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The Apprentice of Buchenwald: The True Story of the Teenage Boy Who Sabotaged Hitler’s War Machine
Alexander Rosenberg was a smart and curious teenager who spoke many languages, collected stamps, played the violin, and lived a pampered life with his affluent parents in a tranquil Czechoslovakian town. The rise of fascism and Nazi Germany causes his protected existence to collapse, alongside the illusion of secular Jewish assimilation in 1930s Europe.
Using their last reserves of wealth and influence to escape extermination, the Rosenbergs go underground to avoid the Gestapo. Eventually exposed, captured, and taken to Buchenwald, the largest concentration camp in Germany, Alexander and his father collaborate to survive one day at a time. A chaotic chain of events puts young Alexander at the heart of a massive armament sabotage scheme. When his father is gravely injured and disappears after an air bombing, it is up to industrious Alexander to create leverage and use wartime machinations and raw talent to save his father's life.
This universal, true story of inner strength, resourcefulness and optimism was documented and written by Alexander's grandson, Oren Schneider. It is dedicated to brave people everywhere who choose not to give up.
Using their last reserves of wealth and influence to escape extermination, the Rosenbergs go underground to avoid the Gestapo. Eventually exposed, captured, and taken to Buchenwald, the largest concentration camp in Germany, Alexander and his father collaborate to survive one day at a time. A chaotic chain of events puts young Alexander at the heart of a massive armament sabotage scheme. When his father is gravely injured and disappears after an air bombing, it is up to industrious Alexander to create leverage and use wartime machinations and raw talent to save his father's life.
This universal, true story of inner strength, resourcefulness and optimism was documented and written by Alexander's grandson, Oren Schneider. It is dedicated to brave people everywhere who choose not to give up.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2023
307 people are currently reading
2262 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 1, 2023
Emotional.
I have read many books about the Holocaust but this one is different. This one is emotional as the others were but in a way it is more so. It’s impossible for me to review. Suffice it to say, you will learn about the horrors but also the strength of a family during the worst times of the lives of generations. Stories passed down so no one would ever forget - The Holocaust.
I have read many books about the Holocaust but this one is different. This one is emotional as the others were but in a way it is more so. It’s impossible for me to review. Suffice it to say, you will learn about the horrors but also the strength of a family during the worst times of the lives of generations. Stories passed down so no one would ever forget - The Holocaust.
August 30, 2024
זה לא חדש שאני קוראת ספרים על השואה, אבל לא זכור לי שקראתי לאחרונה סיפור אמיתי של ניצול שואה, ולכן הספר הזה סיקרן אותי.
הסיפור של אלכסנדר פשוט מדהים, התושייה, הכוח והאומץ שהוא הפגין בגיל כל כך צעיר ובתנאים כל כך קשים ממש הדהימו אותי. הסיפור עצמו כתוב בצורה כל כך יפה, אבל גם בצורה מאוד מאוד מובנת, ואני מעריכה את זה בספרים כאלו, כי מאוד קל ללכת לאיבוד עם כל השמות, המקומות והזמנים.
מאוד אהבתי שהיה חלק נוסף שנכתב מנקודת המבט של הנכד (שהוא גם הסופר שכתב את הספר), היה מרתק לראות איך היחסים שלו עם סבא שלו הניצול השפיעו עליו. יש קטע בספר שהנכד מדבר על על הביקור במיידנק, והזדהיתי איתו ברמה כל כך עמוקה כי גם לי הייתה חוויה דומה כשביקרתי במחנה. אפילו כמעט הזלתי דמעה בעמוד האחרון של הספר, וזה כמעט אף פעם לא קורה! זה רק מוכיח כמה התחברתי לספר.
הספר אמנם לא קל, אבל הוא היה פשוט מדהים, ממליצה מאוד
הסיפור של אלכסנדר פשוט מדהים, התושייה, הכוח והאומץ שהוא הפגין בגיל כל כך צעיר ובתנאים כל כך קשים ממש הדהימו אותי. הסיפור עצמו כתוב בצורה כל כך יפה, אבל גם בצורה מאוד מאוד מובנת, ואני מעריכה את זה בספרים כאלו, כי מאוד קל ללכת לאיבוד עם כל השמות, המקומות והזמנים.
מאוד אהבתי שהיה חלק נוסף שנכתב מנקודת המבט של הנכד (שהוא גם הסופר שכתב את הספר), היה מרתק לראות איך היחסים שלו עם סבא שלו הניצול השפיעו עליו. יש קטע בספר שהנכד מדבר על על הביקור במיידנק, והזדהיתי איתו ברמה כל כך עמוקה כי גם לי הייתה חוויה דומה כשביקרתי במחנה. אפילו כמעט הזלתי דמעה בעמוד האחרון של הספר, וזה כמעט אף פעם לא קורה! זה רק מוכיח כמה התחברתי לספר.
הספר אמנם לא קל, אבל הוא היה פשוט מדהים, ממליצה מאוד
January 28, 2023
This true story is an incredible firsthand account of a young man’s harrowing experience of survival as a prisoner of Buchenwald; Germany’s largest concentration camp.
Alexander was a highly educated young man coming from an affluent and indulgent upbringing, wanting for nothing. Their wealth and connections with even managed to procure protection for his family in the early stages of World War II. Eventually, however, the luck of the Rosenbergs ran out not even all the money in the world could save them from being captured by the Gestapo.
Alexander experiences a complete culture shock coming into Buchenwald. It is thanks to his father’s ingenuity that he and Alexander were able to survive the glacial nights and harsh conditions. Alexander is eventually put to work in an arsenal factory where he is approached by a fellow prisoner. Having access to the production of fire arms was their chance to sabotage the Germans.
An air bombing interrupts this successful operation. Upon his father being carried away from the bombing sustaining severe injuries, Alexander must further tap into his ingenuity and cleverness in order to uphold the promise he made to his mother, to keep his father safe.
I was a bit worried going into this as non-fictions can sometimes feel very dry to me but this was anything but. The Apprentice of Buchenwald is a heart-racing and informative story of a young man who dared to fight back. I adore Alexander’s character. While being brave and of pure heart, he was also a witty teenage boy with a lactose intolerance. Even after surviving this heinous ordeal, he still chose to fight and give back. He didn’t allow the events of his dark adolescence to stop him from living a full life. Alexander instilled the importance of remembering the past while remaining optimistic into his grandson, Oren Schneider, who wrote this book. To quote Schneider’s dedication to his children: “…never stop asking and challenging us, never forget the past; and never be indifferent to those suffering around you; make your voices heard.”
Alexander was a highly educated young man coming from an affluent and indulgent upbringing, wanting for nothing. Their wealth and connections with even managed to procure protection for his family in the early stages of World War II. Eventually, however, the luck of the Rosenbergs ran out not even all the money in the world could save them from being captured by the Gestapo.
Alexander experiences a complete culture shock coming into Buchenwald. It is thanks to his father’s ingenuity that he and Alexander were able to survive the glacial nights and harsh conditions. Alexander is eventually put to work in an arsenal factory where he is approached by a fellow prisoner. Having access to the production of fire arms was their chance to sabotage the Germans.
An air bombing interrupts this successful operation. Upon his father being carried away from the bombing sustaining severe injuries, Alexander must further tap into his ingenuity and cleverness in order to uphold the promise he made to his mother, to keep his father safe.
I was a bit worried going into this as non-fictions can sometimes feel very dry to me but this was anything but. The Apprentice of Buchenwald is a heart-racing and informative story of a young man who dared to fight back. I adore Alexander’s character. While being brave and of pure heart, he was also a witty teenage boy with a lactose intolerance. Even after surviving this heinous ordeal, he still chose to fight and give back. He didn’t allow the events of his dark adolescence to stop him from living a full life. Alexander instilled the importance of remembering the past while remaining optimistic into his grandson, Oren Schneider, who wrote this book. To quote Schneider’s dedication to his children: “…never stop asking and challenging us, never forget the past; and never be indifferent to those suffering around you; make your voices heard.”
January 25, 2023
Synopsis: “ 'Adolf Hitler…We will not mention that name in this house ever again. End of discussion.' Actually, it turns out that we did end up mentioned that name from that day on. Plenty of times.” Alexander Rosenberg grew up in proud in wealth and family name, but with the fall of Slovakia to the Nazis, everything in his life crumbled. As a prisoner of Buchenwald, Alexander is given the opportunity to fight back along with his father who is held there with him. He rises to the challenge, conquering his fear, in hopes of reuniting with his family again and surviving this tragic war. The Apprentice of Buchenwald brings a true story of strength, sabotage, and survival.
Analysis: Holocaust memoirs are always difficult to read, but imagine the courage it takes for these survivors to tell their stories and live. Alexander’s experience provides a unique perspective not just on survival but on fighting back. What a powerful story he tells. Written by his grandson Oren, this book tells surrounding events of his grandfather’s experience in German concentration camps. But the strength that Alexander represents is why you should read this book. He leaves us with a message of strength not to be forgotten.
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Analysis: Holocaust memoirs are always difficult to read, but imagine the courage it takes for these survivors to tell their stories and live. Alexander’s experience provides a unique perspective not just on survival but on fighting back. What a powerful story he tells. Written by his grandson Oren, this book tells surrounding events of his grandfather’s experience in German concentration camps. But the strength that Alexander represents is why you should read this book. He leaves us with a message of strength not to be forgotten.
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 4, 2023
It's always hard to write a review when there is so much pain, heartache and devastation in stories like this.
Alexander was so young, yet he managed to stay strong, be brave and fight back. Even after all he suffered, all he watched and endured...he never gave up. I'm in awe.
For this being a Non-Fiction, it certainly doesn't read like one. Oren does an amazing job sharing his grandfather's story. Highly recommend.
I sincerely appreciate Claire McKinney PR, and Amsterdam Publishing for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Alexander was so young, yet he managed to stay strong, be brave and fight back. Even after all he suffered, all he watched and endured...he never gave up. I'm in awe.
For this being a Non-Fiction, it certainly doesn't read like one. Oren does an amazing job sharing his grandfather's story. Highly recommend.
I sincerely appreciate Claire McKinney PR, and Amsterdam Publishing for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 15, 2025
This is the second holocaust story that I read and I can just say that it has been an interesting journey. Despite all the horrors narrated, the saddest part of the novel for me is the fact that Alexander died alone during Covid. After everything he went through to protect his family and survive, it just feels wrong.
Finally, I cannot believe that despite everything the Jews went through during the holocaust, they have decided to do the same to the Palestinians.
Finally, I cannot believe that despite everything the Jews went through during the holocaust, they have decided to do the same to the Palestinians.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2025
Short book. I didn't really connect with the authors writing but every Holocaust story is important enough to warrant a high review
February 5, 2023
I read the entire book in two days after not being able to put it down. The author sensitively tells his teenage grandfather survival story in fascist Slovakia and a German concentration camp and offers lessons about a family sticking together and the need to never give up. Recommended for adults and young adults
March 10, 2023
The book raised important questions about family, friendship, forgiveness, faith, power, survival, trauma, recovery, guilt, and self-determination.
It held me teetering on the edge between hope and despair. Overall, a thought-provoking and multi-dimensional read.
I loved it 👍
It held me teetering on the edge between hope and despair. Overall, a thought-provoking and multi-dimensional read.
I loved it 👍
March 1, 2023
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for a review.
Alexander Rosenberg was lucky if you could call anyone lucky that survived the German concentration camps. He was lucky because he had a skill that the Germans found useful. He was good with his hands and his mind. As a result, he survived what so many others did not.
The story follows Alexander Rosenberg from a lad growing up in a well-to-do family to living in the atrocities of Buchenwald to life after the defeat of the Nazi regime. It is a heartfelt story of a family that overcomes all the odds to survive the worst the world had to offer and come out stronger. It is a touching, beautifully told story as well as a strong reminder of all those who didn’t survive the annihilation of the Jews by Hitler.
This story is about humanity at its worst and at its best.
Alexander Rosenberg was lucky if you could call anyone lucky that survived the German concentration camps. He was lucky because he had a skill that the Germans found useful. He was good with his hands and his mind. As a result, he survived what so many others did not.
The story follows Alexander Rosenberg from a lad growing up in a well-to-do family to living in the atrocities of Buchenwald to life after the defeat of the Nazi regime. It is a heartfelt story of a family that overcomes all the odds to survive the worst the world had to offer and come out stronger. It is a touching, beautifully told story as well as a strong reminder of all those who didn’t survive the annihilation of the Jews by Hitler.
This story is about humanity at its worst and at its best.
April 10, 2023
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This is the biography of Alexander Ruziak (born Rosenberg), a Holocaust survivor, written by his grandson. Ruziak was Jewish, born in a small town in Czechoslovakia; his family was comparatively wealthy, having established themselves as well-respected merchants before WWII. Because of connections they had built with community leaders, they were able to escape early transports, but eventually they were betrayed by an informant late in the war. The family was separated - mother to Buchenwald, the father and son eventually to work in an armaments factory. Alex himself was in a position where he was able to facilitate sabotage of munitions on the factory line. The book was very well-written and explored a subject not common to many of the WWII books I've read. The second half of the book detailed a trip the author took with his grandfather to revisit some of the war sites that had so impacted the lives of family members. The positive attitude Alex was able to maintain and the success he achieved in later life were amazing!
This is the biography of Alexander Ruziak (born Rosenberg), a Holocaust survivor, written by his grandson. Ruziak was Jewish, born in a small town in Czechoslovakia; his family was comparatively wealthy, having established themselves as well-respected merchants before WWII. Because of connections they had built with community leaders, they were able to escape early transports, but eventually they were betrayed by an informant late in the war. The family was separated - mother to Buchenwald, the father and son eventually to work in an armaments factory. Alex himself was in a position where he was able to facilitate sabotage of munitions on the factory line. The book was very well-written and explored a subject not common to many of the WWII books I've read. The second half of the book detailed a trip the author took with his grandfather to revisit some of the war sites that had so impacted the lives of family members. The positive attitude Alex was able to maintain and the success he achieved in later life were amazing!
March 3, 2024
Alexander was my second cousin.
Thank you Oren for the humanity, passion, love, compassion, and artistry of your history.
As Israel, the US, and so much of the world appears in the throes of current or impending world class disaster, I am grateful to you for immortalizing the tragic, heroic, eerie prescience of Alex’s narrative. That Alex was my second cousin drives deeper meaning and impact for me. The end of his life, and your book brought tears….no surprise…along with your intent…a sense of the possible…despite all odds… of resilience and hope.
Thank you Oren for the humanity, passion, love, compassion, and artistry of your history.
As Israel, the US, and so much of the world appears in the throes of current or impending world class disaster, I am grateful to you for immortalizing the tragic, heroic, eerie prescience of Alex’s narrative. That Alex was my second cousin drives deeper meaning and impact for me. The end of his life, and your book brought tears….no surprise…along with your intent…a sense of the possible…despite all odds… of resilience and hope.
June 18, 2024
The Apprentice Of Buchenwald was another amazing autobiography of a Holocaust survivor. This book was unique in its own way and brought to light the resistance that helped the Germans lose to war. Everything about this story was inspiring.
I swear I will never look at a plank of wood the same again! The stories about the author’s father were so diverse and heartbreaking that is was hard to understand and process all the different ways he impacted the author. There were so many stories contained here that were the first of its kind and so unique to this author. His resistance efforts inside the munitions factory were amazing. It was so courageous that he did so many things, and took many risks to help ensure the Germans did not have working weapons.
As usual, I was amazed by the author’s courage and will to live that came through in the historic autobiography. it is amazing to me that even though so many people experienced the concentration camps, that all of their experiences are so different. The way that he focused on certain things that I had never heard any other survivor discuss made his book unique and very powerful.
I swear I will never look at a plank of wood the same again! The stories about the author’s father were so diverse and heartbreaking that is was hard to understand and process all the different ways he impacted the author. There were so many stories contained here that were the first of its kind and so unique to this author. His resistance efforts inside the munitions factory were amazing. It was so courageous that he did so many things, and took many risks to help ensure the Germans did not have working weapons.
As usual, I was amazed by the author’s courage and will to live that came through in the historic autobiography. it is amazing to me that even though so many people experienced the concentration camps, that all of their experiences are so different. The way that he focused on certain things that I had never heard any other survivor discuss made his book unique and very powerful.
August 28, 2024
This was an incredible, true story! The author wrote teenaged Alexander's POV well. I liked learning about what life was like for some of the more affluent Jews at the beginning of the war. I also liked learning about what life was like for Alexander in Buchenwald, the responsibilities he had and what that gave him access to. I would have liked some kind of note about the guns, and if they ever found out the sabotage worked (especially if it affected the war in Israel?). I also would have liked more about the war in Israel, but overall it was well written and a great story. I appreciated Oren's part in the end, too, for the closure it added to the story.
Content: some violence.
I received this book free from the publisher/author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Content: some violence.
I received this book free from the publisher/author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
May 14, 2025
A Wonderful STORY OF BRAVERY DURING A HORRENDOUS TIME IN HISTORY THAT SHOULD Never Ever be FORGOTTEN
THIS HISTORICAL HEARTBREAKING ACCOUNT Of THIS TERRIBLE TIME IN HISTORY KEPT MY SAD HEART hurting and I feel that EVERYONE SHOULD READ ABOUT THESE BRAVE AND WONDERFUL PEOPLES experiences and my tears were very genuine, because without stories about this horrendous tragedy it could easily happen again someday, maybe with all of the hatred for anything or anyone who is different, this kind of tragedy could be repeated and I APPRECIATE this Author's time and brave experience in writing this amazing AND heartfelt reminder of how much sorrow pain was caused by the holocaust and the EVIL THAT CAUSED IT!!! I pray that nothing will ever happen like this ever again and people need to understand what a terrible Time IN OUR HISTORY THIS WAS!!! SO IT WILL NOT EVER HAPPEN AGAIN!!!!
THIS HISTORICAL HEARTBREAKING ACCOUNT Of THIS TERRIBLE TIME IN HISTORY KEPT MY SAD HEART hurting and I feel that EVERYONE SHOULD READ ABOUT THESE BRAVE AND WONDERFUL PEOPLES experiences and my tears were very genuine, because without stories about this horrendous tragedy it could easily happen again someday, maybe with all of the hatred for anything or anyone who is different, this kind of tragedy could be repeated and I APPRECIATE this Author's time and brave experience in writing this amazing AND heartfelt reminder of how much sorrow pain was caused by the holocaust and the EVIL THAT CAUSED IT!!! I pray that nothing will ever happen like this ever again and people need to understand what a terrible Time IN OUR HISTORY THIS WAS!!! SO IT WILL NOT EVER HAPPEN AGAIN!!!!
June 16, 2024
I had a hard time deciding how to rate this book. 3 stars, 4 stars? It was good. The story is engaging and somewhat miraculous. A lot of the book was hard to read because holocaust survival stories are (and should be) hard to read. The end of Alexander’s story where he went to fight for the creation of Israel was hard to read for other reasons, that should be obvious considering what’s going on in Palestine now.
I couldn’t help but think: you survived all these horrible acts perpetuated on you and determined to move forward not look back … but then turned around and stole from someone else.
Nonetheless I would recommend this book. The Holocaust story is important should be remembered
I couldn’t help but think: you survived all these horrible acts perpetuated on you and determined to move forward not look back … but then turned around and stole from someone else.
Nonetheless I would recommend this book. The Holocaust story is important should be remembered
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2024
The Apprentice of Buchenwald
This true story begins when Alex is young and World War I had ended. It depicts the time previously, during, and after World War II, and into the beginning of COVID in 2020. It was interesting to read about the Holocaust from different perspectives and generations. As with other Holocaust novels, this story also includes people who are helpers, or, what I call "angels."
The story includes the fear and terror experienced throughout Europe and the concentration camps. It also includes courage, love, and resiliency.
This is a must-read novel because we must never forget.
This true story begins when Alex is young and World War I had ended. It depicts the time previously, during, and after World War II, and into the beginning of COVID in 2020. It was interesting to read about the Holocaust from different perspectives and generations. As with other Holocaust novels, this story also includes people who are helpers, or, what I call "angels."
The story includes the fear and terror experienced throughout Europe and the concentration camps. It also includes courage, love, and resiliency.
This is a must-read novel because we must never forget.
December 16, 2024
Another amazing true story. It always strikes me that there’s no end to these tales - here we have what Alexander and his father went through, but there is also left untold his mother’s story of what happened to her while they were apart… and then multiply that by a million.
I also can’t quite understand why people would go so willingly into another war zone after surviving the first one! And truth be told that period of time never is as interesting to read about as the 1945 and prior years, so I’m glad that after a brief foray of their move in 1948 we skipped straight to 2009. That’s just a personal preference though!
I also can’t quite understand why people would go so willingly into another war zone after surviving the first one! And truth be told that period of time never is as interesting to read about as the 1945 and prior years, so I’m glad that after a brief foray of their move in 1948 we skipped straight to 2009. That’s just a personal preference though!
April 10, 2025
Destined to thrive in the shadow of the Holocaust
I love this book! Oren Schneider, the grandson of the protagonist, his grandfather, Alexander, tells the story in first person. He takes you to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows of his grandfather's remarkable life. This is a beautifully written tribute to his grandfather whose legacy is remarkable. I shall miss this family whom I've grown to love.
I love this book! Oren Schneider, the grandson of the protagonist, his grandfather, Alexander, tells the story in first person. He takes you to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows of his grandfather's remarkable life. This is a beautifully written tribute to his grandfather whose legacy is remarkable. I shall miss this family whom I've grown to love.
March 31, 2023
This book was really well written. I was really taken back to the time of the Holocaust. I loved the transition from one time to another and the grandfather visiting again and teaching the grandson the true story of when he was there. I would definitely recommend this book.
I won this in a Goodreads book giveaway!
I won this in a Goodreads book giveaway!
July 2, 2023
Well written story of the horror many people endured and the personal acts of resistance that a lot of unknown victims carried out to help rid the world of the unjust atrocities that occurred under the Nazi scumbag regime. There are really no words to describe what took place in Europe if you are well read on the Holocaust.
June 27, 2024
An absolutely beautiful story from the Holocaust that's relatable and moving. The author is the grandson of a Holocaust survivor who was told a detailed account of his grandfather's experience.
Open, you do your grandfather and family proud by making sure his story lives on. A moving and important story. Thank you for sharing it.
Open, you do your grandfather and family proud by making sure his story lives on. A moving and important story. Thank you for sharing it.
June 30, 2025
We had just visited Buchenwald with a WW2 tour group when I found this book in the shop. i was able to listen to it while continuing on our tour. The story told matched exactly what was told to us by the tour guides at the camp. An amazing story. I feel lucky to have heard an authentic story rather than something just made up. I highly recommend to learn about the history of this camp.
September 12, 2023
Deep
This is a unique story of a Jewish family that fought hard to live through the holocaust and was resourceful. I've read a great deal of Holocaust memoirs, but this one provides vivid details. A sad, beautiful story.
This is a unique story of a Jewish family that fought hard to live through the holocaust and was resourceful. I've read a great deal of Holocaust memoirs, but this one provides vivid details. A sad, beautiful story.
February 11, 2024
An excellent telling of the best and worst of humanity
And a reminder of the cycles of history that we are doomed to repeat if we don’t study and understand history.
A beautiful testimony of the resilience of the human body.
And a reminder of the cycles of history that we are doomed to repeat if we don’t study and understand history.
A beautiful testimony of the resilience of the human body.
December 16, 2023
loved it!
This is an excellent story, well written. I learned a lot. Highly recommend! Everyone should read this book to understand the Holocaust.
This is an excellent story, well written. I learned a lot. Highly recommend! Everyone should read this book to understand the Holocaust.
January 20, 2024
סיפור מדהים של הצלה ואופטימיות
February 8, 2024
These real life stories are almost indescribable. Incredible survival story but saddened by the cruelty experienced.
February 12, 2024
Good
This is a good book, its wrote well. It's sad but also very uplifting. I would suggest reading this book
This is a good book, its wrote well. It's sad but also very uplifting. I would suggest reading this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews