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A Murder in Auschwitz
An SS officer is found standing over the body of a comrade, a smoking pistol still in his hand, a murder in a place of murders. His pleas of innocence force a court martial and he knows that there is only one man in the camp capable of defending him; a Jewish prisoner called Manfred Meyer. Manfred Meyer is forced to build a defence for him in his court martial. Drawing on his years of experience as a criminal lawyer in Berlin, Meyer must unravel the deceit and interpret the lies that infect the concentration camp and work to have him found not guilty. Following Meyer and his family through their lives in Berlin, the Nazi rise to power and their inevitable arrest and incarceration in Auschwitz, Meyer will do almost anything to see his wife and children. Almost anything. Can his abilities as a lawyer interpret the facts of this seemingly impossible case? As a Jew, should he even defend an SS officer? And is he actually guilty of this crime? But the officer must be found innocent if Meyer is to see his family again. This story follows Manfred Meyer, from his beginnings as a lawyer in 1930s Berlin after being taken under the wing of the city's most capable defence lawyer in the most prestigious law firm in Germany, Bauer & Bauer. Meyer's confidence and experience build as his cases become more complex and more difficult to defend. His success is widespread and he, his wife Klara and their twin daughters live a comfortable life in the capital. But Germany is changing. The Nazi Party has come to power and Meyer's Jewish heritage has become a crime. Life becomes more and more difficult until even in spite of Meyer's connections he is forced to leave his position as Bauer & Bauer's pre-eminent lawyer. Then, one night, the inevitable knock at the door heralds the long train journey to the east and the death camps of Poland for Meyer, his wife and his children. Split from his family on arrival, Meyer does what he can to survive in a place designed for death. He stays alive with help from the other inmates he has befriended, helping each other through the long days of hard labour, his only wish being that he could see his family again. A forlorn hope until circumstance throws a real chance his way.
494 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 17, 2014
There have been many novels written about the atrocities in concentration camps during the war, all thought provoking, and most worth the read..this novel is one of those
A story of a Jewish lawyer sent to auschwitz with his family. The story is told in two sequences, one on his life before the war and leading up to his arrest, the other from his time of arrival.
He is eventually asked to help a ss officer who has been accused of murder.
The story is good, full of little twists which keep you intrigued, but it is the continual story of how mankind can sink to such depravities, and inflict such injustice on fellow human beings that keeps you reading!
It is easy to merely read what occurred at this time and have sympathy, but the author strives to allow you to imagine a normal man, and his love for his family to permeate throughout. How such innocent people were rounded up and massacred on an industrial scale, and you can't help wondering what if you had been born at the wrong place at the wrong time!
The author tells the story without deliberately trying to overdo the injustice of it all and the depravity of man, he merely tells how it was and the feelings of a normal man and let's your mind do the rest.
An excellent read, not quite on the level of schindlers list.....but not far off!!
A story of a Jewish lawyer sent to auschwitz with his family. The story is told in two sequences, one on his life before the war and leading up to his arrest, the other from his time of arrival.
He is eventually asked to help a ss officer who has been accused of murder.
The story is good, full of little twists which keep you intrigued, but it is the continual story of how mankind can sink to such depravities, and inflict such injustice on fellow human beings that keeps you reading!
It is easy to merely read what occurred at this time and have sympathy, but the author strives to allow you to imagine a normal man, and his love for his family to permeate throughout. How such innocent people were rounded up and massacred on an industrial scale, and you can't help wondering what if you had been born at the wrong place at the wrong time!
The author tells the story without deliberately trying to overdo the injustice of it all and the depravity of man, he merely tells how it was and the feelings of a normal man and let's your mind do the rest.
An excellent read, not quite on the level of schindlers list.....but not far off!!
July 15, 2013
A Murder in Auschwitz is a January 2013 publication. The is a self published novel.
This is a legal thriller set in Germany, before, during, and little after the war.
The story alternates in time between 1929 and 1943 Auschwitz, Germany. We meet Manfred Meyer as he is just starting his career as an attorney. He is a family man, married to his beloved Klara who is expecting their first child. Manfred is mentored and taught to be a good defense attorney. His law firm is like a second family to him. He is given his first murder case, a case that will solidify him as a defense attorney, but will also have a drastic effect on him in the future, a future he could never have predicted.
The alternate chapter set in 1943, we find Manfred in a death camp. He has been separated from his wife and twin daughters. He doesn't know about their well being. He finds out right quick what the score is and what his future would turn out like. His only wish is to see his family again.
The last thing that Meyer ever expected was to come face to face with a man who he had successfully defended against a murder charge. Now an SS soldier, the man finds himself once more charged with murder. He makes the unusual request to have a Jew participate in his defense. When Meyer is approached about the situation, he makes one demand- to see his family one more time.
The author does a great job of separating the time frame of past and present. The normal life Manfred had and the wonderful mind he has. Then the stark contrast of being in the death camp.
Now, there is no way to get around the depressing atmosphere of the camp. It is not easy to read these chapters in the book. It is a heart wrenching account of a man's life being reduced to the death sentence of the camp. The depiction is very realistic, but it's not overly graphic. However, it is still disturbing. These chapters were emotional, so be forewarned.
Manfred is a great guy. He's devoted to his family and takes his job seriously. He takes pride in preventing innocent people from going to prison. He is honest and hardworking and is well liked by his co-workers and boss. He is also very, very smart and clever. Although is realizes his life is doomed no matter what, he makes the best of his dire situation... and perhaps has the last laugh?
There are a few really shocking twist in the plot involving both murder cases, past and present.
Manfred suffers some gut punching revelations and those are some of the hardest things to get over.
After all is said and done, the book ends on an uplifting note and with a wonderful twist of irony.
I received this novel from the author for an honest review.
If you like historical mysteries or historical fiction in general or legal thrillers, you will like this book.
As with many self published novels, there may be a few typos here and there, and maybe some sections could have been cut down a bit to hasten the pace of the novel. Other than that, this was a very well written novel with a compelling and emotional story. Overall a B+.
This is a legal thriller set in Germany, before, during, and little after the war.
The story alternates in time between 1929 and 1943 Auschwitz, Germany. We meet Manfred Meyer as he is just starting his career as an attorney. He is a family man, married to his beloved Klara who is expecting their first child. Manfred is mentored and taught to be a good defense attorney. His law firm is like a second family to him. He is given his first murder case, a case that will solidify him as a defense attorney, but will also have a drastic effect on him in the future, a future he could never have predicted.
The alternate chapter set in 1943, we find Manfred in a death camp. He has been separated from his wife and twin daughters. He doesn't know about their well being. He finds out right quick what the score is and what his future would turn out like. His only wish is to see his family again.
The last thing that Meyer ever expected was to come face to face with a man who he had successfully defended against a murder charge. Now an SS soldier, the man finds himself once more charged with murder. He makes the unusual request to have a Jew participate in his defense. When Meyer is approached about the situation, he makes one demand- to see his family one more time.
The author does a great job of separating the time frame of past and present. The normal life Manfred had and the wonderful mind he has. Then the stark contrast of being in the death camp.
Now, there is no way to get around the depressing atmosphere of the camp. It is not easy to read these chapters in the book. It is a heart wrenching account of a man's life being reduced to the death sentence of the camp. The depiction is very realistic, but it's not overly graphic. However, it is still disturbing. These chapters were emotional, so be forewarned.
Manfred is a great guy. He's devoted to his family and takes his job seriously. He takes pride in preventing innocent people from going to prison. He is honest and hardworking and is well liked by his co-workers and boss. He is also very, very smart and clever. Although is realizes his life is doomed no matter what, he makes the best of his dire situation... and perhaps has the last laugh?
There are a few really shocking twist in the plot involving both murder cases, past and present.
Manfred suffers some gut punching revelations and those are some of the hardest things to get over.
After all is said and done, the book ends on an uplifting note and with a wonderful twist of irony.
I received this novel from the author for an honest review.
If you like historical mysteries or historical fiction in general or legal thrillers, you will like this book.
As with many self published novels, there may be a few typos here and there, and maybe some sections could have been cut down a bit to hasten the pace of the novel. Other than that, this was a very well written novel with a compelling and emotional story. Overall a B+.
August 22, 2013
Excellent -- Don't Let The Fact That This Book Is Self-Published Dissuade You From Reading It!
A few months ago the author, J.C. Stephenson, emailed me to request that I accept a free copy of his self-published book, called A Murder In Auschwitz, in return for an honest review. I don't usually accept invitations of this type for two reasons: (1) Because what is often being asked for when accepting a free book is not "an honest review" but "a favorable review," and I'm not the type of person who'll say anything other than what I truly feel about a book in my review; and (2) I have a tendency to believe that a book that has to be self-published isn't going as good as a book published by a well-known publishing house.
Despite my above-mentioned reasons, I recently decided to read A Murder In Auschwitz rather than reading a book from some "proven" author sitting on the top of the mountain of books I have waiting to be read. My main reason for doing so is due to its intriguing title and plot, which can be read about in the Book Description above. I particularly liked knowing that the author chose to have his legal thriller set in Germany (and subsequently in Auschwitz) while alternating between the years of 1929 and 1944.
Having now finished this book, I have only very high praise for it; and, as such, highly recommend it to anyone interested in historical fiction during this period in history, legal novels, books with very well-developed characters, and a narrative style that enables the reader to feel that they are "right there" experiencing everything the characters are experiencing. A Murder In Auschwitz is a book that I found very difficult to put down due to the emotional impact and nicely woven surprises it provides. And, while the well-written chapters that take place in Auschwitz are very emotional and realistic, they (thankfully) do not dwell on their gruesomeness. Despite the awful period and places in which the book is set, Stephenson's book is more than a good work of historical and legal fiction. It, for me, is an excellent tale of the powerful love a man has for his wife and children and what he is willing to do to hold on to that love -- even if only for one more minute.
Why all of the big publishing houses passed on publishing A Murder In Auschwitz is a mystery to me -- perhaps a bigger mystery than the one provided in the book itself -- as it is one of the better books I've read recently. However, for the Kindle owner or those with the Kindle app, they have a real treat in store for them if they act quickly, as Amazon is currently offering A Murder In Auschwitz for free.
A few months ago the author, J.C. Stephenson, emailed me to request that I accept a free copy of his self-published book, called A Murder In Auschwitz, in return for an honest review. I don't usually accept invitations of this type for two reasons: (1) Because what is often being asked for when accepting a free book is not "an honest review" but "a favorable review," and I'm not the type of person who'll say anything other than what I truly feel about a book in my review; and (2) I have a tendency to believe that a book that has to be self-published isn't going as good as a book published by a well-known publishing house.
Despite my above-mentioned reasons, I recently decided to read A Murder In Auschwitz rather than reading a book from some "proven" author sitting on the top of the mountain of books I have waiting to be read. My main reason for doing so is due to its intriguing title and plot, which can be read about in the Book Description above. I particularly liked knowing that the author chose to have his legal thriller set in Germany (and subsequently in Auschwitz) while alternating between the years of 1929 and 1944.
Having now finished this book, I have only very high praise for it; and, as such, highly recommend it to anyone interested in historical fiction during this period in history, legal novels, books with very well-developed characters, and a narrative style that enables the reader to feel that they are "right there" experiencing everything the characters are experiencing. A Murder In Auschwitz is a book that I found very difficult to put down due to the emotional impact and nicely woven surprises it provides. And, while the well-written chapters that take place in Auschwitz are very emotional and realistic, they (thankfully) do not dwell on their gruesomeness. Despite the awful period and places in which the book is set, Stephenson's book is more than a good work of historical and legal fiction. It, for me, is an excellent tale of the powerful love a man has for his wife and children and what he is willing to do to hold on to that love -- even if only for one more minute.
Why all of the big publishing houses passed on publishing A Murder In Auschwitz is a mystery to me -- perhaps a bigger mystery than the one provided in the book itself -- as it is one of the better books I've read recently. However, for the Kindle owner or those with the Kindle app, they have a real treat in store for them if they act quickly, as Amazon is currently offering A Murder In Auschwitz for free.
November 26, 2015
I do not think my review can sufficiently convey how amazing this book is. But I will try.
This may be one of the best, disturbing books I have ever read. I don't know how to properly classify it. It isn't a mystery, but it has mystery elements. It isn't suspense thought it has suspense in excess.
The book is told in a unique style, part 'real time', part flashbacks.
The book begins with the main character arriving at Auschwitz in 1944 as a prisoner. As the story progresses and regresses we learn that thanks to the intersession of powerful men his family has managed to stay in Germany mostly unscathed until this time. He was a defense lawyer at a powerful firm and had influential colleagues. As the Nazi's take power his life is degraded and diminished.
Upon their arrival at Auschwitz he is separated from his wife and twin daughters, slowly he learns what the camp is. He also encounters an SS officer who he had successfully defended against a murder charge in the past. When that officer is again charged with murder he demands that the prisoner be part of his defense team.
The story is brilliantly constructed to keep you guessing until the end.
This may be one of the best, disturbing books I have ever read. I don't know how to properly classify it. It isn't a mystery, but it has mystery elements. It isn't suspense thought it has suspense in excess.
The book is told in a unique style, part 'real time', part flashbacks.
The book begins with the main character arriving at Auschwitz in 1944 as a prisoner. As the story progresses and regresses we learn that thanks to the intersession of powerful men his family has managed to stay in Germany mostly unscathed until this time. He was a defense lawyer at a powerful firm and had influential colleagues. As the Nazi's take power his life is degraded and diminished.
Upon their arrival at Auschwitz he is separated from his wife and twin daughters, slowly he learns what the camp is. He also encounters an SS officer who he had successfully defended against a murder charge in the past. When that officer is again charged with murder he demands that the prisoner be part of his defense team.
The story is brilliantly constructed to keep you guessing until the end.
December 15, 2014
I listened to this one on audiobook. The narrator did an amazing job - especially with the very long, and frequently used German words!
This story skips backwards and forwards, following two timelines of the protagonist's life. This does not get confusing - if anything, it works remarkably well. The two timelines bind together well and meet beautifully (all be it tragically) in the end.
I am not going to say too much more about this book except that it was obviously written very well. The reader gets a real feeling for life in Berlin before and during the war. The story touches on so many facets of this period of time but does not get bogged down in any area. (There is so much historical WW2 material, that this would have been easy to do.) Instead, the author concentrates on the personal life of one man and his family. The result is an intimate and touching story. Times it by millions and you have true life Tragedy.
Brilliant. One of my favourite reads of 2014.
This story skips backwards and forwards, following two timelines of the protagonist's life. This does not get confusing - if anything, it works remarkably well. The two timelines bind together well and meet beautifully (all be it tragically) in the end.
I am not going to say too much more about this book except that it was obviously written very well. The reader gets a real feeling for life in Berlin before and during the war. The story touches on so many facets of this period of time but does not get bogged down in any area. (There is so much historical WW2 material, that this would have been easy to do.) Instead, the author concentrates on the personal life of one man and his family. The result is an intimate and touching story. Times it by millions and you have true life Tragedy.
Brilliant. One of my favourite reads of 2014.
June 16, 2013
This is a rather amazing book, and I was caught up in reading, to the point where I stayed up till 0230 in the a.m. to finish it! A self-published novel set in Auschwitz during WWII, with frequent flashbacks to the main character's life in pre-war Berlin during the Nazi rise to power. It has a fair number of typos, but the story itself is so interesting that they didn't bother me as much as usual. Not really a happy ending, but realistic, and I hope to see more from this author.
October 10, 2015
Murder in Auschwitz by J.C. Stephenson
A legal thriller that follow the life Manfred Meyer and his family beginning in 1929 when he began his law practice in Berlin through the end of his days at Auschwitz in 1943. I am kind of left speechless but I book I will remember for a long time. Very good. 4.5
A legal thriller that follow the life Manfred Meyer and his family beginning in 1929 when he began his law practice in Berlin through the end of his days at Auschwitz in 1943. I am kind of left speechless but I book I will remember for a long time. Very good. 4.5
January 22, 2016
Brilliant storyline. Deals with the human tragedy that happened at Auschwitz with an excellent murder story running alongside. Well paced with a couple of good twists
January 3, 2014
My Review: Such a different type of who done it. I absolutely loved it. Set in Germany before the war and during the time of the concentration camps. Told from the view point of a prominent Jewish lawyer, who in spite of his success and friends, ends up being sent to the death camp. Love how his past life was woven in. Cried at the end was hoping for a good one but as with most of the people that ended up at the camps the endings were not happy. Editing needs a little attention so I give this a 4 star. Highly recommend it to anyone.
May 25, 2023
This book is an emotional rollercoaster, from the very beginning to the epilogue.
J C Stephenson touches on horrors of Auschwitz without making light of what was a horrific time in history.
Weaved throughout the tale, are moments of love, laughter and family, and courage.
The characters, are all full of depth and their stories touch you in a way I haven't felt from a book for a long time.
With its mix of crime thriller, and historically based locations, I can highly recommend this book, but be warned it is hard hitting at times.
J C Stephenson touches on horrors of Auschwitz without making light of what was a horrific time in history.
Weaved throughout the tale, are moments of love, laughter and family, and courage.
The characters, are all full of depth and their stories touch you in a way I haven't felt from a book for a long time.
With its mix of crime thriller, and historically based locations, I can highly recommend this book, but be warned it is hard hitting at times.
October 30, 2013
Brilliant read really sad story on the terrible camp it bought a tear to my eye.well written book.
January 23, 2016
A great read...loved it.
September 15, 2023
An Insightful,Emotional Read!!!
First, as far as I'm aware, this story is non-fiction however, the plot and background and even some of the main characters are very real.
(Hint: Dictionary, X-ray, and Wikipedia were helpful in attempting to understand the long and complicated Military rankings as well as what events were non-fictional or fictional).
I am extremely passionate about all things history. I feel that history is many times more important than the future. If we cannot learn from our past experiences, other's experiences, and learn from our mistakes and the world's mistakes, as well as all our previous accomplishments, we as a society can only go backwards. Never forward. As we are endlessly repeating the same things over and over expecting a different result - THE DEFINITION OF INSANITY. LOL.
I will just say that the Holocaust truly is a passion for me. I read everything I can get, documentaries etc. It is the most HEINOUS event and I feel I will never stop feeling the heartbreaking, nauseous, painful, unbelievable DISGUST that I feel when I'm absorbed in a biography especially. That this REALLY happened. I'm also very into the psychological aspect of the whole ordeal-from both sides. Anyway, you can tell by now that this is important to me.
REVIEW
As I said, I'm an avid reader and I do read a lot of Holocaust biographies etc.
This book made me cry. I got so involved and attached to the characters (especially the main characters Meyer and Deschler). J.C. Stephenson brought these two characters and their plights and emotions to life. WONDERFUL JOB!!
I had assumed the book would be a typical non
fictional account of the Holocaust. I was also expecting it to be a good one. It really was good. Beyond good. The whole plot is extremely different from anything I'VE read anyway. I don't want to put any thing that could be considered a spoiler. The plot had lots of twists and turns. I really kept turning pages and thinking to myself "Just the next little section...I have to know...." . My dinner dishes were still in my sink at breakfast!
Although I prefer reading non-fictional accounts of the Holocaust, I am very glad I took a chance here. J.C. Stephenson really did bring the atrocities of the Holocaust to life. This felt real.
First, as far as I'm aware, this story is non-fiction however, the plot and background and even some of the main characters are very real.
(Hint: Dictionary, X-ray, and Wikipedia were helpful in attempting to understand the long and complicated Military rankings as well as what events were non-fictional or fictional).
I am extremely passionate about all things history. I feel that history is many times more important than the future. If we cannot learn from our past experiences, other's experiences, and learn from our mistakes and the world's mistakes, as well as all our previous accomplishments, we as a society can only go backwards. Never forward. As we are endlessly repeating the same things over and over expecting a different result - THE DEFINITION OF INSANITY. LOL.
I will just say that the Holocaust truly is a passion for me. I read everything I can get, documentaries etc. It is the most HEINOUS event and I feel I will never stop feeling the heartbreaking, nauseous, painful, unbelievable DISGUST that I feel when I'm absorbed in a biography especially. That this REALLY happened. I'm also very into the psychological aspect of the whole ordeal-from both sides. Anyway, you can tell by now that this is important to me.
REVIEW
As I said, I'm an avid reader and I do read a lot of Holocaust biographies etc.
This book made me cry. I got so involved and attached to the characters (especially the main characters Meyer and Deschler). J.C. Stephenson brought these two characters and their plights and emotions to life. WONDERFUL JOB!!
I had assumed the book would be a typical non
fictional account of the Holocaust. I was also expecting it to be a good one. It really was good. Beyond good. The whole plot is extremely different from anything I'VE read anyway. I don't want to put any thing that could be considered a spoiler. The plot had lots of twists and turns. I really kept turning pages and thinking to myself "Just the next little section...I have to know...." . My dinner dishes were still in my sink at breakfast!
Although I prefer reading non-fictional accounts of the Holocaust, I am very glad I took a chance here. J.C. Stephenson really did bring the atrocities of the Holocaust to life. This felt real.
November 30, 2018
What an amazing book and what an amazing Author. It created a wonderful story amid such dreadful circumstances and yet the horrifying goings on in Aushwitz were never far away.
The ability to weave such a brilliant story and keep the horror of the holocaust intertwined was the best feature.
The people became so real and you could almost imagine being there with them and understand the situations they found themselves in very easily. It also showed of course that not everyone was the same; with love and fellowship peeping through regularly. Your heart soared with pride at man's ability to show the best in times of trouble against those who showed nothing but contempt.
I couldn't put it down and have lost a good few hours of sleep reading well into the night just to see 'what happens next'.
The ability to weave such a brilliant story and keep the horror of the holocaust intertwined was the best feature.
The people became so real and you could almost imagine being there with them and understand the situations they found themselves in very easily. It also showed of course that not everyone was the same; with love and fellowship peeping through regularly. Your heart soared with pride at man's ability to show the best in times of trouble against those who showed nothing but contempt.
I couldn't put it down and have lost a good few hours of sleep reading well into the night just to see 'what happens next'.
September 21, 2017
Written from a perspective that I never would have thought of. I highly recommend this to any WWII buffs. All of the emotions are there, and the ending is exceptional!
December 24, 2017
Murder
Absolutely stunning!!! For anyone that reads books on WWll, this is a must read book. I fell in love with the people in this book, the author is magnificent!
Absolutely stunning!!! For anyone that reads books on WWll, this is a must read book. I fell in love with the people in this book, the author is magnificent!
January 27, 2014
Auschwitz 1944, an SS officer is found standing over the body of a comrade, the smoking pistol still in his hand, a murder in a place full of murders. The officer is adamant of his innocence. With no confession, a court martial is forced, asked to pick a fellow officer to defend him, he picks the only man he can feel he can trust. But, he makes one other request, to have a prisoner, a Jew, also a lawyer to help his defending officer build his defence case. In exchange for the chance to see the family he was seperated from, former criminal defence lawyer Manfred Meyer is forced to build a defence for him. Meyer must unravel the deceit, the lies and the secrets surrounding the SS officer murdered, and the defendant.
Berlin 1929, we start to follow Manfred Meyer and his family through their lives in Berlin. We follow Meyer as he rises from intern, to assistant to a leading Criminal Defence lawyer at a highly respected law firm, following along his cases get more complex. We follow the lives of Meyer and his family as the Nazi party eventually comes to power, things slowly start to change, life becomes more and more difficult for Meyer as a Jew in Berlin. Then when the knock comes at the door, we follow Meyer on a terrifying train journey to the place where so many lost their lives. Where so many innocents where murdered.
I was sent a copy of this book that I had one from Goodreads in exchange for a review, and it's one of the best I have received. This book for me, brought so many memories flooding back. When studying History at school, we went to visit a concentration camp in Berlin, and while not exactly the same as Auschwitz, it bared many of the same hallmarks, the shooting wall, the chambers where experiments where carried out, crematoriums, and similar bunks. As I was reading, I kept flashing back to that trip and everything I had seen which made this book even more emotional for me.
Stephenson must have done a hell of a lot of research for this book, there was lots of detail about the process entering Auschwitz, and the day to day life of the prisoners, as well as the build up to Nazi power and what went on once they where in power. Everything described I could picture so clearly despite never having been to visit Auschwitz myself. The story is a cycle, starting with Meyer and his life leading up to the ending when he first arrives at Auschwitz in alternating chapters with the second thread of the story starting with him arriving, and his life at the camp including the murder trial of the SS officer. It was really very brilliantly written, with lots of threads, historical accuracy and the alternating chapters kept it fresh and engaging.
The flow of the book was very smooth, moving easily between the different years in the chapters. The book was very fast paced, lots happened, and everything fit together perfectly. I was hooked right from the first page, the writing was very atmospheric and very haunting. The characters where also very well written, and had plenty of depth, I also got the impression that a certain SS soldier, may not agree with what was going on, but didn't want to be killed himself so went along with it, something I'm sure many of them felt. There was a very authentic and real feel to the book, when I started reading the book, I briefly wondered if this wasn't a history book, and not a work of fiction.
A Murder In Auschwitz is incredibly well written and researched, expertly weaving the many threads in to one complex plot. The mystery is very intriguing, I'm no Sherlock Holmes, but I couldn't tell who the killer was, I was at the author's mercy, believing everything I was presented with. I couldn't put the book down, the love Meyer had for his wife was truly beautiful, and the mystery kept me intrigued right up until the end. While the processes of Auschwitz are described in concise detail, some of the details are truly horrifying to think about, but there wasn't too much in depth detail, or dwelling on the more gruesome aspects of life at the camp.
A Murder In Auschwitz is an incredibly emotional read, I ended up finding myself crying once or twice, and the entire book has a huge impact on you, even after you've finished reading. A truly beautifully written book, by a very talented author. I'd never have guessed this was his first book!
Berlin 1929, we start to follow Manfred Meyer and his family through their lives in Berlin. We follow Meyer as he rises from intern, to assistant to a leading Criminal Defence lawyer at a highly respected law firm, following along his cases get more complex. We follow the lives of Meyer and his family as the Nazi party eventually comes to power, things slowly start to change, life becomes more and more difficult for Meyer as a Jew in Berlin. Then when the knock comes at the door, we follow Meyer on a terrifying train journey to the place where so many lost their lives. Where so many innocents where murdered.
I was sent a copy of this book that I had one from Goodreads in exchange for a review, and it's one of the best I have received. This book for me, brought so many memories flooding back. When studying History at school, we went to visit a concentration camp in Berlin, and while not exactly the same as Auschwitz, it bared many of the same hallmarks, the shooting wall, the chambers where experiments where carried out, crematoriums, and similar bunks. As I was reading, I kept flashing back to that trip and everything I had seen which made this book even more emotional for me.
Stephenson must have done a hell of a lot of research for this book, there was lots of detail about the process entering Auschwitz, and the day to day life of the prisoners, as well as the build up to Nazi power and what went on once they where in power. Everything described I could picture so clearly despite never having been to visit Auschwitz myself. The story is a cycle, starting with Meyer and his life leading up to the ending when he first arrives at Auschwitz in alternating chapters with the second thread of the story starting with him arriving, and his life at the camp including the murder trial of the SS officer. It was really very brilliantly written, with lots of threads, historical accuracy and the alternating chapters kept it fresh and engaging.
The flow of the book was very smooth, moving easily between the different years in the chapters. The book was very fast paced, lots happened, and everything fit together perfectly. I was hooked right from the first page, the writing was very atmospheric and very haunting. The characters where also very well written, and had plenty of depth, I also got the impression that a certain SS soldier, may not agree with what was going on, but didn't want to be killed himself so went along with it, something I'm sure many of them felt. There was a very authentic and real feel to the book, when I started reading the book, I briefly wondered if this wasn't a history book, and not a work of fiction.
A Murder In Auschwitz is incredibly well written and researched, expertly weaving the many threads in to one complex plot. The mystery is very intriguing, I'm no Sherlock Holmes, but I couldn't tell who the killer was, I was at the author's mercy, believing everything I was presented with. I couldn't put the book down, the love Meyer had for his wife was truly beautiful, and the mystery kept me intrigued right up until the end. While the processes of Auschwitz are described in concise detail, some of the details are truly horrifying to think about, but there wasn't too much in depth detail, or dwelling on the more gruesome aspects of life at the camp.
A Murder In Auschwitz is an incredibly emotional read, I ended up finding myself crying once or twice, and the entire book has a huge impact on you, even after you've finished reading. A truly beautifully written book, by a very talented author. I'd never have guessed this was his first book!
December 22, 2017
Many stories have been written about Auschwitz and other death camps. All very sad. Very good story but at the same time very sad. Having visited the Holocaust Museum at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington shows all visitors the real extent of the atrocities. This must never happen again.
December 1, 2013
(I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaways).
(This review may contain spoilers).
The first thing that struck me about the book was the irony of the title. My sister told me she had to look again when she first saw the title - to which my niece immediately asked what said title was. (Inquiring six-year-olds... I was able to divert her, though).
In the author's note at the beginning of this book, there's the comment that this could be read in a circular fashion - you can either read it front to back, or pick any chapter at random and read in a circle. To a certain extent, I agree - there are certainly two different stories that each chapter alternates between.
A book about the Holocaust, even a fictional book, is one that's very hard to read. The same is true of anything particularly horrible in history, with the possible exception of Horrible Histories. I've often wondered how so many people thought it was acceptable to treat fellow human beings as something less than themselves.
The descriptions of the concentration camp were particularly moving, from the hard labour the people had to go through to the fact that colour seemed leeched from someone as they stayed in the camp.
I liked the friendships formed throughout the course of the book. Even though there were bad people throughout, there were also good parts that came through - the simple act of sharing tree sap with fellow prisoners; a German citizen stepping in when Jews were about to be arrested; another sending food to a family who couldn't feed themselves.
There were several things that surprised me by the end of the book, particularly with the two letters Manfred had written. Something about what happened was almost... satisfying, in a way. There's part of me that thinks I shouldn't feel like that, while the rest of me realises that some of these people were terrible, awful human beings. I don't condone the death penalty, but something like that makes that belief waver.
I don't think I'd read this book again, but it's definitely one I'd recommend as thought-provoking and well-written, with only a few errors I noticed.
(This review may contain spoilers).
The first thing that struck me about the book was the irony of the title. My sister told me she had to look again when she first saw the title - to which my niece immediately asked what said title was. (Inquiring six-year-olds... I was able to divert her, though).
In the author's note at the beginning of this book, there's the comment that this could be read in a circular fashion - you can either read it front to back, or pick any chapter at random and read in a circle. To a certain extent, I agree - there are certainly two different stories that each chapter alternates between.
A book about the Holocaust, even a fictional book, is one that's very hard to read. The same is true of anything particularly horrible in history, with the possible exception of Horrible Histories. I've often wondered how so many people thought it was acceptable to treat fellow human beings as something less than themselves.
The descriptions of the concentration camp were particularly moving, from the hard labour the people had to go through to the fact that colour seemed leeched from someone as they stayed in the camp.
I liked the friendships formed throughout the course of the book. Even though there were bad people throughout, there were also good parts that came through - the simple act of sharing tree sap with fellow prisoners; a German citizen stepping in when Jews were about to be arrested; another sending food to a family who couldn't feed themselves.
There were several things that surprised me by the end of the book, particularly with the two letters Manfred had written. Something about what happened was almost... satisfying, in a way. There's part of me that thinks I shouldn't feel like that, while the rest of me realises that some of these people were terrible, awful human beings. I don't condone the death penalty, but something like that makes that belief waver.
I don't think I'd read this book again, but it's definitely one I'd recommend as thought-provoking and well-written, with only a few errors I noticed.
August 12, 2022
The was a very well written book. I don’t usually like books that jump from present to past and vice versa, however in this case the flow is perfect. Definitely an attention grabber, it was difficult to put down.
December 8, 2015
I've just finished 'A Murder in Auschwitz' and I was touched to my core, which surprised me. The book was so very well researched, and the characters so real, that I became engrossed immediately. The love story of Meyer and Klara and their children was tender and wonderful, and made me feel what they were feeling.
I felt that the descriptions of life in the concentration camps was evocative and real, as if the author had actually been there - everything from the hard bread and thin soup, to the way everything seemed to lose color and take on a 'grayness', even the skin of the prisoners. There are many heart-wrenching episodes that really make you hold your breath, and some characters whose personalities are very strong; Deschler for instance. He has his own demons,but tries to the very end to give aid to the Meyer family. I particularly disliked, and finally came to hate Kolb, which you will understand when you read the book. :)
*SPOILER ALERT! *SPOILER ALERT! *SPOILER ALERT! *SPOILER ALERT! *SPOILER ALERT! *SPOILER ALERT!
What was soooo disappointing to me was that they (Klara and Meyer) died, thinking that their children were dead. How different things could have been for them. It was an excellent read, and one that I felt compelled to comment on, which I usually don't do. One of the few books I've ever read that I wish i hadn't, so I could read it for the first time - again. Good Job!
February 1, 2014
In the authors note J.C. Stephenson states that not unlike history his novel is cyclical and can be read in many different ways. Purely for convenience i decided to read it from page one onwards, saves flicking back and forth to the contents. I believe this is the best way to appreciate the story.
the story follows Manfred Meyer, a jewish lawyer (Hereditary Jewish as he is actually an atheist ), the chapters alternately switches between 1921-43 Berlin and 1943-44 Auschwitz. Although I do not normally like stories that jump about so much (like the author says you can read chronologically if you wish). I feel it did add to the story due to the brutal contrasts between the happy life of a promising up and coming lawyer and this same man some years later in a concentration camp. This contrast continues throughout, as the nazi powers close in on Manfred and his family in Berlin and there seems little hope, considering we already know what the future holds. The author cleverly changes orientation and gives us a glimmer of hope in the Auschwitz part of the story.
It is an interesting concept, although one I doubt could ever have happened in reality.
The authors efforts in trying to describe everything else in the novel more than makes up for this.
goodreads winner.
the story follows Manfred Meyer, a jewish lawyer (Hereditary Jewish as he is actually an atheist ), the chapters alternately switches between 1921-43 Berlin and 1943-44 Auschwitz. Although I do not normally like stories that jump about so much (like the author says you can read chronologically if you wish). I feel it did add to the story due to the brutal contrasts between the happy life of a promising up and coming lawyer and this same man some years later in a concentration camp. This contrast continues throughout, as the nazi powers close in on Manfred and his family in Berlin and there seems little hope, considering we already know what the future holds. The author cleverly changes orientation and gives us a glimmer of hope in the Auschwitz part of the story.
It is an interesting concept, although one I doubt could ever have happened in reality.
The authors efforts in trying to describe everything else in the novel more than makes up for this.
goodreads winner.
January 13, 2014
I received this book from the author as a goodreads giveaway.
This is a good first novel - with a title laced with irony.
It features a young man making his way as a trainee lawyer in pre World War II Germany and continues as a legal thriller set in one of the most infamous death camps in history.
The hero is a young Jewish lawyer, Manfred Meyer. We
begin with him starting work with a prestigious Berlin law firm,
then his marriage to the beautiful Klara and the arrival of their
twin daughters - Anna & Greta.
But their happiness is cut short when they are imprisoned in
Auschwitz and the story's chapters switch between the best of times in
Berlin - from 1929 onwards - and the hell of Auschwitz in 1943.
Then a Nazi officer is found dead in his office at Auschwitz with one of his colleagues standing over him with a recently fired Luger in his hand.
The execution of the alleged murderer should be a formality, but he knows that Manfred Meyer is a brilliant legal mind - and asks for his
help.
How Manfred resolves the dilemna of defending a Nazi - and what he expects in return - is just one of the twists in this engrossing tale.
This is a good first novel - with a title laced with irony.
It features a young man making his way as a trainee lawyer in pre World War II Germany and continues as a legal thriller set in one of the most infamous death camps in history.
The hero is a young Jewish lawyer, Manfred Meyer. We
begin with him starting work with a prestigious Berlin law firm,
then his marriage to the beautiful Klara and the arrival of their
twin daughters - Anna & Greta.
But their happiness is cut short when they are imprisoned in
Auschwitz and the story's chapters switch between the best of times in
Berlin - from 1929 onwards - and the hell of Auschwitz in 1943.
Then a Nazi officer is found dead in his office at Auschwitz with one of his colleagues standing over him with a recently fired Luger in his hand.
The execution of the alleged murderer should be a formality, but he knows that Manfred Meyer is a brilliant legal mind - and asks for his
help.
How Manfred resolves the dilemna of defending a Nazi - and what he expects in return - is just one of the twists in this engrossing tale.
December 7, 2014
This was an interesting story about a Jewish man being held in Auschwitz acting as a defense attorney to a falsely accused SS officer. It was interesting to see how Manfred Meyer goes about defending this man both now and in a previous incident before the war.
I had to reread the ending three times for it to finally all come together for me. To avoid spoiling the story I don't want to go into details, but I advise paying close attention to the last couple of pages.
I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and mysteries. Manfred Meyer's was a real person who did die in Auschwitz on Feb 8, 1943. I have yet to discover if he was in fact a lawyer and if the story here is based on any facts. But it was an interesting enough of a read to get me interested in digging. Enjoy.
I had to reread the ending three times for it to finally all come together for me. To avoid spoiling the story I don't want to go into details, but I advise paying close attention to the last couple of pages.
I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and mysteries. Manfred Meyer's was a real person who did die in Auschwitz on Feb 8, 1943. I have yet to discover if he was in fact a lawyer and if the story here is based on any facts. But it was an interesting enough of a read to get me interested in digging. Enjoy.
October 19, 2013
I am a goodreads winner! Thank you kindly Mr Stephenson. Just received my copy through the door. I am currently halfway through game of thrones #2 but I shall put that aside for the moment. Really looking forward to your book. I shall post a review soon. Thanks again.
Yours.
A fellow Fifer.
Update....
I have just finished this book and what a brilliant book it was! If I had paid money for this I would have been more than happy with my purchase. I will think about this book for days and Weeks to come. The letter to Anton Geller was especially good. A tear in the eye moment. A bed of feathers in Auschwitz! Haha. Fantastic work.
Yours.
A fellow Fifer.
Update....
I have just finished this book and what a brilliant book it was! If I had paid money for this I would have been more than happy with my purchase. I will think about this book for days and Weeks to come. The letter to Anton Geller was especially good. A tear in the eye moment. A bed of feathers in Auschwitz! Haha. Fantastic work.
March 4, 2014
I really wish this had been longer-- the emotional connection that I had with the characters was more because of the subject matter than the actual characters themselves. I think if it had been longer and maybe even told chronologically I would have become more attached to the characters. But you had to know how it was going to end, and I did have a little bit of catharsis that it didn't all go bad for everyone, but it didn't quite pack the emotional punch I had wanted simply because it wasn't long enough. But I really applaud the author for tackling a difficult subject and putting a compelling twist on what could have been a typical Holocaust story.
August 14, 2014
This is an extremely well-written story of the stark reality of what people faced in the death camps.
Read full review in the 2014 September issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014 September issue of InD’tale Magazine.
November 26, 2015
Very readable
This is a lovingly told story of one family's suffering at the hands of the German Nazi regime. The juxtaposition of flashbacks to the current story help round out the story. Very readable and an excellently developed storyline.
This is a lovingly told story of one family's suffering at the hands of the German Nazi regime. The juxtaposition of flashbacks to the current story help round out the story. Very readable and an excellently developed storyline.
October 12, 2013
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Great story and well written. Harrowing at times. Amazed that this was self-published and no publisher has snapped it up yet!
April 23, 2023
Was wary about reading this book as I knew what a harrowing subject it was going to be. Yes it was but beautifully written J.C Stephenson did the subject matter proud.
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