Thank you NetGalley and Harper perennial and paperbacks for the ARC. This book is the story of Fredy Kirsch who unfortunately did not survive. While I am not judging his story, the first half of the book was hard to follow. Honestly I felt a linear storyline would have helped the reader to connect better to the characters. Overall, still a decent WWII novel.

I wanted to read this book, but going in, I felt a sense of depression. I could give Fredy Hirsch a big hug! He struggled so much for the children, I was hoping for a better ending. I do not regret reading. I will remember. I would suggest reading this book. I am glad that there was a Fredy, and he made a difference.

This book was very well written. I love reading books about his particular time in history. To see all the things these people went through, that never should have happened in the first place. A good read, would definitely recommend.

What a moving story about a teacher who dedicated his life to the children in his care. Fredy Hirsh create a space where children could just be children. This is such a well-researched title.

Based off of a true story and individual during WW2. A Jew during the war, concentration camps, and ending in Auschwitz. The Holocaust something we should never forget. The Teacher who helped brings semblance of normalcy to children in the camps. It's an incredibly beautiful, heartfelt, and sad story. This story will stick with me for months - it's one of those that just grabs you.

But it's also not for everyone - descriptions of gas chambers, starving, sick, dying, beatings, concentration camps, etc. The Teacher is a homosexual, Jewish man - with a few descriptions of relationships.

Will I recommend it? YES! But I will be selective in who I recommend it to. Is it a story that needs to be told and we need to hear and remember? YES!

I received an advance copy of the book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

2.75 ⭐️

This book in one sentence: The story of a man who brought a little bit of light into the complete darkness Auschwitz was. Fredy Hirsch was a complex man with a good, pure heart for the children he loved. It wasn’t my favorite book, but I can’t say anything negative about the plot or the characters because they’re real.💔The story is true—it belonged to this incredible man who kept putting his well-being at risk for the sake of the youngest victims: Children.
During the book, Fredy inspires those around him and earns titles such as ‘Fredy the Enforcer.’ He is loved by everyone, even some of the SS officers.
It started out slow and it was difficult for me to maintain interest until the last 25%. I found it sugar-coated at points, to be honest. There were some more heavy points, but it was relatively bland when it came to details. Some readers may prefer this style of writing, though it’s not my personal favorite.
If you decide to pick up this book, I’m glad. Be inspired by the words in it and by this man’s story. If you don’t, there are other true WWII stories that I enjoyed more and I would love to recommend to you.
Happy reading!

TRIGGER WARNINGS/ADULT CONTENT: MASS MURDER, HOLOCAUST, SUICIDE, LOSS OF LOVED ONES, WWII

AGE RATING: 14+

A more in-depth content review will be posted toward mid-August. (I am currently on vacation and don’t have a computer with me 😢)

I AM NOT PERMITTED TO SHARE QUOTES UNTIL ARCHIVE DATE

This book made me feel things that...I just cant put into words. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking all at once. This was a powerful and emotional read that shed light on a part of Holocaust history I hadn’t known about.

I've read many books about WWII and the Holocaust - fiction, nonfiction, historical fiction- but I can't recall reading one where the main character is a gay Jewish man. This was a different perspective, and a needed one. I'm humbled by Fredy's actions and selflessness. Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC.

This was a powerful and emotional read that shed light on a part of Holocaust history I hadn’t known much about. The Teacher of Auschwitz tells the incredible story of Fredy Hirsch, a brave and compassionate young man who created a safe space for children inside the horrors of Auschwitz. It’s heartbreaking, inspiring, and a reminder of how hope and humanity can survive even in the darkest places. Huge thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this unforgettable historical fiction.

The Teacher of Auschwitz by Wendy Holden tells the true story of Fredy Hirsch and the massive impact that he made on the children who were placed in his care. Fredy started out as a young boy who lived in Germany and eventually moved to Czechoslovakia where it was safer for Jewish people. Unfortunately, years later the Nazi’s invaded Czechoslovakia and Fredy was taken to Terezin ghetto, which was used as a holding place for Jews before being moved to a concentration camp. However, Fredy emerged as a leader continuing to teach as well as inviting others to join him. Eventually, Fredy was relocated to Auschwitz which was known as the Dead Camp as it was originally designed as a center for mass extermination. While at Auschwitz, Fredy granted some ‘privileges’ and used them to ‘advocate’ for the children. Due to this, Fredy is able to help try to keep the children’s lives as ‘normal’ by allowing them to be able to engage in child activities. Under Fredy watch the children were kept vermin-free, were able to spend some time drawing and going outdoors, as well as putting on plays. Fredy and the others went on to teach the children as much as they could with the limited time and supplies they had.
This book is divided into two parts that alternate throughout the chapters. In the first part, Holden tells about Fredy’s family and his upbringing in Germany. I found this very interesting and educational; I knew about a Jewish who made a place where the children in Auschwitz could have semi-normal lives during the Holocaust. However, I made this connection within the first couple chapters. This was very interesting and I was thrilled to be able to learn more about his childhood. While the second part, is about how he became an advocate for the students and how he was able to give the children of Auschwitz a place of sanctuary in a place of fear and unknown. I knew a little more information about Fredy’s role and his students at the concentration camp, however Holden was able to provide more in depth information about exactly how Fredy was able to accomplish and his love and passion for the thousands of Jewish children who were sent to Theresienstadt and Auschwitz. One aspect that I noticed while reading, was that Holden's writing seemed to feel like a nonfiction book rather than a historical fiction book. This wasn’t something that really bothered me, however it did take some time to adjust too. I have read many historical fiction books that take place during the Holocaust and the writing just seemed to be very different from other Holocaust fiction books. This was not something that I would change my rating.
Holden also included Survivor Testimonials where she includes quotes about Fredy Hirsch from people who worked with him as well some of the children who he helped provide for during their time in the concentration camps. In addition to this there is also a cast of characters that lists the characters who unfortunately perished at the hands of the Nazis and additional information about them. This list also includes fictional characters; this was very helpful as it helped me know exactly who was a fictional character that helped the development of the story versus actually Jews that had to go through this horrible time period. As with any historical fiction book, there are events that happen beforehand as well as after that play a part in the events that a novel is based on. Holden includes a timeline that exactly maps out all the events that were in her novel. I found this very helpful as it really showed the most important events and exactly when they occurred during this time period. After finishing this book, I rated The Teacher of Auschwitz by Wendy Holden 5 stars.

“Fredy Hirsch- remember my name.” A wonderfully written story that needed to be told!
Millions of people were subjected to the cruelty of the Nazis, some died and some survived. (1.1 million died in Auschwitz alone). This is the story of one of those who died, Fredy Hirsch, who worked his whole life (only 28 years) to be good, kind and teach with his whole heart.

The first half of this book goes back and forth between timelines in Fredy’s life showing how things he did, learned and encountered in life, made him into the person, leader and teacher, he became. During these chapters we really see this character come to life and we learn that he drew the short straw to be the one to go and help set up a new camp that, as he was told, would be good and full of wonderful things. This place was Theresienstadt Ghetto (Terezin) which was a propaganda site for the Nazis so that the world would not truly see what was happening. At the time, anyone other than the Nazis did not realize this, but soon the rumors started about where transports would take people and what actually happened to them. Fredy, being a scout himself, used his knowledge and tools to keep the youngest prisoners safe, learning, clean and as happy, healthy and safe, as he could.

The first half ends with where the prologue ended leading us into the second half, which Is Fredy finding himself in Auschwitz. This takes us through his time there, where again he leans on what he knows and finds a way to relocate the 300+children who came in on his same transport. Fredy also, as he did at Terezín, secured many fellow prisoners to assist with teaching the children.

Near the end of the book, I found myself remembering how I felt reading Night and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Those stories have stayed with me years after reading them and this will another to do the same.

I am truly grateful for the epilogue and the authors pages of notes at the end telling us what happened to all in the story who were real people, some being survivors who were able to help her shape and tell Fredy’s story.

Thank you Harper Perennial for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Teacher of Auschwitz by Wendy Holden is an highly readable, enjoyable and enlightening read.
Well-developed character pulls you into the story immediately and stirs emotions within you. This book was masterfully narrated.
This really was historical fiction at its finest, this book made me feel things I haven't felt in some time.

I loved the way this story was told through one person's pov. It was both beautifully and heartbreakingly written, which is to be expected per the era.
I used to say that WWII fiction was some of my favorite historical fiction books, but I burnt myself out on them and hadn't picked one up in a while. I chose this one and I'm so happy I did.
The theme of the story follows Fredy Hirsch, who wants to be known as a teacher, a dreamer and not just a number. He was a very inspiring and selfless person. The stories of the children he helped, their starvation and utter cruelness just guts me every time I hear about it. I really enjoyed how the story began in the beginning right before the war and took Fredy's story clear throughout the war. The story focuses on two periods for Fredy, and that is basically the ghetto life and then Auschwitz camp. Excellent book, I highly recommend! The ending, as expected, was brutal, but also understandable. Another thing I really enjoyed was at the end of the book there are several testimonials from survivors who knew Fredy. That made the book tie together and see all that much more real in my eyes.

Thank you to Netgalley, Wendy Holden and Harper Publishing for allowing me this e-arc in exchange for my review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for this ARC!!

Fredy Hirsch became a teacher and touched hundreds of children's lives throughout his life, especially during his time in Terezín and Auschwitz. Fredy was the light in the darkness for these kids. Fredy shielded the kids from the terrors going on around them, put himself on the line to get try to better the environment for the kids, and did everything he could to help out not only the kids, but their families as well.

I loved this book. I really enjoyed how we got to jump back and forth to Fredy's younger days and then when he was older. Fredy was such a breath of fresh air for those kids. It's something that they will not forget, nor will I. I know I will be thinking about Fredy for awhile!!

"If this war has taught us anything, it is that we are the same, all of us, no matter how we once defined ourselves."

Even though this was an uncorrected version, this story was so beautifully written. This was so well-written that I often felt I was there, living in the ghettos, and experiencing things with these people. I read stories about the Holocaust often, and every single one leaves me broken-hearted. Fredy was a hero. I'm so glad to see he has since been recognized and has memorials for remembrance. His legacy shall live on, and that is as it should be.

WOW! Moving, educational, and so much more! The descriptions are vivid, and characters are intense. The story being based on true events and people makes it hit home. History classes do nothing to showcase what not just the Jewish people who lived during Hitler's reign endured, but also those around them. Take time to read this book and honor those that shared their memories with this fantastic writer.

This book tells the true story of Fredy Hirsch. He was a 27-year-old gay, Jewish athlete who dedicated his life to protecting children inside the walls of Auschwitz. Growing up he wasn’t a great student so focused on being an athlete. He was always trying to help others and we follow his life until he is sent to the concentration camp.

He continued his focus on helping others. He risked his life daily to get the kids just a little food, songs to sing and poetry to write. He begged and begged was able to use an abandoned space for the kids.

This book is moving and heartbreaking and emotional and takes place in such a dark moment is history…but also shines a light on what hope and bravery truly look like.

This story has been heavily researched and you can tell the author really put the time in to make this as accurate as possible.

There is an especially touching section at the end called Survivor Testimonials….I highly recommend giving it a read.

This book had my feelings going all over. This was such a great read. Seeing his passion to teach the children and protect them at any cost was so moving to read about.

Thank you Netgallry and publisher for this advanced copy. Heartbreaking. Story of a kind gentleman. As all holocaust stories are horrific Fredy Hirsh was brightness for the children. We cannot change this history but we need to learn so it is never repeated.

This book is based on the real life of Alfred “Fredy” Hirsch’s and the way he left a huge and beautiful impact on the kids that were forced to go through the atrocities of Terezín and Auschwitz’s. Through all the malice happening to them he found a way to bring much needed comfort and distraction to the kids there. It’s very well written and is a beautiful tribute to Fredy Hirsch and highlights what an incredibly selfless, compassionate, and caring person he was.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.