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I Survived Auschwitz
I Survived Auschwitz by Krystyna Zywulska.
235 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1960
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489 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 19, 2019
It's impossible to rate a book like this, to say whether I liked it, loved it or hated it. It's a terrible true story about concentration camps and people dying everywhere, there is nothing likable in it, but at the same time you really begin to understand what it is like to live when all you can see around you is death. I bought this book at the bookstore of the camp and I'm glad I did - more people should read about this time so as not to repeat the same mistakes.
It's not a literary masterpiece but I don't think that's even its primary goal. Yes, it's written/(translated?) a bit clumsily, but it really makes you think and relive the terrible 1940s. That's why you can say that the author has succeeded. You really feel the horrors of the concentration camps.
What I loved about the narrator was that she never lost her hope and could be positive even in the middle of all this. I have a huge respect for her.
It's not an easy book to read but if you are sure you can take it, do give it a chance. It's worth it.
It's not a literary masterpiece but I don't think that's even its primary goal. Yes, it's written/(translated?) a bit clumsily, but it really makes you think and relive the terrible 1940s. That's why you can say that the author has succeeded. You really feel the horrors of the concentration camps.
What I loved about the narrator was that she never lost her hope and could be positive even in the middle of all this. I have a huge respect for her.
It's not an easy book to read but if you are sure you can take it, do give it a chance. It's worth it.
May 30, 2011
History books tell us that Hitler persecuted the Jews during WWII, but to read history in an emotionally detached factual recount is a lot less interesting than the autobiographies of the people involved.
"11 million people were killed during the Holocaust, of which 6 million were Jews." That is an interesting fact, but it is only through immersing ourselves into the life of one of these people that we can truly feel the enormity of the Holocaust. These were normal people that were removed from their homes and everything they had known, subjected to unimaginable inhumane acts. It scares me just to imagine myself suddenly losing everything I have, my family, my history, my dignity, my future. That such atrocities actually took place is so illogical that had it been the storyline of a fiction, it would definitely be shot down by critics for its implausible development.
To me, history is pointless when it is dissociated from the human factor. Its impact is the most powerful when you put yourself into the shoes of the people involved. What would you have done if it had been you in that situation.
"11 million people were killed during the Holocaust, of which 6 million were Jews." That is an interesting fact, but it is only through immersing ourselves into the life of one of these people that we can truly feel the enormity of the Holocaust. These were normal people that were removed from their homes and everything they had known, subjected to unimaginable inhumane acts. It scares me just to imagine myself suddenly losing everything I have, my family, my history, my dignity, my future. That such atrocities actually took place is so illogical that had it been the storyline of a fiction, it would definitely be shot down by critics for its implausible development.
To me, history is pointless when it is dissociated from the human factor. Its impact is the most powerful when you put yourself into the shoes of the people involved. What would you have done if it had been you in that situation.
September 21, 2019
Um despertar de memórias e imagens de todos os que guardam uma recordação da visita a Auschwitz-Birkenau... E dos que nunca lá foram, mas esperam ir um dia! Um testemunho sincero de sobrevivência e um veículo de reflexão para qualquer um, disposto a envolver-se na narrativa.
January 7, 2018
Czterdziesta przeczytana w 20017 książka... duży druk, szybko się czytało, zainteresowała mnie bo to chyba pierwsze (albo jedno z pierwszych) świadectwo osoby która przeżyła obóz koncentracyjny... Te wspomnienia zawsze są ciekawe, tyle już przeczytałem, tyle rzeczy się powtarza, ale też zawsze ktoś wspomina o czymś nowym...
September 4, 2018
Кристина Живулска е полска еврейка, която попада в Освиенцим две години преди ликвидирането на лагера. Преживява всичко: подбора, карантината, безкрайните апели, тежката работа, глада и епидемията от тиф. В лагера прописва стихове, които се разпространяват сред лагерниците от уста на уста. Една от старите и привилегировани лагернички ги чува и пожелава да я спаси, като ѝ намира работа "под покрив". Кристя става част от "избраните". Тези, които попълват анкетните карти на пристигащите. От една страна работа-мечта, тъй като е от малкото, които получават що-годе нормално отношение - могат да не носят затворническа униформа, спят по една на нар, получават пратки, нормални дажби и възможност да "си организират" от складовете топли дрехи и даже книги. От друга страна, обаче, това е ад, тъй като работата им ги прави неудобни свидетели на целия мащаб на чудовищното окончателно решение. Кристя остава единствената оцеляла от своя транш, а траншовете обикновено са били от по около 500 човека. По време на последния марш на смъртта при евакуирането на Освиенцим, тя успява да избяга.
Въпреки, че емоционално книгата е трудна за понасяне, както други подобни биографии на оцелели, стилът на авторката я прави бърза за четене. Поразително е как човек може да загрубее до степен, която го прави нечувствителен към всички ужаси и същевременно да не загуби човешкото в себе си. Както и други подобни биографии, това е книга за силата на човешкия дух.
Лично на мен не ми достигна е, че започва някак отникъде и завършва наникъде. Искаше ми се да разбера какво се е случило с другарите на Кристя от лагера - с Бася, Валя, Зося, Войцек. Дали действително се е срещнала след една година на същия ден пред Гранд Одеон с лагерника, на когото обещава, че ще се чакат там? Може би наивно мечтая за своя хепи-енд. В който не само злото е победено, но онеправданите възтържествуват, а палачите са наказани.
Прочетено на руски под заглавието "Я пережила Освиенцим".
Въпреки, че емоционално книгата е трудна за понасяне, както други подобни биографии на оцелели, стилът на авторката я прави бърза за четене. Поразително е как човек може да загрубее до степен, която го прави нечувствителен към всички ужаси и същевременно да не загуби човешкото в себе си. Както и други подобни биографии, това е книга за силата на човешкия дух.
Лично на мен не ми достигна е, че започва някак отникъде и завършва наникъде. Искаше ми се да разбера какво се е случило с другарите на Кристя от лагера - с Бася, Валя, Зося, Войцек. Дали действително се е срещнала след една година на същия ден пред Гранд Одеон с лагерника, на когото обещава, че ще се чакат там? Може би наивно мечтая за своя хепи-енд. В който не само злото е победено, но онеправданите възтържествуват, а палачите са наказани.
Прочетено на руски под заглавието "Я пережила Освиенцим".
August 2, 2020
Читала прямо перед поездкой в Аушвиц, посоветовала подруга. Ходила по лагерю, представляла где стояли бараки, где жили узники, что видели из окна. Это жутко, но это сделал человек, и не один, и не раз, это реальность, и ее необходимо принять. Те, кто "не замечают" прошлого, не заметят и настоящего, если все это повторится. Равнодушие хуже всего, оно убивает человечество и не имеет оправданий.
April 12, 2018
It is very heartbreaking and eye opening book which has some great inside knowledge on what it was like within the camp. My reason for 4 stars is only due to number of translation errors between the Polish and English version of the book.
October 30, 2025
Raw first hand account of how a person’s whole world can be completely and utterly obliterated to the point that nothing makes sense and everything you thought you knew about yourself has been stripped away. The new world you find yourself in is unrecognizable and your whole identity has been brutally erased. You don’t know who you are anymore. Your dignity and humanity has been stolen. Everything you’ve done in your life until this point means nothing. It’s as if the old you had never existed. All you can be certain of is pain suffering and eventual death. Confusion arises as to whether you still have the will to live and bear witness to the systemic annihilation of your people. Confusion over how you should act. Confusion as to whether you should feel relief or shame with each passing day of your survival. What could possibly make it all worse? How this altered reality became the new norm. The author gives you a glimpse into what the prisoner’s went through, but it’s not something anyone could possibly come close to feeling without directly experiencing it. As I personally toured Auschwitz and walked past the tons of hair taken from the victims, it still didn’t quite seem real. This book brought me closer to what the people endured and for that I gave it 5 stars. Her perspective on her experience is interesting. I won’t spoil it or do it injustice here.
I’ll leave you with my favorite passage from the book. It’s one that speaks to man’s enduring spirit.
Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night….
[At this hour the atmosphere was saturated with romance. Just because it was forbidden, just because death prevailed everywhere, just to contradict everything, against common sense. Couples embraced without forethought, on impulse. They clutched at each other for a brief second to drink in the life-giving force, to live through a moment of pleasure while there was still time, while they were still alive, because in a short while it might be too late. Because not far off, the others were decaying or burning.]
I’ll leave you with my favorite passage from the book. It’s one that speaks to man’s enduring spirit.
Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night….
[At this hour the atmosphere was saturated with romance. Just because it was forbidden, just because death prevailed everywhere, just to contradict everything, against common sense. Couples embraced without forethought, on impulse. They clutched at each other for a brief second to drink in the life-giving force, to live through a moment of pleasure while there was still time, while they were still alive, because in a short while it might be too late. Because not far off, the others were decaying or burning.]
December 24, 2024
I picked up this book based on a recommendation by my tour guide of Auschwitz and Birkenau and I’m so glad I did. This memoir is vivid and horrific but gives a more detailed picture of life at Birkenau than many other books I’ve read.
The author led a more “privileged” life at Auschwitz than most, passing as a Polish political prisoner and hiding her Jewish identity. She worked in “Canada” which had more perks, yet also gave her a better understanding of the operations of the camp. These details help the reader better follow the camp timeline and the functions of the camp. The narration is brutal, honest and very human, both in its compassion and its need for self-preservation.
I also appreciated the footnotes that both gave more historical context of the events, but also an interesting narration of the edits to the language and content of the book through the decades as certain ideas became taboo or politically controversial.
I gave this 4 stars only because some of the translation is a little sloppy, and I was a little overwhelmed by the number of German words that were translated once then repeated throughout the book.
A must-read for anyone who is interested in a first person account of what it was to survive a concentration camp, or especially learn more about Birkenau.
The author led a more “privileged” life at Auschwitz than most, passing as a Polish political prisoner and hiding her Jewish identity. She worked in “Canada” which had more perks, yet also gave her a better understanding of the operations of the camp. These details help the reader better follow the camp timeline and the functions of the camp. The narration is brutal, honest and very human, both in its compassion and its need for self-preservation.
I also appreciated the footnotes that both gave more historical context of the events, but also an interesting narration of the edits to the language and content of the book through the decades as certain ideas became taboo or politically controversial.
I gave this 4 stars only because some of the translation is a little sloppy, and I was a little overwhelmed by the number of German words that were translated once then repeated throughout the book.
A must-read for anyone who is interested in a first person account of what it was to survive a concentration camp, or especially learn more about Birkenau.
October 2, 2024
I bought this whilst visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau and I’m glad I did. Our tour guide recited endless horrific facts about this grotesque place, but in all honesty I struggled to take everything in at times. There really is an encroaching oppressiveness that still lingers there.
One area I do recall being discussed were the infamous ‘death marches’ whereby thousands of prisoners were evacuated from the camps and forced to walk long distances in the bitter cold, many having already been at the brink of death.
To read the author was one of the 56,000 who endured those marches, and by some miracle was able to escape, really brought the history of the Holocaust to life for me.
We’ve all heard about the 6 million figure, but to hear just one person’s testimony makes this brutal period much more real. Of course the futility is this is just one story. We are not able to hear the millions of others belonging to those who were not lucky enough to share their own.
As quoted in the epilogue, “no two people are alike. If everyone was aware of this…the Holocaust would never have happened.”
This book is hard to read in places, but we must remember this brutal stain on our history and the lessons it has taught us.
One area I do recall being discussed were the infamous ‘death marches’ whereby thousands of prisoners were evacuated from the camps and forced to walk long distances in the bitter cold, many having already been at the brink of death.
To read the author was one of the 56,000 who endured those marches, and by some miracle was able to escape, really brought the history of the Holocaust to life for me.
We’ve all heard about the 6 million figure, but to hear just one person’s testimony makes this brutal period much more real. Of course the futility is this is just one story. We are not able to hear the millions of others belonging to those who were not lucky enough to share their own.
As quoted in the epilogue, “no two people are alike. If everyone was aware of this…the Holocaust would never have happened.”
This book is hard to read in places, but we must remember this brutal stain on our history and the lessons it has taught us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2019
I bought this in a book shop in the Jewish ghetto in Krakow. I was going to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau the following day for a second time. I had just read the Tattooist of Auschwitz and wanted to read an account less focussed on romance and more on the reality of day to day life in the camp. This didn’t disappoint.
The photos and descriptions of the environment make it very real. The atrocities are described in a matter of fact way - which somewhat added to the horror. I was surprised at the optimism, the sparks of joy, the normality of some days. It left me with a heavy heart that something like this happened so recently.
The reasons for only giving 4 stars are:-
- the commentary repeats the text and in most cases is spurious.
- the translation is sometimes sloppy. I didn’t mind the unusual sentence construction - it was simply like listening to someone for whom English is not their first language, and this added to the authenticity. I did mind the occasional sentence that didn’t end or misplaced words. Only a slight annoyance.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants to know more about life and death in Auschwitz.
The photos and descriptions of the environment make it very real. The atrocities are described in a matter of fact way - which somewhat added to the horror. I was surprised at the optimism, the sparks of joy, the normality of some days. It left me with a heavy heart that something like this happened so recently.
The reasons for only giving 4 stars are:-
- the commentary repeats the text and in most cases is spurious.
- the translation is sometimes sloppy. I didn’t mind the unusual sentence construction - it was simply like listening to someone for whom English is not their first language, and this added to the authenticity. I did mind the occasional sentence that didn’t end or misplaced words. Only a slight annoyance.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants to know more about life and death in Auschwitz.
March 20, 2021
Tremendo. Creo que no hay ningún libro que te describa tan bien lo que significó vivir en un campo de concentración. La descripción de los lugares, los hábitos, las personas es tan verídica que parece que estás allí. Asimismo, hace algo que en muy pocos libros sobre los campos de concentración se ve: ahonda en la psicología de las personas encerradas allí, describiendo cómo la tortura no solo era a nivel físico, sino también psíquico, convirtiendo a las personas en números y privandolos de su libertad, independencia e incluso empatía y altruismo como seres humanos. Hay páginas que verdaderamente son muy duras, pero merece mucho la pena leerlo.
April 16, 2021
Kniha má vysokou informační hodnotu. Nejde o román. Jde o výpověď, možná reportáž, která popisuje to, co vidí, co se zažilo. Autorka je zároveň i hlavní postavou. Pokud čtete knihy o holocaustu, asi to pro vás nebude úplně nové.
Kniha je upravena. Je díky tomu čtivá, a to i přes náročné pasáže.
Nejde o typ knihy, kterou zhltnete na jeden nádech. Je nutné ji porcovat. Rozhodně by však pro svou druhotnou hodnotu neměla chybět v knihovně.
Kniha je upravena. Je díky tomu čtivá, a to i přes náročné pasáže.
Nejde o typ knihy, kterou zhltnete na jeden nádech. Je nutné ji porcovat. Rozhodně by však pro svou druhotnou hodnotu neměla chybět v knihovně.
September 16, 2023
Det är klart att det inte är meningen att vara en lätt bok men det tog faktiskt hundra år och mängder koffein för att få klart denna bok. Absolut läsvärd bok för dem som kanske har läst alla de basic förintelseböckerna och vill ha något lite mer krävande att tugga på. Detta är inte en lättsam eller "nedvattnad" bok som krigsböcker ofta kan vara. Här finns hela, sanna historien och inget ämne är för brutalt för att tryckas. Det har hänt och det är vår historia. Man kan inte blunda för den.
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September 21, 2023Koszmar zapisany pięknym, wręcz poetyckim językiem.
Ta książka dostarczyła mi wiele łez, wzruszeń, ale i uśmiechu, co może wydawać się groteskowe, mając na uwadze tematykę.
Autorka opisuje koszmar, jaki przeżyła, lecz skupia też wiele uwagi na z pozoru błahych rzeczach, które dawały jej cząstkę normalności i radości w tym piekle. Pokazuje, że nawet w obliczu takiej tragedii ludzie potrafili znaleźć coś, co trzymało ich przy człowieczeństwie.
Ta książka dostarczyła mi wiele łez, wzruszeń, ale i uśmiechu, co może wydawać się groteskowe, mając na uwadze tematykę.
Autorka opisuje koszmar, jaki przeżyła, lecz skupia też wiele uwagi na z pozoru błahych rzeczach, które dawały jej cząstkę normalności i radości w tym piekle. Pokazuje, że nawet w obliczu takiej tragedii ludzie potrafili znaleźć coś, co trzymało ich przy człowieczeństwie.
July 15, 2023
This story is told by a young Polish woman/poet who finishes as an administrative worker with many perks and then finally escapes during the final death march. The dialogues are often unrealistic and full of lecturing, such a perspective was impossible while the horrible monstrosities were happening.
October 13, 2025
I bought this after visiting this place which held so much horror. It portrays the evil acts that are so unimaginable, how can humans treat other humans in this way . The writing is not going to win any literally awards but the tone and style reflects the trauma . The resilience of the survivors is truly remarkable . I would recommend this book .
September 3, 2017
An amazing perspective about surviving Auschewitz. First book that I have read by a survivor from a woman's perspective.
January 22, 2019
Un livre très passionnant qui vous fera sûrement pleurer une très bonne narration et description des évènements je vous conseille fortement de le lire
September 4, 2019
Very harrowing story but one that needs to be told
January 19, 2020
Unbelievable what those people went through.
to-buy
August 2, 20205books.com
May 12, 2022
Naprosto dokonalá kniha, popisující všechny hrůzy koncentračního tábora velmi podrobně, takřka den po dni. Jedná se o neuvěřitelné svědectví o věcech, na které by se nemělo zapomínat.
July 21, 2022
The horrible translation makes this book unreadable. I gave up not even a quarter way through. However, if you don’t mind how awful the grammar is, I’m sure this would be a worthwhile read.
February 7, 2023
Książka która już na zawsze zmieniła jakąś cześć mnie. Jakaś blokada nadal nie pozwala dopuścić myśli, że to wszystko miało miejsce na tym świecie. Piekło istnieje, i było właśnie tam.
55908
55908
October 7, 2024
Będziemy pamiętać !!! Chwała Bohaterom!!! Nigdy więcej wojny!!!
July 23, 2025
A true, raw and emotional account of the terrors at Auschwitz.
September 11, 2025
Innumerable stars for the bravery of this woman and all she endured.
October 7, 2009
A harrowing book but one that needs to be read.
Back Cover Blurb:
There is a danger that we shall forget those things which are better not forgetten. Certainly, some things should be permanently recorded, so that posterity will remember what we would rather erase from our memories.
This is the story of a woman who was imprisoned for some years in the notorious extermination camp of Auschwitz. What she saw puts the story of medieval genocides into the same category as a child's cruelty.
This is her own autobiography, and she shows not only her own courage, but the terrible urge to live which possessed her fellow prisoners. Half-starved, suffering from lice, scabies, dysentery, mowed down by typhus and pneumonia, they worked in the fields in icy slush and mud and registered new arrivals - hundreds of thousands of women from Holland, Greece, Italy and Hungary, who did not know where they were or why they had been seized. That she survived, and finally managed to escape to tell the tale is one of many reasons why this book should be published and widely read, for most of her companions were murdered so that they would not bear witness.
Back Cover Blurb:
There is a danger that we shall forget those things which are better not forgetten. Certainly, some things should be permanently recorded, so that posterity will remember what we would rather erase from our memories.
This is the story of a woman who was imprisoned for some years in the notorious extermination camp of Auschwitz. What she saw puts the story of medieval genocides into the same category as a child's cruelty.
This is her own autobiography, and she shows not only her own courage, but the terrible urge to live which possessed her fellow prisoners. Half-starved, suffering from lice, scabies, dysentery, mowed down by typhus and pneumonia, they worked in the fields in icy slush and mud and registered new arrivals - hundreds of thousands of women from Holland, Greece, Italy and Hungary, who did not know where they were or why they had been seized. That she survived, and finally managed to escape to tell the tale is one of many reasons why this book should be published and widely read, for most of her companions were murdered so that they would not bear witness.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews