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Il bambino di Auschwitz
14 anni e un numero tatuato sul braccio: A10567
Ispirato a una storia vera
Il commovente tentativo di restare bambini nell'inferno di un campo di concentramento
A10567: è ancora giovanissimo Alexander Altmann, ma non ha bisogno di guardare il numero tatuato sul suo braccio, lo conosce a memoria. Sa anche che per sopravvivere ad Auschwitz, dovrebbe irrobustirsi, ma è difficile in quell’inferno.
Ogni giorno deve assistere a umiliazioni, violenze e soprusi indicibili. Ma Alexander ha imparato subito che per non morire bisogna essere forti e duri soprattutto nel cuore. Quando però gli viene affidato il compito di domare il nuovo cavallo del comandante di Auschwitz, in Alexander nasce un motivo di nuova speranza: se riuscirà a superare la diffidenza dell’animale e a condurlo al passo, forse guadagnerà il rispetto dei suoi carcerieri. Se fallirà, invece, sarà la morte per entrambi.
Si può rimanere umani dove non c’è più compassione? Ispirato a una storia vera, un racconto toccante e commovente.
«Suzy Zail è riuscita a gestire con la massima delicatezza una storia terrificante. Ha dato un volto umano a un evento tragico.»
«Ho amato il protagonista, semplicemente perché è REALE!»
«Una storia avvincente, che non riuscivo a smettere di leggere.»
Ispirato a una storia vera
Il commovente tentativo di restare bambini nell'inferno di un campo di concentramento
A10567: è ancora giovanissimo Alexander Altmann, ma non ha bisogno di guardare il numero tatuato sul suo braccio, lo conosce a memoria. Sa anche che per sopravvivere ad Auschwitz, dovrebbe irrobustirsi, ma è difficile in quell’inferno.
Ogni giorno deve assistere a umiliazioni, violenze e soprusi indicibili. Ma Alexander ha imparato subito che per non morire bisogna essere forti e duri soprattutto nel cuore. Quando però gli viene affidato il compito di domare il nuovo cavallo del comandante di Auschwitz, in Alexander nasce un motivo di nuova speranza: se riuscirà a superare la diffidenza dell’animale e a condurlo al passo, forse guadagnerà il rispetto dei suoi carcerieri. Se fallirà, invece, sarà la morte per entrambi.
Si può rimanere umani dove non c’è più compassione? Ispirato a una storia vera, un racconto toccante e commovente.
«Suzy Zail è riuscita a gestire con la massima delicatezza una storia terrificante. Ha dato un volto umano a un evento tragico.»
«Ho amato il protagonista, semplicemente perché è REALE!»
«Una storia avvincente, che non riuscivo a smettere di leggere.»
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2014
6 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Suzy Zail
21 books76 followersA Family lawyer in her past life, Suzy is now the bestselling author of more than 14 books for adults, teens and children. Suzy is best-known for her young adult novels, Inkflower, The Wrong Boy, Alexander Altmann A10567 and I am Change, stories that shine a light on injustice. She is also the founder of Give A Girl a Book, shipping more than 10,000 books (donated by school libraries and students) to girls in Africa who couldn’t otherwise afford them. Suzy's novels have won Reader's choice for Book of the Year for older readers, in the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards, been shortlisted for the Young Australians Best Book Awards and the U.K. Coventry Inspiration Book Awards and have been named an Outstanding International book by the United States Board on Books for Young People. Her books have been published in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the U.S., Canada and the U.K. and are taught in secondary school History and English. Suzy lives in Melbourne Australia.
Visit her online at suzyzail.com.au and @authorsuzyzail
Visit her online at suzyzail.com.au and @authorsuzyzail
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 3, 2017
Aussies, win a copy here http://www.divabooknerd.com/2014/05/a...
Alexander Altmann wasn't what I had expected. I assumed from the synopsis that the storyline was about being imprisoned by the Germans and concentrated on the appalling and cruel conditions. But I was pleasantly surprised. Alexander Altmann represents hope even in the darkest of conditions and the fight for life. Alexander's story was nothing short of heartbreaking, at only fourteen, he is taken into the adult male camp and kept in inhumane conditions. Men dying is a part of everyday life, and I use the term life loosely, as the prisoners are only barely existing. Alexander has been through more in his short life, than any of us would in a lifetime, he has no idea where his family is, but knows if he has any chance of surviving, he needs to remain hardened. He won't allow himself to make friends, with men dying all around him, he figures there's no point. I can't even begin to imagine being only fourteen and thrown into a terrifying world that no child or adult should experience. It was horrific.
Based on a true story, it is said that Suzy Zail was visiting the Holocaust Centre in Melbourne when Alexander Altmann begun to materialise. She was listening to a guest speaker in which an elderly man participated from the audience, uzy sought the man out after lecture and heard his story. Fred Steiner is Alexander Altmann with a fictional blend. He survived, migrated to Australia where he married and had children of his own, in a country that prides itself on freedom for all and continues to speak at the Holocaust Centre in Melbourne. Through the pen of Suzy Zail, I'm incredibly humbled and grateful to have read his story.
Alexander Altmann wasn't what I had expected. I assumed from the synopsis that the storyline was about being imprisoned by the Germans and concentrated on the appalling and cruel conditions. But I was pleasantly surprised. Alexander Altmann represents hope even in the darkest of conditions and the fight for life. Alexander's story was nothing short of heartbreaking, at only fourteen, he is taken into the adult male camp and kept in inhumane conditions. Men dying is a part of everyday life, and I use the term life loosely, as the prisoners are only barely existing. Alexander has been through more in his short life, than any of us would in a lifetime, he has no idea where his family is, but knows if he has any chance of surviving, he needs to remain hardened. He won't allow himself to make friends, with men dying all around him, he figures there's no point. I can't even begin to imagine being only fourteen and thrown into a terrifying world that no child or adult should experience. It was horrific.
Based on a true story, it is said that Suzy Zail was visiting the Holocaust Centre in Melbourne when Alexander Altmann begun to materialise. She was listening to a guest speaker in which an elderly man participated from the audience, uzy sought the man out after lecture and heard his story. Fred Steiner is Alexander Altmann with a fictional blend. He survived, migrated to Australia where he married and had children of his own, in a country that prides itself on freedom for all and continues to speak at the Holocaust Centre in Melbourne. Through the pen of Suzy Zail, I'm incredibly humbled and grateful to have read his story.
April 16, 2024
Alexander Altmann 110567 would have to be my favourite Suzy Zail novel that I've read so far. After finishing the novel I discovered it was based on the life of an actual Holocaust survivor that Suzy met at the Melbourne Holocaust Centre.
Fourteen-year-old, Auschwitz prisoner, Alexander Altmann, having been raised on a farm, volunteers to be part of the Horse Platoon and finds himself caring for a Nazi commander's horse. However, the horse is frightened and untrustworthy and Alexander knows time is running out for both of them.
I loved the bond that grew between boy and animal. Despite the horrors around them, they learnt to trust each other and helped save the other. While the author didn't back down from the brutalities and the horrendous treatment of prisoners, Alexander Altmann 110567 was ultimately a book of hope and survival, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A wonderful, touching story.
Fourteen-year-old, Auschwitz prisoner, Alexander Altmann, having been raised on a farm, volunteers to be part of the Horse Platoon and finds himself caring for a Nazi commander's horse. However, the horse is frightened and untrustworthy and Alexander knows time is running out for both of them.
I loved the bond that grew between boy and animal. Despite the horrors around them, they learnt to trust each other and helped save the other. While the author didn't back down from the brutalities and the horrendous treatment of prisoners, Alexander Altmann 110567 was ultimately a book of hope and survival, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A wonderful, touching story.
September 28, 2021
Trigger warnings: Holocaust, genocide, death, animal death, death of a sibling (in the past), antisemitism, physical violence, blood.
3.5 stars.
The author's note at the end says that this is inspired by a true story, and I'm glad that note was included because there were elements of this that I didn't vibe with and knowing that it's inspired by someone's actual story made me slightly more forgiving.
Essentially, a 14 year old boy in Auschwitz is recruited to care for the commandant's horse. On the one hand, horses terrify me and so I was a little eh about reading this. On the other hand, this was definitely more brutal and violent than I anticipated. And yet at the same time, there were elements of "not all the Germans were bad!" that I still don't know how I feel about. And there were moments (namely, when Alexander came back from a hard day in the stables and was able to take a long hot shower???) that I aggressively side-eyed.
Look, ultimately it was a compelling story that looks at a different side of life in Auschwitz. But it packed less of an emotional punch than I anticipated. So. There's that.
3.5 stars.
The author's note at the end says that this is inspired by a true story, and I'm glad that note was included because there were elements of this that I didn't vibe with and knowing that it's inspired by someone's actual story made me slightly more forgiving.
Essentially, a 14 year old boy in Auschwitz is recruited to care for the commandant's horse. On the one hand, horses terrify me and so I was a little eh about reading this. On the other hand, this was definitely more brutal and violent than I anticipated. And yet at the same time, there were elements of "not all the Germans were bad!" that I still don't know how I feel about. And there were moments (namely, when Alexander came back from a hard day in the stables and was able to take a long hot shower???) that I aggressively side-eyed.
Look, ultimately it was a compelling story that looks at a different side of life in Auschwitz. But it packed less of an emotional punch than I anticipated. So. There's that.
December 2, 2020
This poignant, well-written novel about 14-year old Jewish Alexander Antmann, Auschwitz prisoner A10567, is a valuable addition to young adult Holocaust fiction. The author acknowledged that the basis of her story is the testimony of Fred Steiner about his experience after the Nazis occupied Hungary in 1944 and deported the Jews to the concentration camps. The teenager knew that his sister had been gassed on arrival at Auschwitz, but had no information about the fate of his parents or extended family. He was utterly alone. Written for readers of Alexander's age, nonetheless I found the story compelling and connected immediately with the main character because of the author's skilful portrayal of his vulnerability and growing resilience. I did wonder how much of the story was "reimagined", but the impact of it as a whole was impressive without being melodramatic.
Because of his experience on his family’s farm, Alexander volunteered for the unit that trained horses for the Commander of the camp. If he failed in breaking in the Commander’s horse, both he and the horse would be summarily shot. What impressed me was the parallel Zail built into her story between the vulnerability and fear of both the animal and the teenaged boy. Alexander had sustained his anger and resentment, his lack of trust and desire for friendship in the camp, until he became connected to the horse. “It had taken a horse to teach him how to be human [again]. A horse as scared and lost as he was.”
The horror of the camps, the visual images of the deaths and Nazi barbarity were not excluded in this novel, but rather handled with sensitivity. The focus of the narrative was sharpened, however, on the humanity that emerged when Alexander opened himself up to feel and to accept friendship when it was offered. When the Commander’s wife asked Alexander’s name, not referring to him by number, the teenager regained an identity he had felt he had lost. I learned that this moment was authentic and one that Fred Steiner had never forgotten.
Because of his experience on his family’s farm, Alexander volunteered for the unit that trained horses for the Commander of the camp. If he failed in breaking in the Commander’s horse, both he and the horse would be summarily shot. What impressed me was the parallel Zail built into her story between the vulnerability and fear of both the animal and the teenaged boy. Alexander had sustained his anger and resentment, his lack of trust and desire for friendship in the camp, until he became connected to the horse. “It had taken a horse to teach him how to be human [again]. A horse as scared and lost as he was.”
The horror of the camps, the visual images of the deaths and Nazi barbarity were not excluded in this novel, but rather handled with sensitivity. The focus of the narrative was sharpened, however, on the humanity that emerged when Alexander opened himself up to feel and to accept friendship when it was offered. When the Commander’s wife asked Alexander’s name, not referring to him by number, the teenager regained an identity he had felt he had lost. I learned that this moment was authentic and one that Fred Steiner had never forgotten.
August 24, 2017
Recensione anche sul BLOG
Proprio così, ogni tanto esco dalla comfort zone dei romanzi rosa per staccare la testa e scelgo qualcosa di più forte, più vero. Più pregno di emozioni che con gli occhi a cuoricino e le lacrime di gioia hanno poco a che vedere. Succede spesso che la scelta ricada su qualcosa di relativo agli stermini che si sono verificati nella nostra storia. Sono dei momenti storici cruciali, di cui c’è sempre qualcosa da scoprire e che mi prendono un sacco. In realtà non so bene da dove derivi questo interesse, ma mi è sempre ‘piaciuto’, se così si può dire, scoprire nuovi aspetti e nuovi racconti di questi periodi bui.
Il bambino di Auschwitz non è una storia completamente vera. L’autrice ha preso una storia reale, che le è stata raccontata da un sopravvissuto, e l’ha rivisitata.
Non credo che in questi casi si possa parlare di bellezza della storia o di ‘simpatia’ dei personaggi. Sono racconti che di bello e ‘simpatico’ non hanno nulla. Il bambino di Auschwitz è una storia che prende, scritta con grande delicatezza, pur mantenendo la durezza della Storia.
La prima cosa a cui penso quando leggo questi libri è l’immensità della forza d’animo. Il suo essere fondamentale, la sua capacità di far sopravvivere una persona quando ha perso tutto, sia materiale che non. Di solito sono storie vere, o comunque rivisitazioni di racconti di vita, di sopravvissuti. Di persone cui è rimasta solo la speranza, e nemmeno troppa.
Alexander è un bambino che ha perso tutto, compresa la fiducia nel mondo e nell’umanità.
Ma gli è rimasta la fiducia nelle promesse della madre, la certezza che, quando tutto finirà, lei sarà ancora lì ad aspettarlo per dargli tutto il suo amore. E su quello fonda la sua vita al campo, in quello trova la forza di andare avanti, di ricordarsi chi è, di sopravvivere e tornare.
Un’altra cosa che emerge prepotente è l’umanità. Quel sentimento, quel modo di essere che in posti come Auschwitz e Birkenau sembra morta, polverizzata nei forni. E invece Alexander scopre che non è davvero così. La riscopre, pur rimanendo diffidente e solitario, nei piccoli gesti, nei tentativi dei prigionieri di socializzare, di aggrapparsi il più possibile alla vita vera, quella senza un numero tatuato su un braccio. Quella da persone e non da animali.
Ed è così che Alexander continua giorno dopo giorno, grazie alla forza d’animo, alle promesse della madre, a Isidor che nonostante il rifiuto di Alex ad essergli amico ci riprova ogni giorno. E grazie agli animali, ai cavalli, per essere precisi. Alex ha infatti la fortuna di entrare nel plotone equestre di Auschwitz. Un gruppo di uomini che si prendono cura ogni giorno dei cavalli degli ufficiali del campo. Conosce comunque la paura, la fame, le condizioni proibitive del campo. Ma una parte di lui riesce, grazie al suo grande amore per i cavalli, a mantenere la serenità che gli permette di arrivare giorno dopo giorno a sera.
È un libro toccante, forse più di altri nel suo genere, vista anche la giovanissima età di Alex che si spaccia sedicenne solo per non finire nelle docce del gas, quelle dove finiscono i bambini considerati inutili dal punto di vista lavorativo.
L’unica cosa che non ho apprezzato appieno è stato il finale. Un po’ affrettato, un po’ troppo ‘sognante’, al punto di non capire quanto ci sia di reale e quanto sia immaginazione del protagonista.
Nonostante questo, un libro che vi consiglio, sia se vi piace il genere, sia se volete uscire dai generi letti di solito e provare con qualcosa di nuovo.
Proprio così, ogni tanto esco dalla comfort zone dei romanzi rosa per staccare la testa e scelgo qualcosa di più forte, più vero. Più pregno di emozioni che con gli occhi a cuoricino e le lacrime di gioia hanno poco a che vedere. Succede spesso che la scelta ricada su qualcosa di relativo agli stermini che si sono verificati nella nostra storia. Sono dei momenti storici cruciali, di cui c’è sempre qualcosa da scoprire e che mi prendono un sacco. In realtà non so bene da dove derivi questo interesse, ma mi è sempre ‘piaciuto’, se così si può dire, scoprire nuovi aspetti e nuovi racconti di questi periodi bui.
Il bambino di Auschwitz non è una storia completamente vera. L’autrice ha preso una storia reale, che le è stata raccontata da un sopravvissuto, e l’ha rivisitata.
Non credo che in questi casi si possa parlare di bellezza della storia o di ‘simpatia’ dei personaggi. Sono racconti che di bello e ‘simpatico’ non hanno nulla. Il bambino di Auschwitz è una storia che prende, scritta con grande delicatezza, pur mantenendo la durezza della Storia.
La prima cosa a cui penso quando leggo questi libri è l’immensità della forza d’animo. Il suo essere fondamentale, la sua capacità di far sopravvivere una persona quando ha perso tutto, sia materiale che non. Di solito sono storie vere, o comunque rivisitazioni di racconti di vita, di sopravvissuti. Di persone cui è rimasta solo la speranza, e nemmeno troppa.
Alexander è un bambino che ha perso tutto, compresa la fiducia nel mondo e nell’umanità.
Ma gli è rimasta la fiducia nelle promesse della madre, la certezza che, quando tutto finirà, lei sarà ancora lì ad aspettarlo per dargli tutto il suo amore. E su quello fonda la sua vita al campo, in quello trova la forza di andare avanti, di ricordarsi chi è, di sopravvivere e tornare.
Un’altra cosa che emerge prepotente è l’umanità. Quel sentimento, quel modo di essere che in posti come Auschwitz e Birkenau sembra morta, polverizzata nei forni. E invece Alexander scopre che non è davvero così. La riscopre, pur rimanendo diffidente e solitario, nei piccoli gesti, nei tentativi dei prigionieri di socializzare, di aggrapparsi il più possibile alla vita vera, quella senza un numero tatuato su un braccio. Quella da persone e non da animali.
Ed è così che Alexander continua giorno dopo giorno, grazie alla forza d’animo, alle promesse della madre, a Isidor che nonostante il rifiuto di Alex ad essergli amico ci riprova ogni giorno. E grazie agli animali, ai cavalli, per essere precisi. Alex ha infatti la fortuna di entrare nel plotone equestre di Auschwitz. Un gruppo di uomini che si prendono cura ogni giorno dei cavalli degli ufficiali del campo. Conosce comunque la paura, la fame, le condizioni proibitive del campo. Ma una parte di lui riesce, grazie al suo grande amore per i cavalli, a mantenere la serenità che gli permette di arrivare giorno dopo giorno a sera.
È un libro toccante, forse più di altri nel suo genere, vista anche la giovanissima età di Alex che si spaccia sedicenne solo per non finire nelle docce del gas, quelle dove finiscono i bambini considerati inutili dal punto di vista lavorativo.
L’unica cosa che non ho apprezzato appieno è stato il finale. Un po’ affrettato, un po’ troppo ‘sognante’, al punto di non capire quanto ci sia di reale e quanto sia immaginazione del protagonista.
Nonostante questo, un libro che vi consiglio, sia se vi piace il genere, sia se volete uscire dai generi letti di solito e provare con qualcosa di nuovo.
October 7, 2017
I appreciated the fact that this was based on a true story; and I enjoyed the book itself. However, it didn't blow me away - the description and characters didn't whack me in the face with the horror of Auschwitz. I got a little confused at the end - it just seemed to sort of ... stop?? And not in an artsy, clever way, more in a Quick-I-Have-To-Finish way. Additionally, some things weren't fully resolved and the writing was rather difficult to keep up with at times.
There were some things I appreciated, and some things I didn't. However, overall, I think the author did a decent job of representing the story of the real Alexander.
There were some things I appreciated, and some things I didn't. However, overall, I think the author did a decent job of representing the story of the real Alexander.
October 24, 2015
For an insight into concentration camp life during World War 2, it is a very good read. As I was reading it my memory went back to Solzhenitsyn's 'One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich'. Of course, that's an adult novel and 'Alexander Altmann A10567' is for teenagers and definitely not in the same literary league.
The big question for me is whether this is a book I would give a teenager to read. Adults, as seen in the reviews, love it. I don't know whether teenagers would. I think you could only give this book to teenagers if you read it with them, either in a classroom or home-school setting, and had plenty of time to talk about all the moral issues as they arose and what they would choose if faced with similar situations in their lives.
The other thing that bothers me is the ending. It didn't feel true to how life actually happens. I contacted the author to find out what actually happened in the life of Fred, the Auschwitz survivor she based the life of Alexander on, and she graciously told me. The true ending would have been more believable. I know lots of people prefer a really happy ending, but most war survivors faced just as difficult lives after the war as during the war. Maybe I would have been happier if the book ended when Alexander is told that the Russians have arrived and that he can make his way home.
The big question for me is whether this is a book I would give a teenager to read. Adults, as seen in the reviews, love it. I don't know whether teenagers would. I think you could only give this book to teenagers if you read it with them, either in a classroom or home-school setting, and had plenty of time to talk about all the moral issues as they arose and what they would choose if faced with similar situations in their lives.
The other thing that bothers me is the ending. It didn't feel true to how life actually happens. I contacted the author to find out what actually happened in the life of Fred, the Auschwitz survivor she based the life of Alexander on, and she graciously told me. The true ending would have been more believable. I know lots of people prefer a really happy ending, but most war survivors faced just as difficult lives after the war as during the war. Maybe I would have been happier if the book ended when Alexander is told that the Russians have arrived and that he can make his way home.
September 30, 2014
*Blubbering mess on the floor*
This isn't a cruel holocaust book where you love every character and they all die, I'm just not very good at handling emotions...
I loved the main character straight from the start because he's REAL! He goes into Auschwitz with a set mind to be completely cut off from his emotions ( if I was him I would do the same thing, but let's face it I would probably be dead in the first 2:00 minutes) but softens up just a smidge when he looks after the commanders horse, I loved this book because it has brutality to make it real but doesn't overuse it like sooooo many other holocaust books. It lost its star because for some reason even though heaps was happening everything just kinda felt a little flat. RECOMMEND READING
This isn't a cruel holocaust book where you love every character and they all die, I'm just not very good at handling emotions...
I loved the main character straight from the start because he's REAL! He goes into Auschwitz with a set mind to be completely cut off from his emotions ( if I was him I would do the same thing, but let's face it I would probably be dead in the first 2:00 minutes) but softens up just a smidge when he looks after the commanders horse, I loved this book because it has brutality to make it real but doesn't overuse it like sooooo many other holocaust books. It lost its star because for some reason even though heaps was happening everything just kinda felt a little flat. RECOMMEND READING
Read
January 31, 2022
Trigger & Content Warnings
Antisemitism & the Holocaust
Blood depiction
Death of a sibling recounted
Animal death
Antisemitism & the Holocaust
Blood depiction
Death of a sibling recounted
Animal death
January 3, 2021
“A10567: è ancora giovanissimo Alexander Altmann, ma non ha bisogno di guardare il numero tatuato sul suo braccio, lo conosce a memoria. Sa anche che per sopravvivere ad Auschwitz, dovrebbe irrobustirsi, ma è difficile in quell’inferno.
Ogni giorno deve assistere a umiliazioni, violenze e soprusi indicibili. Ma Alexander ha imparato subito che per non morire bisogna essere forti e duri soprattutto nel cuore. Quando però gli viene affidato il compito di domare il nuovo cavallo del comandante di Auschwitz, in Alexander nasce un motivo di nuova speranza: se riuscirà a superare la diffidenza dell’animale e a condurlo al passo, forse guadagnerà il rispetto dei suoi carcerieri. Se fallirà, invece, sarà la morte per entrambi.
Si può rimanere umani dove non c’è più compassione? Ispirato a una storia vera, un racconto toccante e commovente.”
Basato su fatti reali, questo libro racconta le vicende di un quattordicenne ebreo ad Auschwitz. È una storia dolorosa, orribile, atroce perché è una storia vera. E dobbiamo continuare a leggere questo tipo di testimonianze proprio perché sono ancora dolorose.
Ogni giorno deve assistere a umiliazioni, violenze e soprusi indicibili. Ma Alexander ha imparato subito che per non morire bisogna essere forti e duri soprattutto nel cuore. Quando però gli viene affidato il compito di domare il nuovo cavallo del comandante di Auschwitz, in Alexander nasce un motivo di nuova speranza: se riuscirà a superare la diffidenza dell’animale e a condurlo al passo, forse guadagnerà il rispetto dei suoi carcerieri. Se fallirà, invece, sarà la morte per entrambi.
Si può rimanere umani dove non c’è più compassione? Ispirato a una storia vera, un racconto toccante e commovente.”
Basato su fatti reali, questo libro racconta le vicende di un quattordicenne ebreo ad Auschwitz. È una storia dolorosa, orribile, atroce perché è una storia vera. E dobbiamo continuare a leggere questo tipo di testimonianze proprio perché sono ancora dolorose.
July 20, 2017
I think this is the book I read... My copy is called "Saving Midnight" with a prominent horse face on the cover. (As a non-horsey person I think I would've been more likely to pick up the other copy as I did nearly put this book back on the shelf.) And yes this is a book about horses. But also so, so much more.
This book sheds light onto one aspect of the Auschwitz experience and the Jews who looked after the horses through the eyes of teenager Alexander who is given the task of looking after a pony and the commander's horse.
This book sprung from conversations with Fred Steiner, A10567, that the author had. Fred did look after horses in Auschwitz.
This book sheds light onto one aspect of the Auschwitz experience and the Jews who looked after the horses through the eyes of teenager Alexander who is given the task of looking after a pony and the commander's horse.
This book sprung from conversations with Fred Steiner, A10567, that the author had. Fred did look after horses in Auschwitz.
September 13, 2019
Wow. What an amazing read. Heart wrenching, heart warming and one of a kind. Zail approaches the horrors of the Holocaust in a way that hasn't been done before. With tenderness, truth and compassion. With a boy and his love for horses.
I love that even though this book clearly depicts the brutality suffered, it isn't the soul focus of the book. We see Alexander grow from a scared and angry little boy, to a kind, generous and strong man.
Amazingly well written, this book won't let you go until the very end.
I love that even though this book clearly depicts the brutality suffered, it isn't the soul focus of the book. We see Alexander grow from a scared and angry little boy, to a kind, generous and strong man.
Amazingly well written, this book won't let you go until the very end.
July 23, 2017
It is a great book that can make aware of the horrible things that happened during holocaust, but I wouldn't recommend this for younger readers or readers who have no background knowledge.
It was a touching story that was researched good, but unfortunately the german translations got lost sometimes so words didn't make a lot of sense.
Still a great book that raises awareness and opens eyes, so that such a cruel thing can never happen again!
It was a touching story that was researched good, but unfortunately the german translations got lost sometimes so words didn't make a lot of sense.
Still a great book that raises awareness and opens eyes, so that such a cruel thing can never happen again!
February 16, 2018
I’m honestly not in the least bit surprised that I loved this as much as I did. Suzy Zail has done it again! I enjoyed this novel tremendously. Maybe “The Wrong Boy” was a bit better (probably because it’s from a female perspective and I could relate more to a music student than an equestrian) but this book was a marvel. It had me gripped from the get go and was filled with an array of thought provoking topics. I’m so glad I picked it up, proud that a fellow Aussie wrote this!
January 2, 2021
Excellent.
Calmly written. No bombastic interludes detract from the very real tale.
Every horse-focused kid and young adult should read this. (Ought to be in every library).
A touching story of the relationships we all wish to build with our animals, while a truly great way of opening windows/eyes to that brutal piece of history humanity must never repeat.
Calmly written. No bombastic interludes detract from the very real tale.
Every horse-focused kid and young adult should read this. (Ought to be in every library).
A touching story of the relationships we all wish to build with our animals, while a truly great way of opening windows/eyes to that brutal piece of history humanity must never repeat.
August 1, 2020
I luv that it was based on a true story, but if you want a really good holocoast story I recommend Within These Walls
April 6, 2023
I found this book incredibly interesting really putting me in the shoes of someone in a concentration camp and I saw how cruel and horrible these places really were. If you like to read about Wars this book is for you
June 17, 2023
look,,,sure its for kids but it was just a little too unrealistic. the over the top happy ending, the constant angsting over his dead sister. it was just...kind of too wrapped up in the idea it was for young children
February 9, 2024
Amazing book for all the horse lovers and people who appreciate history and what we can learn from it! I say books like these never miss and it’s so true! The resilience in books like these are incredible. I would recommend for 13 and up maybe younger if you are a mature reader!
August 15, 2017
A tragic yet inspiring story that made me cry! I Absolutely loved the book and I would definitely recommend it.
March 30, 2018
Great Book, didn’t want it To end!
February 19, 2019
A very good book especially for horsey people....very moving.
June 30, 2023
7/10
Ein bisschen zu viel über pferde, aber, ich weiß ich hätte den klapptext lesen sollen und ich wüsste Das Dann. Trotzdem super buch, nur nicht ganz mein Geschmack👌
Ein bisschen zu viel über pferde, aber, ich weiß ich hätte den klapptext lesen sollen und ich wüsste Das Dann. Trotzdem super buch, nur nicht ganz mein Geschmack👌
September 1, 2023
I bought this book a few years ago & just finished reading it. Well worth the wait.
December 13, 2023
It’s authenticity and vivid, but sometimes sickening, detail make an indelible impression.
October 5, 2014
With its young protagonist, Alexander Altmann A10567 reminded me a little of John Boyne’s The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, though Alexander, a 14-year-old Jewish inmate of Auschwitz-Birkenau, is older, tougher and much more aware than Bruno, the spoilt eight-year-old son of a Nazi extermination camp commandant, who has a very limited idea of what the ‘farm’ he can glimpse actually is and who its ‘pyjama’-wearing occupants are. And where Boyne’s book is subtitled ‘a fable’, Suzy Zail’s novel was inspired by the story of Holocaust survivor Fred Steiner. According to Zail, ‘Some of what happened to the fictional Alexander Altmann happened to Fred.’
Alexander grew up working with horses on his father’s farm in Hungary. Starving in Birkenau, when he sees a chance to improve his lot by joining the camp’s Horse Platoon (affording him slightly better ‘bed’ and rations, and allowing him to avoid the quarry gang and the week-long life expectancy of those assigned to it), he takes it. However, Alexander is not just struggling to survive physically; he is also struggling with the nature of trust, guilt and friendship. He has got this far in Birkenau by trusting no-one, shutting down his emotions and dreaming, cautiously, about seeing his mother again and returning to the farm and his beloved horse, Sari. He carries plenty of guilt for what he sees as his failure to protect his mother and sister after his father was taken away, and he is desperate to remember his name in a place where he is referred to only as a number.
Though an experienced horseman, Alexander’s position in the Horse Platoon is neither assured nor comfortable, with the constant threat of whippings, beatings and worse at the hands of the Nazi top brass he’s now in contact with every day—and his job only came about because his predecessor was shot for ‘allowing’ his horse to eat poison brambles. But working with horses at Auschwitz offers him a chance not just to survive but also to learn a crucial lesson about hope and connection that could save his soul. This is a terrific book, echoing the detail and horror of other narratives of the concentration camps while showing Alexander’s personal growth in a place hardly conducive to hope or beauty.
Alexander grew up working with horses on his father’s farm in Hungary. Starving in Birkenau, when he sees a chance to improve his lot by joining the camp’s Horse Platoon (affording him slightly better ‘bed’ and rations, and allowing him to avoid the quarry gang and the week-long life expectancy of those assigned to it), he takes it. However, Alexander is not just struggling to survive physically; he is also struggling with the nature of trust, guilt and friendship. He has got this far in Birkenau by trusting no-one, shutting down his emotions and dreaming, cautiously, about seeing his mother again and returning to the farm and his beloved horse, Sari. He carries plenty of guilt for what he sees as his failure to protect his mother and sister after his father was taken away, and he is desperate to remember his name in a place where he is referred to only as a number.
Though an experienced horseman, Alexander’s position in the Horse Platoon is neither assured nor comfortable, with the constant threat of whippings, beatings and worse at the hands of the Nazi top brass he’s now in contact with every day—and his job only came about because his predecessor was shot for ‘allowing’ his horse to eat poison brambles. But working with horses at Auschwitz offers him a chance not just to survive but also to learn a crucial lesson about hope and connection that could save his soul. This is a terrific book, echoing the detail and horror of other narratives of the concentration camps while showing Alexander’s personal growth in a place hardly conducive to hope or beauty.
September 22, 2014
Fourteen year old Alexander Altmann has lost everything – his home, his horses, his family, his name… It is World War Two, and Alexander is a Jewish inmate at Auschwitz. In order to survive, he puts his hand up for a job in the stables, but when he is asked to break in the commander’s horse – an seemingly impossible task – his life and that of the horse’s are in danger if he doesn’t succeed.
Suzy Zail has crafted a gripping tale of survival in the wost of circumstances, and reveals that kindness can be found in the most unlikely of places. Alexander is a character that has shut himself off from everyone in order to survive. It has worked well for him so far, but he starts to learn that being alone isn’t always the safest, and that trust and friendship can help you survive too...
Read the rest of my review on NZ Booklovers
Suzy Zail has crafted a gripping tale of survival in the wost of circumstances, and reveals that kindness can be found in the most unlikely of places. Alexander is a character that has shut himself off from everyone in order to survive. It has worked well for him so far, but he starts to learn that being alone isn’t always the safest, and that trust and friendship can help you survive too...
Read the rest of my review on NZ Booklovers
June 30, 2014
This is a beautiful book, which deals with a very difficult topic with great sensitivity. There were times when I thought Suzy Zail concentrated on the horses a little too much, but the importance of the horses to the Nazis only served to highlight the inhumanity shown towards the Jewish prisoners. The ending was perhaps a little too neat, but this is a children's book, and anything other would be cruel. I especially like the notes at the end, talking about the man whose story inspired this book. I also loved the grey character of the kapo, who confused my moral sense for most of the book. Also Alexander's logical avoidance of friendship, as it would only end in pain. Thought provoking without being preachy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2015
Il bambino di Auschwitz, ispirato a una storia vera, si rivela un romanzo emozionante e coinvolgente. Alexander Altmann è ancora un ragazzo quando viene portato al campo di concentramento di Auschwitz, la rappresentazione dell’inferno sulla terra, dove solo i più forti sopravvivono, mentre per i deboli non c’è scampo. A10567, il numero seriale tatuato sul braccio, diventa il suo nuovo nome.
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January 13, 2023
I do believe that the book overall was extremely cliche and boring. I have read quite a large number of World War II stories whether they be real or not. I found this book in particular to be too similar to many that I read and found it extremely boring, considering some others I've read. There was really nothing different or creative in this book than other war stories. I appreciate the writing and the real life experience the novel is based around. However, I did really think the end was touching and was extremely redeeming considering the rest of the book.
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