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Unbroken Will: The Extraordinary Courage of an Ordinary Man
The iron Nazi fist came down fast and hard on Leopold Engleitner, but he would not bend to terror. Unbroken Will describes the life and times of an ordinary man whose belief in God and in nonviolence stood the fiery test of Nazi persecution.
Seventy years after the imprisonment of Leopold Engleitner by the Nazis, author Bernhard Rammerstorfer narrates Engleitner’s remarkable life and the Nazi atrocities inflicted upon him during one of the dark epochs of world history. Although Engleitner and Adolf Hitler grew up in the same province in Austria and shared the same cultural background and education system, the convictions and attitudes they developed were diametrically opposed. Whereas Hitler caused untold suffering to millions as a merciless mass murderer, Engleitner devoted his life to peace, refusing to buckle even in the face of death. Why would a man facing imprisonment and unspeakable suffering in a Nazi concentration camp, chose not to sign a document giving him his freedom? Instead he submitted to Nazi persecution, enduring imprisonment in Buchenwald, Niederhagen, and Ravensbruck concentration camps, rather than renouncing his faith as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Amazingly he still lives to tell his story, and today at age one hundred and three, he is the oldest known male concentration camp survivor.
Seventy years after the imprisonment of Leopold Engleitner by the Nazis, author Bernhard Rammerstorfer narrates Engleitner’s remarkable life and the Nazi atrocities inflicted upon him during one of the dark epochs of world history. Although Engleitner and Adolf Hitler grew up in the same province in Austria and shared the same cultural background and education system, the convictions and attitudes they developed were diametrically opposed. Whereas Hitler caused untold suffering to millions as a merciless mass murderer, Engleitner devoted his life to peace, refusing to buckle even in the face of death. Why would a man facing imprisonment and unspeakable suffering in a Nazi concentration camp, chose not to sign a document giving him his freedom? Instead he submitted to Nazi persecution, enduring imprisonment in Buchenwald, Niederhagen, and Ravensbruck concentration camps, rather than renouncing his faith as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Amazingly he still lives to tell his story, and today at age one hundred and three, he is the oldest known male concentration camp survivor.
- GenresNonfiction
294 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2004
45 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 22, 2010
GREAT BOOK!! Some of our poor brothers have gone throught so much! Extraordinary is right!! Can't wait to read more!!
April 12, 2012
Definitely cried while reading this book. Can't imagine going through what Leopold had to deal with.
December 26, 2019
An astonishing and faith-strengthening biography of Austrian born Leopold Engleitner. Who in 1932 left the Catholic Church to become one of Jehovah's Witnesses and thus a Conscientious Objector. He went through immense persecution for following his faith both before and during the war. He is believed to be the oldest male concentration camp survivor. A couple of quotes from Leopold nicknamed Poidl:
"Show true wisdom heart by keeping your conscience intact- for your own good and for the good of the people around you."
"I have always done my best to apply just principles and to respect the rights of others. That is why no one was able to force me to raise a weapon against my fellowman. I have no reason to feel bitter. When I decided to follow this path in 1932, I was well aware that it would mean a hard struggle."
"Show true wisdom heart by keeping your conscience intact- for your own good and for the good of the people around you."
"I have always done my best to apply just principles and to respect the rights of others. That is why no one was able to force me to raise a weapon against my fellowman. I have no reason to feel bitter. When I decided to follow this path in 1932, I was well aware that it would mean a hard struggle."
July 20, 2025
Amazing and unfailing strength in his God Jehovah!!!
Leopold Engleitner was an extraordinary man, who from an early age believed in
a moral code and in peace. Later, he would become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Not surprising, since they believe in world peace. This will not be attained by ANY
government or human on earth, but by means of God’s Kingdom in the heavens.
His courage and determination in remaining faithful to his beliefs is truly remarkable, considering the unbelievable cruelty he endured. He NEVER gave up,
and told EVERYONE why!!!
We need many, many more like him!!!
A MUST READ!!!
Leopold Engleitner was an extraordinary man, who from an early age believed in
a moral code and in peace. Later, he would become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Not surprising, since they believe in world peace. This will not be attained by ANY
government or human on earth, but by means of God’s Kingdom in the heavens.
His courage and determination in remaining faithful to his beliefs is truly remarkable, considering the unbelievable cruelty he endured. He NEVER gave up,
and told EVERYONE why!!!
We need many, many more like him!!!
A MUST READ!!!
September 19, 2022
Amazing! It strengthened my faith in Jehovah, and it really put me in the concentration camp. This shows the true wickedness of the Nazis and how horrible they were, how real they were. Despite this, Engleitner stayed true to his convictions and left the camp with a clear conscience! I want to be like Engleitner when I get older!!!
March 30, 2019
It’s sad but I really enjoyed it and have a copy.
June 2, 2020
What determination!
I couldn’t put this book down! I’m not an avid reader, but this is story that must be heard. It shows that an ordinary person can stand against the current.
I couldn’t put this book down! I’m not an avid reader, but this is story that must be heard. It shows that an ordinary person can stand against the current.
September 27, 2021
I once owned this book. It had a funny memory in it.
March 6, 2022
Excellent and such a well written book. I highly recommend this book to be read.
January 20, 2025
I've read this book twice so far. He was such a positive person throughout. A heartbreaking but inspirational story
July 25, 2023
I once owned this book. It was interesting and easy to read.
I was unhappy that his conscience allowed him to visit Disneyland during his retirement years. I just expect more from Witnesses who are my generation or older.
As of July 2023 my mom and I had an argument about some Costco Disney apples my mom ended up buying. I prayer cursed that purchase.
I was unhappy that his conscience allowed him to visit Disneyland during his retirement years. I just expect more from Witnesses who are my generation or older.
As of July 2023 my mom and I had an argument about some Costco Disney apples my mom ended up buying. I prayer cursed that purchase.
March 26, 2012
Thats why thy say don't judge a book by its cover. Very Good book.
October 18, 2013
Extraordinary example of faith and courage. Loved it.
May 29, 2019
Very great book on jehovahs witness holocaust survivor
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews