The Happiest Man on Earth

I am one of the children that went to the Sydney Jewish Museum in my school years and, I’m reasonably sure, saw Eddie speak. He has an incredible capacity to find joy in life irrespective of what he has faced, an irrepressible love for life. It is, quite simply, incredible. And, of course, so is this book.

There are no punches pulled here with his story. Everything is laid out simply and factually, but Eddie does not complain about what happened to him- rather, he finds light and joy in everything that he’s managed to find since the Shoah. It’s truly a testament to the human, and indeed the Jewish, spirit. His story does not come without its horrific aspects, of course, and when he speaks of finding out his parents went to the gas chambers, it broke my heart. To know so suddenly you are an orphan, and so needlessly, must be an unspeakably horrific thing.

I think anyone searching for some reason in life would benefit from picking this one up- it shows, against all odds, how someone can face the worst of humanity and still call for love, happiness, and peace. This is an incredible story from an incredible man, and it simply must be read.

This is a truly uplifting story. You would wonder how a memoir of the Holocaust could leave you feeling hopeful and happy, but Eddie Jaku does this in the retelling of his improbable life. Eddie makes you value what you have, especially friendship and family.

Highly recommended.

Wow wow wow. What an absolutely remarkable story of survival, of love, of happiness and of what it means to live. I finished this book in one night and I feel it has changed my perspective on so many aspects of history. I learned so much about things I could never even comprehend, and have learned the true meaning of resilience. I would recommend this to everyone - read Eddies story and learn about his journey - and take note of his words about happiness and life and love.
“Happiness does not fall from the sky; it is in your hands. Happiness comes from inside yourself and from the people you love. And if you are healthy and happy, you are a millionaire.
And happiness is the only thing in the world that doubles as you share it”.

A beautifully written book that is especially poignant with all that is happening in the world right now. A story of great resilience, hope, faith, kindness and generosity. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book in one sitting, but even though this is one of great sadness and suffering, the overwhelming tone is one of determination to live the best - and happiest - life possible. Eddie certainly achieves this. This story will stay with me forever.

“You have to try to be happy with what you’ve got. Life is wonderful if you are happy.”

This book tells an incredible story, so incredible it could not be made up. But even more telling are the lessons this man allowed himself to learn from it all, & to apply to his life; the true meaning of liberation. His is the best ‘revenge’ – to have survived (100 years old!), but also to have lost the anger & bitterness which could although justified have prevented him from truly living. What a challenge is thrown down : this is surely a book for our time! No matter what we are going through right now, it cannot be compared with living through the Holocaust - & the ramifications which have affected lives ever since. The author reminds us of a very important truth : we can choose our own response. Words fail me. All I can say, is “read it!” And don’t let this man’s life have been in vain.

What a book!!! I've read quite a lot of books set in WWII and in the concentration camps, both based on true stories and fictional writings of the events.
The Happiest Man on Earth is a whole new take on the events written by Eddie Jaku who has just turned 100. He has an amazing story to tell the world and the book is written is in such a straight shooting fashion without any romanticising of the truth. Just the cold hard truth of his life before, during and after WWII. This is probably one of the best (if not the best) books I've ever read on what life was like in the concentration camps and what was required to survive. I was just in awe the whole way through and it's quite a small book so it would suit a lot of readers. I'm so proud of the achievements Eddie has made and the fact he ended up in Australia where he gets to inspire people everyday with the lessons he learned and his mindset in life.
Thanks to Netgalley.com and Pan Macmillan Australia for my complimentary eARC copy.