Samson: A Savior Will Rise

by Shawn Hoffman

You are a man who has vowed to protect his family, even at the cost of your own life. So you have no other choice. . . . You must fight, Samson. You must. The year is 1941, and Samson Abrams makes a life-or-death decision that lands him, and his entire family, in the notorious concentration camp Auschwitz. When Samson is recognized by Dr. Josef Mengele and Commandant Rudolf Hoss as a former boxing champion, he is ordered box for their entertainment. A win means extra rations, but the penalty for losing is death in the gas chambers.

One question haunts Samson as he and his family face one atrocity after another: Where is God in the face of such evil? An unexpected friendship between the Jewish Samson and the Polish Catholic priest Maximilian Kolbe challenges Samson to examine what little is left of his faith, but will it give him strength when he needs it most?

Based on true stories, "Samson: A Savior Will Rise" blends Shawn Hoffman s thorough research with a compelling narrative that provokes questions about faith, hope, and love.

"

Genres: Fiction, War, Christian Fiction

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 29, 2013

Reviews

[Barbara Kinsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another WWII/Holocaust masterpiece! Be warned though. This is extremely graphic describing Dr Josef Mengele's experimentation on the Jews. Gut-wrenching but brilliant read! 10 Stars if I could :)

[Emko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I read so far! A masterpiece!

[Sara Cornell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. Gut wrenching. This book is based on factual information that will anger your soul and make you sick to your stomach. As disturbing as it is, it is an important read to remind us of the horror that so many people went through in Auschwitz. I pray with everything in my heart that we never let this period in history repeat itself.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ik ben sprakeloos

[Tabitha Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word. Wow!! This book is gut wrenchingly beautiful

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very good. Very scary, very creepy, very realistic. Not something I should have been reading before bedtime. Samson's journey was remarkable and tragic, and while it is always hard to tell how much is true and how much is false, there was a good amount of research that I'd believe most of the story could have happened. Of course, there are pieces that are a bit too outlandish (not the Nazi torture, I believe every minute of that, but Mengele getting into the ring to fight, or some of the conversations people had).

That really is the hardest part of this. I struggle with this being a piece of fiction. Now, I don't think Mr. Hoffman made light of anything, or tried to downplay or exaggerate the brutality. I never got the impression that he didn't have the highest of regard for these victims, and was weaving a solid story into the truth of Nazi Germany.

But a lot of these are real people. Maximillian Kolbe, of course, being the hardest character. Mengele and Hoss are never going to be redeemable characters, and they are not written that way; he doesn't try to change who they are. Kolbe on the other hand . . . he really took the place for someone (I believe to keep a father and son together) and he was (I believe) locked in an underground bunker for several weeks without food or water, and he was miraculously kept alive by God and then executed with poison. No one "snuck" him water, he didn't do it so a man could continue to box . . . Kolbe has a real story.

And Kolbe plays a HUGE role in this story. He is even the last person mentioned. I struggled with that . . . We can't forget who Kolbe really was, what he really did, and more importantly what God did through him.

God is probably the sticking point with this entire novel. A book with a saint, published by Thomas Nelson, and containing at least 3 or 4 deep theological discussions never really goes anywhere with it. I'd be hard pressed to say Samson came to Christ. Kolbe certainly never lost faith in Christ. None of the characters come to a satisfying religious breakthrough. And it is a huge sticking point. Are we trying to guide people to Christ, to show them that only through Him are we free? Or are we saying that God couldn't exist because He allowed this evil to happen? (which is the exact opposite, in fact the only way evil is evil is if there is an ultimate good, otherwise evil couldn't be called evil) The question is what is the message of the story, because those are two opposite ends of the spectrum and we don't get to either side.

Samson is finally at peace because he gets to punch Mengele in the face. Forgiveness is never mentioned, or even praying for the guards and/or Mengele. He is then skinned alive and blinded (an obvious allusion to Biblical Samson), and dies. In fact, the end didn't really align with the opening, but it is a small transgression. Simon, Sara, Zach and Esther all continue along on their Jewish lives never seeing Kolbe's point or coming to know the one true savior.

This was a good story. A little heavy for bedtime reading, but a very good story.

I really recommend The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. Also Elie Wiesel's Night is well worth the read.

[VALERIE WELLAND · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to say this book was really good however, it is really hard to read in spots, but the book really affected me. Shawn Hoffman does an amazing job focusing on the spiritual power and inner strength people have in unimaginable situations. The terrible atrocities placed on these people is inhumane, but described in such a way that you feel what they are going through. The author, did a great job with imagery which adds to the heart beat skipping sections of the book. The terrible atrocities placed on these people is inhumane, but described in such a way that you feel what they are going through.
One of the characters, a polish catholic priest, Maximilian Kolbe, helps to provide background information and move the story along by talking with Samson. The main character, Samson, is almost unbelievable as a character, I would have thought the story of Samson was exaggerated however this book is based on true stories. You would never think someone would have so much internal and physical strength.
I feel this book is one that should be read to understand what must never happen again in our society.

[Rebekah Gyger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just... Wow. The research put into this book is amazing. It comes with pictures and footnotes and other information in the back. For a history nerd like me, that just makes this awesome. Add to the historical facts, retold Holocaust stories and Samson from the Bible, and you have a very emotional read. The horrors Samson suffered were atrocious and will haunt me for a while to come.

There were some things that I did not enjoy. Every now and again there was a little bit of head hopping, and at one point Höss refers to Samson by name, even though Höss has not learned his name yet. On the whole though, I enjoyed this story about a man God used to give hope to the Jews.

*The story of Samson is not a true story, though it is drawn from many other true stories. The content is, while not described in detail, graphic and upsetting.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Thomas Nelson publishers.


If you wish to know what other books I back, go to my blog at http://backingbooks.blogspot.com/

[Kevin Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first purchased this book, I wasn't expecting a novel. While the characters are fictional, the events and actions in the story are deeply rooted in truth. Hoffman's narrative follows Samson Abrams, who, along with his entire family, is sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp. There, he is forced to participate in increasingly brutal boxing matches while struggling to protect his family and survive the horrors of the camp.
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What makes this story all the more shocking—and grotesque—is that it is based on real events. The sheer cruelty humans are capable of, as demonstrated during the Second World War, is almost unimaginable. Some of the scenes were so harrowing that I had to put the book down several times to collect myself before continuing.
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This is historical fiction at its best: meticulously researched, grounded in fact, and written with deep respect for those who endured these atrocities. If you decide to read it, be prepared for some deeply disturbing moments.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a book on the Holocaust, I shudder with the brutal reality of it and the sheer evil that existed, and the horrendous actions committed in its name. I think I have read the worst, then another book, like this one comes along and a whole new level of evil actions and pure brutality is exposed and tears my heart apart. This book is just that, brutal, horrific, evil, heart and gut wrenching yet still uplifting and inspirational.

[Edwin Kok · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is easy to read and gives you a real insight in the horrors of Auschwitz. Although the story is based on true events, it's not a true story. Nonetheless, it opened my eyes to what the prisoners of Auschwitz must have experienced there, and I reccommend this book to anyone who would like to know more about the concentration camps during WW2.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

‘Historische’ roman over bokser in Auschwitz. Nogal wat aan te merken over historische onderbouwing en veelheid aan onwaarschijnlijkheden in dit boek. Er zijn waargebeurde geschiedenissen van boksers in Auschwitz (vb Harry Haft, Leen Sanders) die aanbevelenswaardig zijn. Zou schrijver sieren als hij wat duidelijker op achterflap zou laten zetten dat het fictie betreft.

[Carole Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional example of storytelling that brings the horrors and humanity of the Holocaust to life. Samson and his story is brutal, and the story must be told so that the atrocities are never forgotten. A riveting book with characters that brought forward many mixed emotions in the reader from the first page to the last.

[Caroline Van Laere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Als je graag boeken over de vernietigingskampen leest, is dit er eentje die je absoluut moet gelezen hebben.
De harde realiteit van Auschwitz wordt hier op een uitmuntende manier beschreven. Het boek leest als een trein.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Snoeihard. Mijn verwachtingen waren onjuist. Natuurlijk moesten er wel horrorverhalen instaan over de medische experimenten. Wat een gruwel. Blij dat het boek uit is.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indrukwekkend verhaal. Ontroerend.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

1941. Auschwitz. Where is God in the face of evil? What inspires people to remain faithful and strong in the midst of horror? Based on true events.

[Veerle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soms te gruwelijk om verder te lezen, maar het is de realiteit spijtig genoeg.

[Rachel Gable]

Wow! Very good read, a little hard to read but worth the reminder of history

[Aliyah Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very dark, inspirational, shocking, and an emotional rollercoaster. Fanomenal read I would highly recommend if you can handle dark themes.

[Jennifer LaCharite · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I read it twice already.

[Brian Chiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable story telling ability! Is very hard to read in some parts due to the violence but that’s what the Holocaust was. Top 5 fav book I’ve ever read!

[Carmen Koops · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a horror, based on a true story.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked most of it, but the last third was a bit disappointing in terms of wrap-up and historical inaccuracies

[Stefan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read book! Easy reading!

[J. Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely gripping. By the way, this is WWII fiction, not a fictional recounting of the Biblical narrative. Couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shawn Hoffman’s book “Samson,” subtitled “A Savior Will Rise” is a fascinating novel exploring the bonds of family during the most horrific circumstances of World War II.

Samson Abrams and his family are imprisoned in the infamous concentration camp Auschwitz. When Commandant Rudolf Hoess recognizes him as a former Olympic champion boxer, Samson is forced to fight for the entertainment of the local Nazi officers. The deal offered to him: if he wins, he gets extra rations; but if he loses, he is sent to death in the gas chambers.

The book is billed as “based on true events.” However, it is not strictly a historical work. This is more of a historical novel. Throughout the book, Hoffman inserts footnotes to document actual events that occurred, upon which he bases his story. The characters are, in the words of the book, “amalgamations.”

With some artistic license being taken, Hoffman is free to create a dramatic story worthy of telling on the movie or TV screen. The author is an actor himself, as well as a screenwriter. The book has the feel of having been written with the intent to market the story as a movie. The screenplay for “Samson” has won awards at film festivals.

The subject of the victims’ plight is treated with the utmost respect by the author, who met with a survivor from Auschwitz and was told stories of his experiences there. Readers will appreciate both the suspenseful story, as well as the historical information being presented.

Depictions of the horrific conditions and torture of prisoners can make some squeamish, but the author does not want people to forget this part of history. Worse still, there are those that deny the Holocaust happened. Despite the unpleasant nature of the setting, stories like this need to be told so we can learn from the past, and avoid ever having something like this happen again. The author takes care to present the major points without dwelling on gory details.

Samson’s fights in the ring offer hope to other prisoners who have none, and serve as an inspiration for those struggling with faith in God.

This is a suspenseful story that will keep readers turning pages to see what happens next. Fans of history, boxing, and stories of a man’s love for his family, will enjoy this book.

With elements of fact and fiction blended together, perhaps the book should be called faction. Well blended and documented for the reader to know the difference between actual historical events and character driven drama, this book should not be missed.

4 stars out of 5.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my, this book! This is an amazing yet very difficult book to read. Obviously dealing with the subject of the Holocaust, it is bound to be tough. For those who may be a sensitive and have a difficult time with descriptive writing on such subjects, this may not be the book for you. The book is based on real people and real events and the author doesn't sugar coat the horror of life for the Jews in Auschwitz. It is very well written and brings the time period to life. He did a great job of making the "characters" real and evoking deep emotions of compassion for those suffering at the hands of evil and anger for those carrying out the atrocities. The one thing I didn't expect from this book was the spiritual aspect. It was beauty in the midst of ashes. As difficult as this book is to read, I highly recommend it.

[Christian Fiction Addiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Samson" is an incredible read, weaving faith into a heart-breaking tale that I found impossible to put down. Samson Abrams is a character like no other, a man who finds himself at the mercy of Dr. Joseph Mengele in Auschwitz, and one who must watch his family die before his very eyes. The book is very well written, drama at its very best, with scenes that played across my mind in vivid detail. Samson's struggles to survive and his determination to succeed for the sake of his family utterly inspires, and knowing that the story is based on true events makes it all the more gripping. Many of the scenes are gruesome as they depict events that are difficult to even imagine. This book reminds me that evil is alive and well in the world around us, yet it also reminds that God will prevail. Some of the conversations that take place between Samson and a priest at the camp, Kolbe, have stuck with me well beyond the final page, as I ponder the place of suffering in the world and how that fits with who God is. And, the triumph that readers are left with, despite the ending of the book, is a wonderful reminder of God's love and grace to sustain our spirits no matter the circumstances in our lives. Be prepared to give up a few hours of your life as you devour this book, and expect a few tears along the way!

Filled with deep emotion, and written at an unstoppable pace, "Samson" is a "must-read" for this fall. I give it my highest recommendation and a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

A review copy was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

[Misty Nordyke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books about the Holocaust, concentration camps, and Auschwitz and I have never been so touched by reading a book as this one. I knew that it was a horrible time and place but I was stunned to read some of the things that happened in this book. My heart, soul, feelings,and everything was back there in that time with them. I can not imagine how some survived.

This is a story about Samson and how helping a child eventually leads him and his family to the concentration camp in Auschwitz. When Samson is recognized as a former boxing champion he is ordered to fight. A win means extra food, but if you lose you go straight to the chamber.
The chamber is the gas chamber and this means death. Samson's family faces unimaginable
atrocities. Samson soon starts asking where is God in all this?

This is based on a true stories. The author also provides notes in the chapters to help you understand things and clarify them better. There are also links to web sites for more information on topics.

I would recommend this book to those who really wants to read a book that takes you back in history to that horrible place,as if you were there.
I could not put it down!! ** WARNING WILL CAUSE TEARS **

** I received this book for free from BookSneeze for my honest review. **