd say like 100% of the anecdotes in and around the camps come straight from Laurence Rees' "Auschwitz." There are smaller errors, some intentional (i.e. changing the dates Dr Mengele worked at the camp so it fit his narrative) but most not.

It's just a mess of a book. True god awful trash. I picked it up because of the high ratings, and then I remembered that most people are dumb and give this book a 5 because of Jesus and not because it's actually good. To be fair, without Rosenberg's obnoxious proselytizing, it moves quickly and tells a compelling story, but it truly is evangelical propaganda thinly disguised as historical fiction. If anything, it's religious fiction, and Rosenberg should be ashamed of himself for taking a Jewish tragedy and turning it into a Christian missionary tale. No, Christians were not responsible for the Holocaust; it was about racial makeup, not religion. I don't think anyone has ever blamed Christians for the atrocities committed. But at the same time, Christianity is not a solution to the suffering caused by the Nazis. Doing this is SO problematic because you're essentially saying that it's okay that Nazis killed millions of people because God eventually swooped in and saved a few. WRONG. GROSS AND WRONG. ...more

flag 62 likes · Like · see review

Jan 19, 2017 Lori rated it liked it · review of another edition

I have read many fantastic novels centering around WWII... unfortunately, this was not one of them. It was evident in the lack of depth in the characters and some dialogue issues that this was a departure from Rosenbergs usual writing genre. I do realize that this was a very personal novel for Rosenberg and I commend him for his efforts. Good story, but bad execution. Honestly, I just became bored about 3/4 of the way through. Bummer... emoji sad face.

flag 28 likes · Like · see review

Jun 30, 2014 Kat Dominitz rated it did not like it

I found this book to be poorly written; it reads like a 500 page synopsis. The author spells everything out for the reader, the book is almost solely comprised of cliches, and the depth in character development is very limited. Also, I didn't find the writing clever or witty. This book brings nothing new to the table; we've all heard the facts and know the story. I think what the author was trying to accomplish was to write a story about a mans journey to becoming a Christian during this dark pe ...more

flag 26 likes · Like · see review

Mar 23, 2014 Betty rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-to-give-as-gifts, great-historical-fiction, history, my-all-time-favorites, suspense, ww2, best-books-ever

Another nail-biter by one of my favorite authors! I loved this book! I just simply couldn't put it down! I read it in less than a week! I kept thinking that it was a true story. It was truly a work of history and suspense. A hard book to write I'm sure! The author did a marvelous job taking true facts and weaving a fictitious character into them without sacrificing the true history. I love World War Two, and this book did not disappoint! It was heart wrenching and accurate. I am looking forward ...more

flag 22 likes · Like · see review

Nov 08, 2014 Carol rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, read-2015, ww2

"Where books are burned, they will, in the end, burn people too."

After a failed attempt by the freedom fighters to release the captured Jews from the disgusting cattle cars, young Jacob Weisz finds himself locked inside and on his way to the dreaded hard labor camp of Auschwitz where within its evil barbed wire, he thinks of nothing but escape.

As he witnesses the brutality, sees the emaciated walking skeletons and learns the true secrets of the death factory it is, he questions his faith in God

...more

flag 21 likes · Like · see review

Jan 16, 2014 Plethora rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction, fiction, arc-edelweiss, kindle, zown-2014, zz-2014-historical_fiction_chalng, zz-2014-reads, war-wwii_1939-1945, century-21st, zz-2014-a2z_challenge

Rosenberg has written an outstanding novel that was able to move me to tears, as if I was reading a memoir written by an actual escapee of Auschwitz. The Auschwitz Escape opens in the small, quiet community of Sedan, France on May 13, 1940. Historically speaking, Sedan, was ground zero for the German Panzer armies advancing into France. So much for thinking the Meginot Line was impenetrable and that Germany would not venture through the Ardennes Forest, protecting France. Germany circumvented th Rosenberg has written an outstanding novel that was able to move me to tears, as if I was reading a memoir written by an actual escapee of Auschwitz. The Auschwitz Escape opens in the small, quiet community of Sedan, France on May 13, 1940. Historically speaking, Sedan, was ground zero for the German Panzer armies advancing into France. So much for thinking the Meginot Line was impenetrable and that Germany would not venture through the Ardennes Forest, protecting France. Germany circumvented the Meginot Line and marched through the Ardennes Forest and stormed through Sedan.

"Evil, unchecked, is the prelude to genocide." This opening line is a statement remembered by the first character we meet, Jean-Luc Leclerc, a Protestant assistant pastor. Powerful words mark the beginning of this story, he remembers reading them in a book, which is of no importance, it is the words that haunt him. Jacob Weisz, the next major character we meet is a young seventeen-year-old Jewish boy. He is having a flashback to late 1938 when his uncle Avi is trying to teach him the importance of knowing how to survive, protection methods and to understand that being Jewish was no longer safe. As fate and misfortune throws Jean-Luc and Jacob together, can Jacob work with Jean-Luc, a Gentile to escape Auschwitz?

Rosenberg has done a superb job of sprinkling historical events throughout the novel that support the story being told. Auschwitz is not known for people leaving alive prior to January 27, 1945 when it was liberated. This tale pays homage to the 144 people that managed to escape. Rosenberg has achieved an enthralling historical fiction account that painstakingly keeps the history in the story and does not take gross liberties with changing things to fit his needs. An excellent opportunity for someone to brush up on details like Executive Order 9417 or do you know Heinrich Heine's (German Jewish Poet) statement about book burning?

FTC disclosure: I received an unedited advanced reader copy of this book to review from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. I was not financially compensated in any way. (via Edelweiss)

From my original review posted at Plethora of Books Blog, see full review on blog. ...more

flag 16 likes · Like · see review

May 24, 2014 Skip rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical

Less than 150 people escaped from Auschwitz. Rosenberg has meticulously researched the facts about those escapes and used the one by Rudolf Vrba, hiding in a pile of wood outside of the electrified fences and waiting for searches to end after three days, as the method for the protagonist, Jacob Weisz, to get free along with a Christian pastor (Jean-Luc LeClerc), who helped Jewish refugees fleeing Vichy France. Their mission was timed to warn of the plans to eliminate all of the Hungarian Jews at ...more

flag 12 likes · Like · see review

Jul 06, 2014 Chuck rated it really liked it

Mr. Rosenberg, about whom I've become a big fan, snatched victory out of the jaws of defeat with this one. I've complained before about his amateurish writing style and I could complain again with this one but I've learned that if you just stick with him the quality of his story telling will overcome. The title of the book tells you about all you need to know about the main plot but the characters you meet make it special and once you read the Author's Note at the end you realize
this is historic ...more

flag 11 likes · Like · see review

Apr 24, 2014 Wendy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: wwii, historical-fiction, christian, thriller

As a fan of Joel C. Rosenberg's novels, his latest book "The Auschwitz Escape" is not only one of his finest achievements but one of the most explosive and chilling stories I've read. Set in War II, the Nazi machine under Adolph Hitler has begun sweeping through Europe leaving bloodshed and devastation in its wake. But for non-Aryans caught in the crosshairs of the war, a worst fate awaits them in the ovens of the Auschwitz death camp.

This is the story of Jacob Weisz, who after the death of his As a fan of Joel C. Rosenberg's novels, his latest book "The Auschwitz Escape" is not only one of his finest achievements but one of the most explosive and chilling stories I've read. Set in War II, the Nazi machine under Adolph Hitler has begun sweeping through Europe leaving bloodshed and devastation in its wake. But for non-Aryans caught in the crosshairs of the war, a worst fate awaits them in the ovens of the Auschwitz death camp.

This is the story of Jacob Weisz, who after the death of his parents joins the resistance to help save the Jewish people, but in a raid is accidently trapped in a train car headed to Auschwitz with all those tagged for extermination. It is also the story of Jean-Luc Leclerc, a pastor who in trying to protect escaping Jewish refugees is earmarked for death by the Nazi regime. Together these two men will forge a friendship and hatch a plan to bring the atrocities at Auschwitz to light, to try and save millions from the chimneys of the death camp.

Founded on documented information, the narrative is well-written, fast-paced and emotionally intense. Joel Rosenberg weaves a story that explores the dehumanization of the Jewish people and other non-Aryans under the brutality of the Nazi regime. It is starkly realistic contrasting the inhumanity and injustice of Nazi thugs with the humanity of those willing to sacrifice their lives to save those destined for extermination, and to bring the atrocities to light in a world blinded by ignorance. As in all of Joel Rosenberg's novels faith is central to the plot. Even in the darkness of so much evil, violence and brutality faith shines and not only brings hope to those facing death and torture, but surfaces in the heart of a freedom fighter who has trouble, in the madness of the war torn world, believing in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

With skilful dexterity Joel Rosenberg creates characters that are unforgettable, with all their strength of will, courage and fortitude. Seventeen year old Jacob Weisz, the eldest child of a German professor is proficient in languages, kind, gentle and obedient. After the death of his family his hatred for Adolph Hitler's regime takes on new meaning as he joins the Resistance wanting to help save his people from the pogroms that will see them exterminated. In the nightmare of the camp, his personality develops as he becomes smarter, more discreet and courageous. Jean -Luc Leclerc, a man of strong faith highly respects Jewish habits, customs and traditions and will willingly sacrifice his life to ensure they survive. Although amiable and gentle, Jean's competence, his methodical and detailed planning skills, his focus and trustworthiness are prized by the camp's resistance.

Add to these two main characters Leszek Poczciwinski, a taciturn and overly confident infiltrator from the Polish intelligence; Avi Weisz, an astute and perceptive resistance leader; Max Cohen, a good-natured, self-sacrificing and devote Jew as well as his clever and faithful sister Abigail. But it is the cold, demonic brutality and the heartless cruelty of Nazi murderers and rapists like Colonel Klaus Von Strassen, Gerard Gruder and Fat Louie that enhance the dark, pervasive and chilling atmosphere of the plot. And these are only a few of the personalities that add depth, dimension and passion to this riveting story.

"The Auschwitz Escape" is one of Joel Rosenberg's finest works, an exciting page turner from beginning to end and I highly recommend it.
...more

flag 9 likes · Like · see review

Feb 10, 2014 Sarah rated it it was amazing

"Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good." Epic in scope, Joel Rosenberg’s “The Auschwitz Escape” is a work of historical fiction that is both breathtaking and heartbreaking. Young and naïve Jacob Wiesz, guided by his beloved Uncle Avi, joins the Resistance movement in Belgium after he is forced to flee his native Germany. Meanwhile, Jean-Luc Leclerc, an assistant pastor in Vichy France, answers God’s call to love his neighbor and the Jewish people by helping as many of them es ...more

flag 9 likes · Like · see review

Apr 29, 2015 Laura rated it liked it

Shelves: world-war-ii

This book started really well but by the end I had lost focus. It was very informative of what was happening in the concentration camps but in comparison to other WWII books I've read, this one lacked the intensity. It's still shocking what the Jews went through and this book definitely brings all that to light. I would recommend this to a reader that wants to know more about the concentration camps but doesn't want too graphic details or inappropriate language used in the text. The author is ve ...more

flag 8 likes · Like · see review

Jul 22, 2018 Alicia Ruggieri rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2018, christian-fiction, jewish, world-war-2, holocaust

I've been curious about Joel C. Rosenberg's books for about a decade or more; I think it was time I finally read one, don't you? :-) I found The Auschwitz Escape at my local library, and I'm so glad that I did end up taking it out!
Though Rosenberg's writing is not "poetic", it is fast-paced, matter-of-fact, and bare-bones-but-enough, if that makes sense. I flew through this book, finishing it in less than 24 hours, and actually finishing the last page at 2 in the morning. After a certain point, ...more

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Sep 12, 2018 Stefanie rated it it was amazing

The Auschwitz Escape by Joel Rosenberg was no easy read and what I mean by that is the true, historical value this book has hurts to read. What happened during World War II are not easy tales and facts to hear. It’s devastating and heart-breaking. It’s horrific and gut-wrenching.
The Auschwitz Escape details the life of Jacob Weisz and the harrowing story as he fights in the resistance and lives through the horrors of the Auschwitz Nazi death camp.
The details are gruesome and hard to stomach, I w ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Jan 22, 2014 Jamie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2015

Whoa.

This book was all kinds of intense.

And evocative.

Seeing the horrors of Auschwitz through the eyes of those who survived it and those who managed to escape to tell the world of the horrors is a hard read. But a read that’s worth every emotion. Not only so we can never forget, but so we can remember bravery and courage of those who lived through it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s incredibly written and an incredible story. I admit, I had to stop half way through and read a lighter story. ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Jul 16, 2016 Stacy rated it it was amazing

Even though I know the book was fictional, I know countless true stories really happened like this, and the people who endured such inhumane evil still found the courage to try to do what they could to undermine the Nazi government-- that is truly inspiring. Mr. Rosenburg has again created a masterpiece. I always enjoy his writing, and this is destined to be a classic. He crafted a thrill ride of a read, that makes you feel as if you are there-- a silent witness to the characters' heroism and pe ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Mar 26, 2014 Ginger Price rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Another great novel by Joel Rosenberg

My dad served in WW11 & I was born in the late 40s. how many years has it taken for us to truly recognize the atrocities that took place under Hitler's rule? I'm grateful that Rosenberg has so clearly documented what occurred at Auschwitz and that there were indeed those that escaped and tried to tell the world...May we never forget. Rosenberg has written another winner. Bring a Kleenex.

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Sep 24, 2014 Marilyn rated it it was ok

I read this on the recommendation of a friend, but I was very disappointed. The subject matter, Auschwitz death/concentration camp, was gripping but the plot is full of holes and the story and ending is predictable. The characters ring pretty flat, too. The writing was amazingly bad ("his leg hurt something terrible"). I won't be reading this author again.

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Nov 13, 2016 Negin rated it really liked it

Shelves: holocaust

This is historical fiction about two men who manage to escape from Auschwitz. Despite the horrific subject matter, it was a beautiful read. I’m sure that the story and the characters will remain with me for quite some time.

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Aug 02, 2017 Aaron rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A fantastic & important piece of literature that was thoroughly enjoyable in audio version. The narrator put in appropriate and believable (at least to an American's ears) accents for the vast array of European characters.
The numerous horrors and tragedy of Hitler's Final Solution brings us too many true stories to ever need worry about historical fiction filling in the gaps. But this fact must also be kept in mind when you read about the daily atrocities and the magnitude of it all. This re ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Jan 14, 2015 Kat Perry rated it it was ok

The book and storyline fell flat for me and there was definitely a strong agenda pushed by the author around Christianity which I did not like, it completely detracts from the essential historical context which is the Jewish genocide. The characters were one dimensional and disinteresting. It failed to draw the reader in and i lost any interest about the outcomes for those characters. Very poorly executed in comparison to the wealth of superior literature set in this context.

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Oct 24, 2018 Freda Malone rated it it was amazing

Anytime I read a Holocaust story, true or fictional, I am thankful that I did not live in that time or anywhere close to the area where genocide was happening. The more I read about this, the more I realize there were too few heroes who made the choice to change an outcome. Whether it be harboring the Jewish people, sneaking them out of the country, raising money for a resistance, or bombing the train tracks. It was never enough and never quick enough. In this particular fictional story, I was a ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Oct 31, 2014 Matt rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobook

Rosenberg's latest novel is both a non-stop thrill and a desolate reflection on one of history's greatest ignorances. Jean-Luc Leclerc, a pastor from France accused of harbouring Jews, and Jacob Weisz, a Jew in Germany who joined the Resistance, are sent to the Auschwitz death camp for their respective acts after being caught by the Nazis. Neither is resentful for their actions, though their fear mounts when they learn more about what the Nazis have been doing in the depths of Poland and how the Rosenberg's latest novel is both a non-stop thrill and a desolate reflection on one of history's greatest ignorances. Jean-Luc Leclerc, a pastor from France accused of harbouring Jews, and Jacob Weisz, a Jew in Germany who joined the Resistance, are sent to the Auschwitz death camp for their respective acts after being caught by the Nazis. Neither is resentful for their actions, though their fear mounts when they learn more about what the Nazis have been doing in the depths of Poland and how their larger plan will eliminate Jews across Europe. During their time in the camp, both Leclerc and Weisz are able to form a loose relationship and join a covert group to ensure the world learns of the atrocities taking place. They are chosen to attempt the impossible, escape from thee camp and ensure the Allies know what is going on, as the Nazis have succeeded in keeping it all under wraps up to this point. The story follows their harrowed times within the camp, the horrific actions Hesse and other SS officers enact on the Jews and political prisoners, and the tests facing the protagonists: determination, patience, and religious foundation. Rosenberg touches the reader with a powerful story, full of action, sorrow, and wherewithal like never before. A sentimental and well-researched novel that may not open eyes with new revelations, but highlights just how ignorant the Allies were, while innocent people perished.

Rosenberg has a flair with words and uses the extensive research he undertook to create a wonderful novel. As long as the reader can sift through the Christian inculcation, anyone can sit down to an eye-opening experience, where the Nazis' atrocities take centre stage. Full of wonderful nuances and detailed dialogue, the reader can almost feel as though they are in queue for tasteless soup or digging trenches for the camp expansions. There is no time to stop and catch one's breath or process the true evil that took place, though after completion, any attentive reader might need a moment to process all that has been laid at their feet. No doubt one of the great novels illustrating the worst of the worst death camps of the Nazis, which only goes to show how the world chose to spin tales while the black smoke billowed from the ovens.

Kudos, Mr. Rosenberg for this awkward yet essential piece of work. I thoroughly enjoyed it, even though I needed to parse the conversion attempts throughout. ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Mar 18, 2014 Delilah rated it it was amazing

It's not even possible to review this book and give it the justice it deserves. Just read it, everyone should. The fact is, very few people (around 100 or so) successfully escaped Auschwitz. This is a historical fiction based on facts of a small group who did just that. Their purpose of escape wasn't to survive themselves but to save future lives by exposing the truth of the atrocities taking place at this notorious death camp. They wrote the Auschwitz Protocol (fact) to spread the word to the A ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Oct 16, 2014 Marialyce rated it really liked it

As always, tales of what occurred and the strength of the human spirit awe and inspire those who look back at history as a warning about what can happen in the future. It is a harrowing tale and oftentimes as I listened to this book, I had to stop and think about the inhumaneness of humans.

Less than 150 people escaped from the hell that was Auschwitz and this story is based on one of them who did. It is a story that engenders hope and a belief in God that one often has a purpose in survival, on ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Oct 20, 2014 Ware rated it it was amazing

There were real escapes from Auschwitz. There were not many, but those escapes brought the true story of Hitler's Final Solution to the world. That the world did little with these revelations is attributed generally to politics and military necessity. This fictionalized account of the activities of a young German Jew who escaped the Nazis, became active in the Belgium Resistance only to find himself on a train bound for Auschwitz is based on real events.

This is a tale told in sickening detail of ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Nov 21, 2014 Anne rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: 2014, audio, wwii, holocaust

Beware: cliches and two-dimensional characters are the rule. Very much "holocaust lite." I listened to the audio version. The narrator's dramatic inflections throughout (difficult to describe) made me feel like he was reading to an audience of children. I found that very irritating. It's not the first time that the holocaust has been used to tell a story of suspense. In fact, i think all holocaust memoirs of survivors are just that, though this story has a different slant - the protagonist escap ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Dec 03, 2017 Bon Tom rated it it was amazing

I'm not sure I have anything to contribute.

The only thing I would change, I would add some poetry to the moments they revisit Auschwitz years later. I could have almost seen words being written before my eyes.

This is great read. Heartbreaking because it can't be anything else.

Whoever loved The One Man by Andrew Gross, will love this one too.

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Dec 27, 2018 Rebekah rated it it was amazing

This book was so hard to put down... And so good!

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Apr 08, 2017 Jacob the Bookworm rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, read-in-2017, nazi-germany

In a time of darkness...when all seems lost... a ray of hope remains.

Wow...this book was great. It was hard to read at times solely because of the horrors described in this book. This book follows Jacob Weisz and journey through Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp in Poland. this book begins with Jean-Luc Leclerc, a French pastor and Jewish sympathizer. The focus then shifts to the main character Jacob Weisz. Jacob is 17 years old at the beginning of this book. He has a strong bond with his uncle Av ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Nov 17, 2014 Hilary rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, war

3.5 stars

Seeing the Nazi invasion from a French perspective was new to me, and it brought home the shock of the sudden blitz on Sedan, but that was nothing to seeing Auschwitz from Jacob's perspective as an infiltrator and a working prisoner.

With echoes of the Great Escape, this shows the creation of the Auschwitz Protocol, and the heroism of both Jews and Christians, working together to thwart the Nazi regime.

As the author said, it's hard to write a book like this. Although Jean-Luc and Jacob a ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
2015 Reading Chal...: The Auschwitz Escape by Joel Rosenberg	1	28	Feb 15, 2015 10:36AM
please read this book	6	75	Oct 24, 2014 05:08PM

Readers Also Enjoyed

Genres

Historical > Historical Fiction

402 users

Fiction

142 users

World War II > Holocaust

90 users

War > World War II

74 users

Historical

63 users

Christian Fiction

52 users

See top shelves…

About Joel C. Rosenberg

Joel C. Rosenberg

1,584 followers

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Note: This is a different person than the fantasy author, Joel Rosenberg

Joel C. Rosenberg is the founder of The Joshua Fund and the New York Times best-selling author of THE LAST JIHAD (2002), THE LAST DAYS (2003), THE EZEKIEL OPTION (2005), THE COPPER SCROLL (2006), EPICENTER (2006) and DEAD HEAT (2008) with m ...more