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The Girl From Terezin: A WW2 Holocaust Survival True Story
“We were finally standing at the train station in Mauthausen. In front of us, there was a notorious steep path toward the camp. There, for the first time since my arrival at Terezin, I was certain that my end was near, that I couldn’t endure anymore…”
December, 1942. Carrying what little possessions she was allowed to keep, twelve-year-old Hana Sternlicht waits in the freezing European winter for the train that will take her away from the only home she ever knew. She had heard rumors of her destination, but nothing would prepare her for what she would endure when they arrived. Nothing could have prepared her for Theresienstadt – the ghetto in the heart of Terezin.
For two long years, Terezin will test Hana’s spirit and resolve. Surrounded by hunger, sickness, and death, Hana finds shelter in a Heim – a girl’s house operating discreetly under the ruthless German guards. But when Jews begin to disappear into crowded freight trains, never to be seen again, Hana knows that her time in Terezin is over – though her journey of survival has only just begun.
Based on the incredible true story of Holocaust survivor Hana Sternlicht, The Girl From Terezin takes readers on her unbelievable journey through some of the most horrifying concentration camps of Eastern Europe – perfect for fans of Adiva Geffen and The Boy From Block 66.
December, 1942. Carrying what little possessions she was allowed to keep, twelve-year-old Hana Sternlicht waits in the freezing European winter for the train that will take her away from the only home she ever knew. She had heard rumors of her destination, but nothing would prepare her for what she would endure when they arrived. Nothing could have prepared her for Theresienstadt – the ghetto in the heart of Terezin.
For two long years, Terezin will test Hana’s spirit and resolve. Surrounded by hunger, sickness, and death, Hana finds shelter in a Heim – a girl’s house operating discreetly under the ruthless German guards. But when Jews begin to disappear into crowded freight trains, never to be seen again, Hana knows that her time in Terezin is over – though her journey of survival has only just begun.
Based on the incredible true story of Holocaust survivor Hana Sternlicht, The Girl From Terezin takes readers on her unbelievable journey through some of the most horrifying concentration camps of Eastern Europe – perfect for fans of Adiva Geffen and The Boy From Block 66.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2024
341 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 31, 2024
A Heart-Wrenching Tale of Holocaust Survival...
"The Girl From Terezin: A WW2 Holocaust Survival True Story" by Hana Sternlicht is an emotionally charged odyssey that immerses readers in the profound depths of the Holocaust, providing an intimate glimpse into the incomprehensible challenges encountered by twelve-year-old Hana. Standing at the Mauthausen train station in the winter of December 1942, the harsh reality of bidding farewell to her only home initiates a journey that will scrutinize her resilience in ways surpassing anticipation.
The narrative unfurls within Theresienstadt, the epicenter of Terezin's ghetto, acting as the crucible where Hana's fortitude is relentlessly tested over two arduous years. Amid pervasive hunger, rampant sickness, and the looming specter of death, she seeks sanctuary within a discreet Heim—a refuge for girls operating under the watchful eyes of merciless German guards. However, as fellow Jews mysteriously vanish into overcrowded freight trains, Hana discerns that her time in Terezin is drawing to a close, signaling the onset of an even more precarious excursion for survival.
Hana Sternlicht's poignant Holocaust survival narrative emerges as a gripping and soul-stirring chronicle of an extraordinary odyssey through the harrowing concentration camps of Eastern Europe. Rooted deeply in historical authenticity, Hana's story serves as a powerful testament to the enduring human spirit, embodying steadfast strength, resilience, and an indomitable will to endure amidst overwhelming challenges. "The Girl From Terezin" not only invites readers but implores them to bear witness to the unwavering courage displayed by one girl grappling with unimaginable adversity. It delivers a resonant and imperative reminder of the indomitable resilience that resides within the human spirit. Very highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
"The Girl From Terezin: A WW2 Holocaust Survival True Story" by Hana Sternlicht is an emotionally charged odyssey that immerses readers in the profound depths of the Holocaust, providing an intimate glimpse into the incomprehensible challenges encountered by twelve-year-old Hana. Standing at the Mauthausen train station in the winter of December 1942, the harsh reality of bidding farewell to her only home initiates a journey that will scrutinize her resilience in ways surpassing anticipation.
The narrative unfurls within Theresienstadt, the epicenter of Terezin's ghetto, acting as the crucible where Hana's fortitude is relentlessly tested over two arduous years. Amid pervasive hunger, rampant sickness, and the looming specter of death, she seeks sanctuary within a discreet Heim—a refuge for girls operating under the watchful eyes of merciless German guards. However, as fellow Jews mysteriously vanish into overcrowded freight trains, Hana discerns that her time in Terezin is drawing to a close, signaling the onset of an even more precarious excursion for survival.
Hana Sternlicht's poignant Holocaust survival narrative emerges as a gripping and soul-stirring chronicle of an extraordinary odyssey through the harrowing concentration camps of Eastern Europe. Rooted deeply in historical authenticity, Hana's story serves as a powerful testament to the enduring human spirit, embodying steadfast strength, resilience, and an indomitable will to endure amidst overwhelming challenges. "The Girl From Terezin" not only invites readers but implores them to bear witness to the unwavering courage displayed by one girl grappling with unimaginable adversity. It delivers a resonant and imperative reminder of the indomitable resilience that resides within the human spirit. Very highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 3, 2024
Hana was an only child and was fourteen when the Nazis arrived at her hometown of Holich after having survived the camps and Auschwitz. She was the only member of her immediate family to survive. She was fifteen and weighted 68 lbs. She refuse the offers from friends to stay and left Europe for Israel. Here, she made a good life for herself and her family. She wrote this book so that others would not forget. Her book is truthful to the point of hurting the reader as you read. You feel her personal battles , suffered the cold and heat with her just as you took her emotions and lived those too. Her book is well worth the time it takes to read it. In fact, every time I picked it up, I started it over simply to pick up her emotions again. It was well worth the time spent on reading it.
June 25, 2025
The Holocaust and life afterwards
The horror and then the building of a new life. You don't always read about life after surviving the concentration camps.
It was interesting to read about how this family arrived in Israel and how they built a new life there. I would recommend this book because it illustrates the difficulty of building a new life after the horrors they experienced. They had not lost the belief in family and bring free. There is always Hope.
The horror and then the building of a new life. You don't always read about life after surviving the concentration camps.
It was interesting to read about how this family arrived in Israel and how they built a new life there. I would recommend this book because it illustrates the difficulty of building a new life after the horrors they experienced. They had not lost the belief in family and bring free. There is always Hope.
April 19, 2024
Different direction Amazing story!
This book is so different from the many books have read about the war. It is not as polished and even rambles at times, but it includes so much more of the story of her life and other. Even as we see her family and other families moving forward today. It makes me think about how they still suffer today (4/19/2024).
This book is so different from the many books have read about the war. It is not as polished and even rambles at times, but it includes so much more of the story of her life and other. Even as we see her family and other families moving forward today. It makes me think about how they still suffer today (4/19/2024).
May 25, 2024
Good book
Thank you very much for sharing you and your families story with the world. What stands out in your story where ever you were you just kept moving on your faith was such a blessing to those reading your words. May God con't to bless you and your family. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you very much for sharing you and your families story with the world. What stands out in your story where ever you were you just kept moving on your faith was such a blessing to those reading your words. May God con't to bless you and your family. I highly recommend this book.
June 16, 2024
A family record of their WW2 experience.
This was a very brief record of a family experience if WW2 from where they lived, worked and their journey thru being relocated and going back after the war.
This was a very brief record of a family experience if WW2 from where they lived, worked and their journey thru being relocated and going back after the war.
April 12, 2024
Unfortunately, no part of her life was discussed in full, so this is more like a short story, with no real depth to any part of her life's story. Didn’t read like a book, therefore the 2* rating.
June 11, 2024
Touching
This heart-breaking (and heart-warming) story is so real you can feel the emotions. I am glad to have read it.
This heart-breaking (and heart-warming) story is so real you can feel the emotions. I am glad to have read it.
November 9, 2024
History
Very sad memories of a girl who survived the Holocaust. Was a good read and a good ending. Five stars.
Very sad memories of a girl who survived the Holocaust. Was a good read and a good ending. Five stars.
August 31, 2025
This is not the gripping read one thought it would be. I could not finish the book. It is amazing that she survived the persecution and horrors of life in the camps however.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews