This novel is based on the life of Fredy Hirsch. A German born Gay Jew made to flee his homeland in search of surviving the Nazi Regime during WWII. The book was uniquely written as it bounces from pre-war experiences to escape war experiences to concentration camp experiences and how life experiences get in the way. The author did a superb job in researching this novel and writing about camp life. From Theresienstadt to Auschwitz Fredy is charged with protecting children in all camps and his personality wins him the sentiment of the Nazi's. In ways I have never seen he was able to take camp life and make it almost livable to his charges. Even when things were bad he persevered and always tried to keep the worst of what was happening from the children. No matter how hard they had it in the camps he always made sure the children were as blind as possible. Then the impossible happens and Fredy loses all hope. The very clear impending annihilation of everything he holds dear is threatened and Fredy is forced to make a choice that no human should ever have to make. At times disheartening and other times enlightening the Teacher of Auschwitz will leave an indelible imprint on your heart and your psyche. Be forewarned this is a War Story and as such not all are happy endings. Many things that happened during WWII and the atrocities that people faced to survive are things that we have never had to deal with in this life. Starvation, no clothes or food and temperatures below freezing for months on end with no heat will alter how you think the world should operate. The hate and oppression will foster love and appreciation for the things that you have and the time you live in. Deeply innovative and well written this novel will change the way you look at life.

Based on a true story between a teacher and the children of Auschwitz. I had never thought about any happiness in the prison. It is a sad, heartbreaking story, but it also shows some happiness brought through one man.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.

The teacher of Auschwitz , The story of Fredy Hirsh inspired by true events. What a heart wrenching story. Fredy spent his life teaching and protecting children. From early on in the ghettos all the way to Auschwitz. He did all he could to save as many lives as possible. I highly recommend this book. If you want to learn and read more about the holocaust read this! Fredy was a true hero. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I am Jewish and enjoy reading books about the Holocaust for several reasons. Learning more about what went on but also reminding myself of what went on. We must never forget.

With that being said, this was not one of my favorite reads. I found myself putting it down and having a hard time picking it back up.

I appreciated the story and thought it was interesting just not my favorite.

This inspiring book, “The Teacher of Auschwitz” by Wendy Holden, fictionalizes the life of Fredy Hirsch, a remarkable man who showed incredible strength and courage during World War II. In the darkest times, one man’s hope and dreams can be truly inspiring.

I generally love books delving into the lives of those who inspired hope during WWII, and on the whole this book was good.

We follow Fredy through his teens and twenties and learn how he helped many children and friends during his time in the ghetto and concentration camp. As a teacher myself I was moved by his accomplishments. And knowing it was partially true made it that much more impressive.

My only criticism would be is that it seemed that some of the coincidences of running into the same people over and over in different places and getting away with more than most people seemed almost unbelievable. I would have to stop and try to decide if I thought an event or meeting could really happen or if it was something the author used as fiction.

Overall another good book relating to the horrors of history and the Holocaust that I would recommend.

I enjoy reading WWII novels, and especially enjoyed The Teacher of Auschwitz. Especially after visiting Auschwitz, I was excited to read this novel. Too be so driven to protect the children, and to put them instead of saving yourself is so heartwarming. It is so heartwretching to read what these Jewish adults and especially children lived through. Freddy Hirsch who was a dedicated teacher and did everything to keep the childrens spirits up, educate them, and kept their thoughts from hunger. Read this novel to find out what is Freddy's fate. Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this novel prior to its publication.

This book was heart wrenchingly beautiful. at times I had to put it down because it was tough emotionally to readThank you so much for letting me read! I love a good historical fiction and this did not miss! I really enjoyed the writing style and the characters! Can't wait to read more of this authors work in the future!

This was such a great story. The strength that Fredy had in order to help children is amazing. I love seeing the stories of those that were inside being told. The fact that he is not known but had such an impact on making the camps a little more survivable for children is sad. I hope his name lives on. This is a hard story to read but definitely worth it.

Thank you so much for letting me read! I love a good historical fiction and this did not miss! I really enjoyed the writing style and the characters! Can't wait to read more of this authors work in the future!

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

I very much enjoyed this book. The writing was great and the characters were well developed. I hope to read more from this author in the future.

During the horror of WWII, Fredy Hirsch did everything in his power to protect and advocate for the youth of Theresienstadt and Auschwitz. During his early life, he discovered a love for athletics. As a teenager, he began working with the youth promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. As part of the Jewish Council, he was sent to Theresienstadt early, to set up a program for youth. There he risked his life for his children. After several years, Freddy was sent to the Family Camp in Auschwitz. There, he set up a special barracks for young children. He imposed rules and order amidst unthinkable horror.

This was an amazing and powerful story. Fredy Hirsch is a hero and role model. He really came to life in this story. He was both realistic and lovable. The story alternated between Theresienstadt and his early life. I wish the novel had been presented in a linear fashion, the back and forth was not needed. Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.