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The Nazi, the Princess, and the Shoemaker: Second Edition
"What a testament to the will to survive and the strength of the Jewish people. This is the most powerful book I have ever read." - Donald S. Miller "Difficult to put down... a true page turner. One of the best books I've ever read, actually." - Martha Keltz, Rudolf Steiner Book Reviews Have you ever heard of a Jew who saved a Nazi's life? Who evaded capture by pretending to be a Polish peasant, a Communist spy, a partisan, and a Rabbi? Who spent months starving in the woods, sleeping in haystacks in the freezing cold, only to finish off the war in a luxurious palace as the guest of a Polish princess? Over 30 years in the making, this unique and extraordinary account was recreated from cassette tapes which were recorded in the early 1980s and later found in the bottom of a closet, as well as videotaped interviews by Steven Spielberg’s Shoah Foundation. The book describes Binem's childhood in the rural Polish village of Radziejow, and details how his family and community were devastated by the trauma of the Nazi invasion and unimaginably cruel occupation of Poland. At the age of 24, Binem escapes a German forced labor camp and struggles to survive the harsh Polish winter by sleeping in haystacks during the day and begging food from peasant farmers at night. Through a chance encounter with a former schoolmate, Binem is taken in by the Osten-Sackens, an aristocratic Polish woman (the “Princess”) and her ethnic German husband, who Binem later learns is a secret Gestapo agent. When Germany begins to lose the war, their son, an SS officer (the “Nazi”), forces Binem to vow to protect his parents from inevitable attempts at retribution. Binem makes good on his promise (three times!) saving Osten-Sacken twice from Russian soldiers and later by testifying on his behalf in a Polish court. The book describes Binem’s Holocaust experience in harrowing detail, from its lows, including a suicide attempt in the Jewish graveyard where his parents were buried, to its highs, such as finishing off the war as an honored guest at the Osten-Sacken mansion, and his celebratory speech to the Russian Jewish officers who liberated him. Updated Second Edition!
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2018
928 people are currently reading
742 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 24, 2019
Such a compelling story
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It’s a remarkable story of survival and perseverance as a Jew in WW2. Kudos to the author for honouring his father and his family by taking the time to write this compelling book.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It’s a remarkable story of survival and perseverance as a Jew in WW2. Kudos to the author for honouring his father and his family by taking the time to write this compelling book.
April 25, 2019
This is a great book. It provides a fascinating account of pre Holocaust Poland, a very raw and chilling description of the brutality of the Nazi regime and an inspiring story of the courage of a true survivor and the good of humanity in the most trying of circumstances. The author pieces together a wonderful account of his father’s Holocaust odyssey in a manner that is easy to read, engaging and entertaining. I thoroughly recommend this great read.
June 4, 2019
Amazing!!
I was completely. engrossed . What an amazing story of courage. For a history buff it was a great read! Amazing take ofcourage!
I was completely. engrossed . What an amazing story of courage. For a history buff it was a great read! Amazing take ofcourage!
February 20, 2019
This book is a very good read, it is hard to put it down. The rich family history and the prelude to the invasion of Poland is very engaging and enjoyable to read. There were so many rich and interesting details of Binim's life with his family and then his life on the run as a hunted escapee from a Nazi death camp.
The continuing dangers faced by his heroic man in Poland after the defeat of Nazi Germany is also gripping. History comes alive as it was lived.
The book is clearly the result of considerable study and painstaking historical research. When I finished reading The Nazi, the Princess, and the Shoemaker, I was a much better educated person.
Those interested in the history of this era will want a copy of this book for the previously unpublished documentation it contains. Of course, it is also a testament to the strength of the human spirit, love and kindness in the worst of times.
The continuing dangers faced by his heroic man in Poland after the defeat of Nazi Germany is also gripping. History comes alive as it was lived.
The book is clearly the result of considerable study and painstaking historical research. When I finished reading The Nazi, the Princess, and the Shoemaker, I was a much better educated person.
Those interested in the history of this era will want a copy of this book for the previously unpublished documentation it contains. Of course, it is also a testament to the strength of the human spirit, love and kindness in the worst of times.
October 30, 2019
The begats in the beginning were as confusing as those of any family, but I really appreciated the insight into life in Poland before the invasion by Hitler (my people got to the US years before WW1). The escape of the author's father implemented by some very unlikely individuals is astounding! The publisher's blurb covers much, but you really need to read it to fully understand. I kept reading into the night it was so compelling. The excellent narrator is Benjamin G Powell.
I won this audiobook in a giveaway!
I won this audiobook in a giveaway!
May 29, 2019
Thank You
Your father was indeed a special man. For him to have seen and experienced these horrific acts and come out alive is truly a miracle. I am in awe of such courage.
I am part German and it makes me so very very sad to think
that my ethnicity could have been part of this!!
I enjoyed the book but heartbroken, the inhumanity of people....
Your father was indeed a special man. For him to have seen and experienced these horrific acts and come out alive is truly a miracle. I am in awe of such courage.
I am part German and it makes me so very very sad to think
that my ethnicity could have been part of this!!
I enjoyed the book but heartbroken, the inhumanity of people....
January 19, 2020
Great family history
Loved reading this history of Binem. The miracles that he experienced during his life were just that _ Miracles. Thank you for sharing this story of faith in God, perseverance, courage and trust in God.
Loved reading this history of Binem. The miracles that he experienced during his life were just that _ Miracles. Thank you for sharing this story of faith in God, perseverance, courage and trust in God.
April 13, 2019
Could not stop reading!
The author did a great job telling his father's story! I will be buying the book for my mom and sister!
The author did a great job telling his father's story! I will be buying the book for my mom and sister!
June 21, 2021
Victorious
I love the historical context and this enlightening to focus on
Poland during that time/frame.T history of Jewish perseverance
ls airways inspiring.
I love the historical context and this enlightening to focus on
Poland during that time/frame.T history of Jewish perseverance
ls airways inspiring.
July 12, 2019
Very informative
More than a survivor story, this book provided background to many complexities leading to WWII and the Nazi regime. I’ve read many Holocaust stories but this one provided a history lesson as well and deep roots of one family story.
More than a survivor story, this book provided background to many complexities leading to WWII and the Nazi regime. I’ve read many Holocaust stories but this one provided a history lesson as well and deep roots of one family story.
September 5, 2019
The book was interesting I have a father who came over in 1939 from Austria just started talking about life their fought in the America armed forces and part of liberation of Europe did not speak about it until saving private Ryan was aired he is still alive at 98 years old my daughter is filming him for the family we live in Michigan also
This book was compelling I too have s father who came from Austria in 1939 and went back to fight for liberation of our people he now 98 years old and my daughter is filming him for the family we all come from West Bloomfield Michigan
This book was compelling I too have s father who came from Austria in 1939 and went back to fight for liberation of our people he now 98 years old and my daughter is filming him for the family we all come from West Bloomfield Michigan
April 5, 2019
The survival of Scott's father, Ben, was nothing short of a miracle!!! His account of surviving the holocaust is an easy read, intriguing, heart-stopping and a book that was hard to put down. I looked forward to each moment I spent reading this book. All the close-calls Ben had of actually becoming a victim of the holocaust are simply amazing. Instead he became a survivor!!! He lost everything but yet inspite of his circumstances made something of his life. Never Forget!
April 17, 2019
This book is excellent. It tells the story of Jewish life in Poland from the beginning of the 20th Century through World War II and the aftermath by focusing on one town. It is invaluable because it puts a human face on people facing a tragedy brought on by war . The survival of the shoemaker was a miracle, and must be appreciated as such. A must read.
February 1, 2019
Excellent read of before,during and after the war
This description that is written tells of Jewish life just as war is being brought on the Jews in Poland. It describes one young Jewish lad and his struggles to survive the war.
This description that is written tells of Jewish life just as war is being brought on the Jews in Poland. It describes one young Jewish lad and his struggles to survive the war.
February 11, 2019
The Nazi. The Princess
I feel this book portrays Jewish life leading up to WW2 in Poland. Very well written and very interesting. I have read many accounts of the actions of the Polish people toward Jews after the war.Thanks for the historical insights.
I feel this book portrays Jewish life leading up to WW2 in Poland. Very well written and very interesting. I have read many accounts of the actions of the Polish people toward Jews after the war.Thanks for the historical insights.
February 20, 2019
Excellent History Lesson. Must Read!
This book would make a great movie. The author would be fantastic on a speaking tour. This should be required reading in schools and universities. Excellent History Lesson. Must Read!
This book would make a great movie. The author would be fantastic on a speaking tour. This should be required reading in schools and universities. Excellent History Lesson. Must Read!
December 23, 2025
A great read! A different kind of Holocaust history.
April 11, 2019
Powerful story about resilience and survival. Overall fantastic read. Couldn't put it down!
January 4, 2019
The Nazi, the Princess, and the Shoemaker: My Father’s Holocaust Odyssey is by Scott M. Neuman. Using taped interviews with his Father, his Father’s Shoah interview with the Speilberg Foundation, other personal interviews with survivors, historical books, and a visit to Poland, Scott takes the story he rarely heard mentioned during his own childhood and brings it to life for us to read. Not only does he tell the story of his own Father’s journey during the Holocaust, he tells of the demise of the Jews from his home town of Radziejow, Poland.
Scott and his siblings had never talked to their Father about the War as their Mother said it would upset him too much. It wasn’t until the birth of his own son, that Scott began to wonder about it. He envisioned his own son asking him what his Grandfather did during the War and not being able to answer. He asked his Father to tell his story and allow him to tape it. His Father agreed and later agreed to have Scott write his story. He thought no one would want to hear his story. However, when Scott sat down to write the story, he was unable to. He finally put it aside telling himself he was taking a break. This break lasted about 20 years. Finally, he decided to create a website and put is story on their, a little at a time. He got his son, now twenty, to help him set up the site. As a result, much information about the town along with photographs and other manuscripts were sent to him by survivors and their children. He finally decided to write his book telling of his Father’s life and the life of the Jews of Radziejow. He finally fulfilled his promise to his Father.
The book is well-written and seems to be well-researched. The path his Father took was never far from the village of Radziejow and he kept coming back to it. Many of the people he met as he tried to survive had known him in Radziejow, but did not reveal his identity to those they were with. Their own reasons for not betraying him will remain obsured in the past; but they helped keep him alive. Although his Father did not live to see the book finished, he had already told his story and with it, his family of eleven children plus a multitude in his extended family live again within the pages of this book. I highly recommend it for Holocaust scholars to read.
Scott and his siblings had never talked to their Father about the War as their Mother said it would upset him too much. It wasn’t until the birth of his own son, that Scott began to wonder about it. He envisioned his own son asking him what his Grandfather did during the War and not being able to answer. He asked his Father to tell his story and allow him to tape it. His Father agreed and later agreed to have Scott write his story. He thought no one would want to hear his story. However, when Scott sat down to write the story, he was unable to. He finally put it aside telling himself he was taking a break. This break lasted about 20 years. Finally, he decided to create a website and put is story on their, a little at a time. He got his son, now twenty, to help him set up the site. As a result, much information about the town along with photographs and other manuscripts were sent to him by survivors and their children. He finally decided to write his book telling of his Father’s life and the life of the Jews of Radziejow. He finally fulfilled his promise to his Father.
The book is well-written and seems to be well-researched. The path his Father took was never far from the village of Radziejow and he kept coming back to it. Many of the people he met as he tried to survive had known him in Radziejow, but did not reveal his identity to those they were with. Their own reasons for not betraying him will remain obsured in the past; but they helped keep him alive. Although his Father did not live to see the book finished, he had already told his story and with it, his family of eleven children plus a multitude in his extended family live again within the pages of this book. I highly recommend it for Holocaust scholars to read.
February 11, 2019
Very interesting. Long, detailed story of survival against the odds.
Binem was able to survive not only because of the unlikely charity (at great personal risk) of strangers (and occasionally friends) but also because he somehow never gave up mentally. Every time his personal reservoir or reserves came close to running dry, someone came through.
The most interesting aspects of this was Binem's recognition that he couldn't ascribe judgements to those who acted to help him. He couldn't and didn't judge the motivation of "the pricess" and the "Nazi" but still, after the war was over, he kept his word and spoke up on behalf of those who saved him.
Also interesting was his experiences as a Polish Policeman after the war, and the cost of refusing to participate in reprisals.
I'm always fascinated by the mentality of survivors (from the Holocaust, Rawanda, the escapees from North Korea, etc) as well as those who resisted (the refuseniks of the former USSR, the resistance in Nazi Germany, etc). This was a good book that outlined what survival meant on a daily basis over the length of the war for one ordinary man.
Binem was able to survive not only because of the unlikely charity (at great personal risk) of strangers (and occasionally friends) but also because he somehow never gave up mentally. Every time his personal reservoir or reserves came close to running dry, someone came through.
The most interesting aspects of this was Binem's recognition that he couldn't ascribe judgements to those who acted to help him. He couldn't and didn't judge the motivation of "the pricess" and the "Nazi" but still, after the war was over, he kept his word and spoke up on behalf of those who saved him.
Also interesting was his experiences as a Polish Policeman after the war, and the cost of refusing to participate in reprisals.
I'm always fascinated by the mentality of survivors (from the Holocaust, Rawanda, the escapees from North Korea, etc) as well as those who resisted (the refuseniks of the former USSR, the resistance in Nazi Germany, etc). This was a good book that outlined what survival meant on a daily basis over the length of the war for one ordinary man.
October 15, 2025
Interesting true story about a family of Jewish shoemakers in Poland before and during WW2, and how the authors father survived. It tells they made plans and took steps that would aid them when times got tough, until they were eventually "relocated" to a camp or to their death. The best parts of these stories are the escapes, the bravery they demonstrated, and how the people they encountered reacted to their plight - to turn their backs, or to turn them in, or to put their own lives at risk by helping another person in need.
That is always interesting and amazing to me; the steps people took to secure their own survival: their bravery in the chances they took; the luck or the fate that graced them to get them through the most horrific times of their fight for survival; the danger and the help they encountered along the way.
It also touches me, in reading in many of these autobiographies, the moment when the author came to the decision that they wanted or had to live in order to bear witness to the atrocities of the war.
That is always interesting and amazing to me; the steps people took to secure their own survival: their bravery in the chances they took; the luck or the fate that graced them to get them through the most horrific times of their fight for survival; the danger and the help they encountered along the way.
It also touches me, in reading in many of these autobiographies, the moment when the author came to the decision that they wanted or had to live in order to bear witness to the atrocities of the war.
September 12, 2019
A stand out book!!!!
I have been reading alot of books about the Holocaust and especially about true stories of people that above all odds managed to survive.This incredible story is so we'll researched and written, you will feel that you know this man after you read the book and what he had to go through to survive is incredible. Definitely would recommend:-)
I have been reading alot of books about the Holocaust and especially about true stories of people that above all odds managed to survive.This incredible story is so we'll researched and written, you will feel that you know this man after you read the book and what he had to go through to survive is incredible. Definitely would recommend:-)
January 23, 2020
Wow!
Amazing! You did your father’s story justice. Thank you for sharing it! I don’t ever want anyone to forget what happened during WWII. My mother-in-law was a Christian in Czechoslovakia. Her house was taken over by the Nazis and she and her mother and 2 sisters were in a work camp. She never gave me more information than that. God bless you!
Amazing! You did your father’s story justice. Thank you for sharing it! I don’t ever want anyone to forget what happened during WWII. My mother-in-law was a Christian in Czechoslovakia. Her house was taken over by the Nazis and she and her mother and 2 sisters were in a work camp. She never gave me more information than that. God bless you!
July 9, 2019
Well researched
The author admits in the prologue that he still didn't see the whole picture even after interviewing his father for days. I am impressed that he interviewed many people from the area to get a more objective and deeper perspective.
The author admits in the prologue that he still didn't see the whole picture even after interviewing his father for days. I am impressed that he interviewed many people from the area to get a more objective and deeper perspective.
July 19, 2019
Excellent
This is the story of a Polish Jew who survived WW2. A well written, true story, this book will keep your interest. This is a biography written by the son. This is a very interesting and enlightening story.
This is the story of a Polish Jew who survived WW2. A well written, true story, this book will keep your interest. This is a biography written by the son. This is a very interesting and enlightening story.
October 29, 2019
Interesting survival account
Very different survival account from any others I have read. I really loved how he escaped from the work camp and how he avoided being arrested. It made me laugh although not a funny account of the holocaust.
Very different survival account from any others I have read. I really loved how he escaped from the work camp and how he avoided being arrested. It made me laugh although not a funny account of the holocaust.
May 13, 2020
Great book
Well written and very exciting! This book definitely illustrates the different trials that some Jews experienced during the Holocaust rather than the common concentration camp stories.
Well written and very exciting! This book definitely illustrates the different trials that some Jews experienced during the Holocaust rather than the common concentration camp stories.
October 20, 2021
Fascinating account of a Jewish holocaust survivor
I found this account interesting especially being saved by Polish nobility and a suspected Nazi. Nonetheless it was worth the effort. The ending was rather abrupt in my opinion.
I found this account interesting especially being saved by Polish nobility and a suspected Nazi. Nonetheless it was worth the effort. The ending was rather abrupt in my opinion.
March 7, 2019
Amazing story
Real insight into how one Jew and his community suffered unimaginable degradation from Nazi’s and Polish antisemites - and how he overcame against all odds.
Real insight into how one Jew and his community suffered unimaginable degradation from Nazi’s and Polish antisemites - and how he overcame against all odds.
April 5, 2019
This is am amazing factual account of a survivor of the Holocaust from the Polish town of Radziejow, written by his son and edited and titled by his grandson. What an unbelievable tribute a son can leave to honour the memory of his father. Throughout the book the emotion of fear is truly felt by the reader, while times of concealed support shown by a small number of Polish villagers renews ones trust in humanity. The author Scott gives a detailed picture of the family he never knew and what life was like in his father’s town. It’s a compelling and interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews