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Creating Beauty From The Abyss: The Amazing Story of Sam Herciger, Auschwitz Survivor and Artist
" A gripping, harrowing account of suffering and hard-won humanity ." - Kirkus Review
Seeking a World of Art and Beauty in the Shadow of the Holocaust
The enthralling story of Sam Herciger provides us with a heart-wrenching and powerful Holocaust memoir. It traces the journey of an aspiring young artist who embarks on a passionate quest to find artistic freedom during the danger-filled period of Nazi hegemony in Europe. Sam’s life is then caught up in some of the most dramatic events of the 20th century.
His intriguing adventures begin in prewar Poland, where Sam grew up in an Orthodox Jewish home. It is there that he meets a mysterious figure on the banks of the shining Vistula River, a man who prophesies he would one day achieve fame. Sam’s desire to study art leads him into countless places of peril, including Stalin’s Russia and Nazi Germany. Yet, the creative vision which drove him on gave him the courage to endure unimaginable trials, as did the inspirational works of art he encountered.
Sam Herciger’s panoramic story shows that steadfast commitment to the ideals of love, beauty, and truth can conquer seemingly invincible evil. It is a testament to the greatness of the human spirit.
Seeking a World of Art and Beauty in the Shadow of the Holocaust
The enthralling story of Sam Herciger provides us with a heart-wrenching and powerful Holocaust memoir. It traces the journey of an aspiring young artist who embarks on a passionate quest to find artistic freedom during the danger-filled period of Nazi hegemony in Europe. Sam’s life is then caught up in some of the most dramatic events of the 20th century.
His intriguing adventures begin in prewar Poland, where Sam grew up in an Orthodox Jewish home. It is there that he meets a mysterious figure on the banks of the shining Vistula River, a man who prophesies he would one day achieve fame. Sam’s desire to study art leads him into countless places of peril, including Stalin’s Russia and Nazi Germany. Yet, the creative vision which drove him on gave him the courage to endure unimaginable trials, as did the inspirational works of art he encountered.
Sam Herciger’s panoramic story shows that steadfast commitment to the ideals of love, beauty, and truth can conquer seemingly invincible evil. It is a testament to the greatness of the human spirit.
384 pages, Paperback
Published April 26, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 28, 2022
The true story of Sam Herciger a Jewish man and gifted artist is both an important and interesting read in light of the world we live in. The recounting of Sam's life by the author Lesley Ann Richardson captivatingly describes Sam's incredible and heart wrenching story and held my interest from beginning to end. The author has well researched the history during World War Two. The tumultuous time, locations and events is woven into the backdrop of Sam's story. This period in history profoundly challenged Sam's young life and survival. Through the depths of despair and Sam's heroic hope of a better life and hopes of fulfilled dreams ahead the story recounts a most amazing survival by the grace of God through devastating and cruel circumstances. This book would appeal to student and scholar of history and is important to young and old alike. Lesley Ann Richardson's intelligent and well researched book is a must read and one I would most highly recommend.
Melanie H. Lech
Melanie H. Lech
November 13, 2022
Within this book are many books each running parallel. Alongside the story of Sam Herciger run lessons in Jewish history, the Jewish religion, background to WW2, a description of the war years and always the effects on humanity caused by the Holocaust and antisemitism.
Lesley Ann Richardson draws the reader successfully into one complicated story of survival. One is left wondering how on earth did Sam Herciger survive. Many that touched his life did not survive and died at the extremities of what can hardly considered to be life. The information supplied by Richardson is extensive and relevant. For a description of how the Holocaust was executed one could do no better than read this book published by Amsterdam Publishers.
Lesley Ann Richardson draws the reader successfully into one complicated story of survival. One is left wondering how on earth did Sam Herciger survive. Many that touched his life did not survive and died at the extremities of what can hardly considered to be life. The information supplied by Richardson is extensive and relevant. For a description of how the Holocaust was executed one could do no better than read this book published by Amsterdam Publishers.
January 3, 2023
Creating Beauty From The Abyss
I've read a lot of WWII & Holocaust books: Fiction & Non-Fiction, Survivor's Stories, Historical Novels, & History books. This book goes deeper than any I've read before! What Sam goes through is unbelievably horrifying, yet it was real! I recommend this book wholeheartedly, but I'd age rate it for mature readers! If you get queasy reading about violence & torture, you may want to skip this one! Although I would hope you read it anyway!although Sam's art is not to my taste, I found it fascinating how he was inspired by the horror all around him to make something beautiful from it.
I've read a lot of WWII & Holocaust books: Fiction & Non-Fiction, Survivor's Stories, Historical Novels, & History books. This book goes deeper than any I've read before! What Sam goes through is unbelievably horrifying, yet it was real! I recommend this book wholeheartedly, but I'd age rate it for mature readers! If you get queasy reading about violence & torture, you may want to skip this one! Although I would hope you read it anyway!although Sam's art is not to my taste, I found it fascinating how he was inspired by the horror all around him to make something beautiful from it.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews