The Girl Who Survived Auschwitz, by Eli Elboim and Sara Leibovits, is not great literature, but it is a heart wrenching story of a sixteen year old girl who was the only survivor in her immediate family who lived to tell the story of Auschwitz. It is told by Sara Leibovits of the Hershkovits family and by her daughters seventy years afterwards. It is a story of man's inhumanity to his fellowman. It is a story of survival and finding joy and love afterwards. It is hard to read because of the Hebrew/Yiddish words and because of the horror of the situation. It is worth the read.

I was able to read an ARC on #NetGalley.

when it comes to memoirs about the holocaust, they are always written from a place of pain, but also a place of hope. as a jewish person myself, i have a feeling of reverence towards each and every person who documents their story. the horrors of auschwitz are beyond me, and with the rise of antisemitism in america (as well as islamophobia, racism, xenophobia, etc.), it is imperative that we read these stories.

what is unique about "the girl who survived auschwitz" is that we have the perspective of a woman who survived the holocaust as well as her daughter who had never known the horrrors her mother endured, yet asked. the poetry sprinkled throughout is beautiful and well written.

i feel honored to have read this memoir. i wish nothing but peace for my ancestors who have perished.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

The Girl Who Survived Auschwitz by Sara Leibovits & Eti Elboim is a powerful, inspiring and horrifying account of a sixteen year olds year spent in Auschwitz. Sara Leibovits was her name. This is her story, interspersed with memories by her daughter Eti Elboim. This is a journey to hell and back.
Sara Leibovits spent three days with eighty four people crammed into a cattle car, destination Auschwitz in May 1944. Already so much had been lost living in the ghetto, but far worse was to come.
Sara Leibovits is an amazing lady. She showed strength of character, resilience and maintained a kind heart, as she shared what little she had with those around her in Auschwitz. Her experiences make difficult reading but the reality would have been far worse – something we cannot even imagine, it’s so awful.
A loss of dignity and identity for all in Auschwitz as they were no longer known by name but by a tattooed number. Eti Elboim as her daughter affirms, “You are no longer a number.” The strong mother-daughter bond is clear for all to see.
In later years Sara Leibovits has visited Auschwitz and also spoken of her experiences to others. She has survived.
The reader hears from Eti Elboim what it is like as the second generation of an Auschwitz survivor. It was a perspective I had not read about before. I had not realized it could mean no grandparents, aunts, uncles… whole generations wiped out. Just your parents. Eti Elboim’s words are powerful and heartfelt.
There are poems interspersed throughout. They are powerful too.
What I found most powerful of all – is the faith of Sara Leibovits and her husband, also an Auschwitz survivor. They descended into the pits of hell but still kept their eyes and heart on God. Their faith never wavered. I will let Eti Elboim tell of her mother’s faith in her words:
“Her faith in the Creator was not eroded under the soldier’s boots, did not dissipate with the sight of the crematorium smoke, and did not disappear in the hunger, exhaustion or suffering” Wow!
The Girl Who Survived Auschwitz is powerful, heartbreaking and inspiring. We need to know what happened. It will make your heart break. It is beyond horrific. But we need to know in memory of the six million innocents who died and of those who survived.
The final words are from Eti Elboim on her parent’s faith:
“That is the power of faith of two survivors, who saw everything yet continued to believe in the Creator of the World and to keep His commandments with joy and devotion.”
I received a free copy from the publishers via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

This was a difficult read. I just came back from a trip to DC, with another visit to the Holocaust Museum, and started this memoir that day. This is a very detailed collection of stories of the authors time leading up to, during and after her 9 month nightmare in Auschwitz. There were pieces of information I had no clue about, things clarified for me and no matter how many times we read about the holocaust, we continue to be shocked. I cannot rate this incredibly personal story, but I can recommend it for everyone to read.

This is a harrowing true story told by Sara Leibovits a survivor of Auschwitz concentration camp during the holocaust and her youngest daughter Eti Elboim. It is told by both of their perspectives and during different time frames. It goes into a lot of detail about Sara’s time during world war 2 and how she managed to survive the concentration camp and also the loss of her beloved parents and younger siblings when her mother and siblings are sent straight to the gas chamber. Her father also works at the camp and sends her parcels and letters when he can until the time comes that he is also murdered. Once liberated from the camp Sara goes on to marry and have 3 wonderful daughters.
It was a brutally honest and harrowing story of what went on during a horrific period. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in world war 2 but mostly the holocaust. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for access to this book in exchange for my honest review.

The experiences of those involved in this book are horrific and heartbreaking and it is incredibly courageous that they relived their ordeals while writing this book. Like all Holocaust and Auschwitz books, this is difficult to read but is incredibly thought provoking and inspiring. I did find the timeline a little confusing in parts and thought it didn’t need to jump back and forth like it did - I would prefer to read pre-Auschwitz at the start in chronological order. However, I’m nit-picking as I really enjoyed reading this story. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review!

I can imagine how painful it was to write this book. My family suffered the same fate and I know that the only way we can honour their souls is to never forget. We need to teach our children now and forever. This was an easy read on a very difficult topic

"The Girl Who Survived Auschwitz" is a poignant and gripping memoir that delves into the harrowing experiences of Sara Leibovitz, a 16-year-old Jewish girl, during her time in the Auschwitz death camp. Co-authored by Sara's daughter, Eti, this book not only sheds light on the unimaginable pain and hardships endured by Holocaust survivors but also explores the enduring legacy of trauma passed down through generations.

Set in Poland in 1944, the narrative opens with a chilling scene as the train carrying Sara and her family screeches to a halt, marking their arrival at Auschwitz. The chaotic atmosphere and the inevitable separation from loved ones instantly create a sense of dread. The author's vivid descriptions transport readers into the heart of the death camp, immersing them in the atmosphere of fear, despair, and unwavering resilience.

The strength of this memoir lies in Sara's remarkable determination to hold onto her family's values of courage, faith, and kindness amidst the unspeakable horrors she witnesses. Her unwavering spirit and refusal to succumb to despair serve as a beacon of hope throughout the narrative. Readers are confronted with the unthinkable atrocities of the Holocaust, but also offered glimpses of human decency and the extraordinary power of the human spirit.

What sets "The Girl Who Survived Auschwitz" apart is the unique perspective it brings to the table. By intertwining Sara's story with that of her daughter, Eti, the book delves into the complex dynamics of inherited trauma. Eti's exploration of the second-generation trauma adds a layer of emotional depth, showing how the consequences of the Holocaust ripple through time, affecting the lives of subsequent generations. This intergenerational narrative adds a thought-provoking and poignant dimension to the memoir, making it resonate on a profoundly personal level.

The writing style is compelling and accessible, allowing readers to easily engage with the story and empathize with the characters. Sara's voice shines through the pages, evoking a sense of authenticity and intimacy. The prose strikes a balance between recounting the horrors of the past and conveying a message of resilience and hope, making it both heart-wrenching and uplifting.

While "The Girl Who Survived Auschwitz" is undoubtedly a powerful and impactful memoir, there are moments when the narrative feels rushed, and certain aspects could have been further explored. Some readers may desire a more in-depth exploration of Sara's emotions and thoughts during her time in the death camp. However, this does not diminish the overall impact of the book, which successfully captures the essence of Sara's story and the enduring legacy of the Holocaust.

"The Girl Who Survived Auschwitz" is a compelling memoir that shines a light on the indomitable human spirit in the face of unimaginable suffering. Sara Leibovitz's story, intertwined with the experiences of her daughter Eti, serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength that can emerge even in the darkest of times. This book is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of remembering the past to shape a better future.