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Into No Man's Land
The touching story of Irene and her family trying to escape the horrors of Holocaust to end up in a frozen field of the no man's land, in a Siberian labor camp, in an impoverished village in Uzbekistan. starving. It is a story of courage, determination, perseverance and the power of the human spirit. Irene spent 8 years of her life in orphanages, but this did not destroy her dreams and desire to live live a full and rich life.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2012
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240 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 19, 2024
This is a very well written memoire. I believe it is true what Irene says " that hearing the life experiences directly from the survivors, others might understand the horrors of prejudice and learn to be on guard to prevent future atrocities from happening."
April 5, 2024
Amazing reminder of what prejudice and hatred can do to people. But even more amazing what determination, a positive attitude, and hopeful spirit can do to overcome that prejudice and hatred! Such an honor to read this book and meet Irene at a talk for my students at my high school.
January 20, 2026
This book reminds me of the obligation we have as people to stand up against hate, prejudice and bigotry in our communities. Irene had her childhood stripped away and has been through some of the most grueling experiences I have read. I had the pleasure of hearing her speak last year and I am very happy I bought her book to read more about her story. She is caring and empathetic and wants to make the world a better place and boy does this book make me want to play a part in that. I hope to see her again to thank her for her bravery in sharing her experiences.
December 13, 2020
Into No Man's Land is an affecting and compelling true account of one young girl and her family's experiences during the Holocaust. Escaping Warsaw Poland after the Nazis invade, Mama and Tata Miller, and their daughters Irene and Halina wind up robbed of their worldly possessions and left as refugees in "No Man's Land" on the Polish border with the Soviet Union. What follows are years of hunger and deprivation, a narrow escape for the mother from a train bound for a Nazi death camp, time in a Soviet labor camp for the whole family, separation of the girls from their parents into an orphanage, death of the father, and then, after the war, resettlement back into Poland where they find all their extended family has been murdered by the Nazis. Irene and her mother eventually emigrate to Israel where Irene marries, and with her husband moves to the US.
I had the opportunity to hear Irene Miller speak to a community group at Temple Jacob in Hancock in 2017. Well into her 80s, she stood and spoke for over an hour in a plain and straightforward manner, relating many of the tales that are in this book. Like her speaking manner, so too this book has a matter of fact tone that draws you in and makes you feel Irene's experiences, and become a part of the family as they are buffeted by the war. At just over 300 pages this book reads quickly - I read it in two sittings. Highly recommended.
I had the opportunity to hear Irene Miller speak to a community group at Temple Jacob in Hancock in 2017. Well into her 80s, she stood and spoke for over an hour in a plain and straightforward manner, relating many of the tales that are in this book. Like her speaking manner, so too this book has a matter of fact tone that draws you in and makes you feel Irene's experiences, and become a part of the family as they are buffeted by the war. At just over 300 pages this book reads quickly - I read it in two sittings. Highly recommended.
February 2, 2022
Holocaust Survivor
Irene Miller survived a Siberian labor camp, living in Russia, living in two different orphanages, her father's death, and being separated from her mother. She is truly amazing and did not lose her spirit or desire to survive.
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Irene Miller survived a Siberian labor camp, living in Russia, living in two different orphanages, her father's death, and being separated from her mother. She is truly amazing and did not lose her spirit or desire to survive.
g
August 1, 2019
Irene Miller spoke at our middle school concerning her story of surviving the holocaust.
Survivors are now few and far between. I personally remember when most adult males had participated in World War II. They are almost all gone now. Even my Vietnam era buddies are thinning out. She was of the last few of her era.
The bleachers were full of students who were holding up fairly well to an hour presentation that did not involve smart phones.
The students were attentive, although I suspected they did not fully comprehend the subject.
Irene Miller and her family had been rounded up by the Nazis and shipped to Siberia. Had she been sent to a German destination, she would not have been there.
She lived hungry. She lived very hungry, and only once during this period had enough to eat. Everyone was hungry. When they harvested a small crop of potatoes, her mother allowed her to eat as many potatoes that day as she could. Miller said she thought that, if she were ever really rich, she would eat as many baked potatoes as she wanted when she wanted.
Shipped to Uzbekistan, the family was no longer allowed to have a small garden, and her father went from indigenous farmer to farmer begging to work for food. Rarely was he given the opportunity.
Mostly, the family ate boiled grass and sometimes onions. Her mother boiled what was available and ate it first to ensure it would not kill the other members of her family.
Irene suffered from malaria and recovered very slowly.
Her father died and was buried in a communal gravesite, and she was taken by horse and buggy to an orphanage where she and other children were stuffed into a small building, and she still remained hungry but now was also covered with lice.
The book, published by the University of Michigan, Into No Man’s Land tells of many events of her life.
After the war, she still spent about two years in the orphanage before leaving with her mother, who soon died, and her sister to Israel.
The people of Poland were very anti-Semitic and Miller knew no one there.
Since Israel also offered little hope, she emigrated to America at age twenty-one with her baby and husband. Miller now lives in Michigan.
Her entire extended family had been murdered.
Miller’s love of reading and education allowed her to succeed in life in America.
For age 84, Miller looked great and spoke optimistically.
However, after the program, I spoke personally with Irene Miller.
How, did the beginning of the Nazi years, I asked, compare with the current erosion of the Constitution.
Frankly, I was hoping she would say it cannot happen here, but that was not the response.
She said it was the same- the control of the press, the passage of evil laws, the expressions of hatred toward minority groups.
I guess, we both went away unhappier.
Survivors are now few and far between. I personally remember when most adult males had participated in World War II. They are almost all gone now. Even my Vietnam era buddies are thinning out. She was of the last few of her era.
The bleachers were full of students who were holding up fairly well to an hour presentation that did not involve smart phones.
The students were attentive, although I suspected they did not fully comprehend the subject.
Irene Miller and her family had been rounded up by the Nazis and shipped to Siberia. Had she been sent to a German destination, she would not have been there.
She lived hungry. She lived very hungry, and only once during this period had enough to eat. Everyone was hungry. When they harvested a small crop of potatoes, her mother allowed her to eat as many potatoes that day as she could. Miller said she thought that, if she were ever really rich, she would eat as many baked potatoes as she wanted when she wanted.
Shipped to Uzbekistan, the family was no longer allowed to have a small garden, and her father went from indigenous farmer to farmer begging to work for food. Rarely was he given the opportunity.
Mostly, the family ate boiled grass and sometimes onions. Her mother boiled what was available and ate it first to ensure it would not kill the other members of her family.
Irene suffered from malaria and recovered very slowly.
Her father died and was buried in a communal gravesite, and she was taken by horse and buggy to an orphanage where she and other children were stuffed into a small building, and she still remained hungry but now was also covered with lice.
The book, published by the University of Michigan, Into No Man’s Land tells of many events of her life.
After the war, she still spent about two years in the orphanage before leaving with her mother, who soon died, and her sister to Israel.
The people of Poland were very anti-Semitic and Miller knew no one there.
Since Israel also offered little hope, she emigrated to America at age twenty-one with her baby and husband. Miller now lives in Michigan.
Her entire extended family had been murdered.
Miller’s love of reading and education allowed her to succeed in life in America.
For age 84, Miller looked great and spoke optimistically.
However, after the program, I spoke personally with Irene Miller.
How, did the beginning of the Nazi years, I asked, compare with the current erosion of the Constitution.
Frankly, I was hoping she would say it cannot happen here, but that was not the response.
She said it was the same- the control of the press, the passage of evil laws, the expressions of hatred toward minority groups.
I guess, we both went away unhappier.
October 24, 2024
I had the privilege of hearing Irene Miller speak recently at an event. As someone who is well read in WWII era novels, I thought I had heard all of the variations of struggle and triumph. Irene's story was something new entirely, showcasing hardships that many did not endure in the same way.
At times, I felt myself wanting more out of the story. I felt like I was becoming frustrated at the gaps in the timeline or the way things were hinted at and then shifted so suddenly. I found myself constantly reminding myself that this was someone's personal story and for them to even share this much of their personal narrative is something that I should be okay with.
Something I found myself struggling with as well were the choices that were made at times for Irene and her family. I could not figure out the reason for staying in orphanages for so long or why they needed to move after the war when things seemed to be going well. Maybe this was what felt like the right thing to do in the moment though.
It was astounding the amount of luck that Irene, her sister and her parents had in this personal narrative. There were so many reasons why things should not have worked out for them yet for one reason or another they did. These same things could have happened to the person or the family right next to them and the outcome could have been completely different. It is hard to wrap one's mind around the fact that this WWII story is one that is actually real.
At times, I felt myself wanting more out of the story. I felt like I was becoming frustrated at the gaps in the timeline or the way things were hinted at and then shifted so suddenly. I found myself constantly reminding myself that this was someone's personal story and for them to even share this much of their personal narrative is something that I should be okay with.
Something I found myself struggling with as well were the choices that were made at times for Irene and her family. I could not figure out the reason for staying in orphanages for so long or why they needed to move after the war when things seemed to be going well. Maybe this was what felt like the right thing to do in the moment though.
It was astounding the amount of luck that Irene, her sister and her parents had in this personal narrative. There were so many reasons why things should not have worked out for them yet for one reason or another they did. These same things could have happened to the person or the family right next to them and the outcome could have been completely different. It is hard to wrap one's mind around the fact that this WWII story is one that is actually real.
July 7, 2023
Into No Man’s Land is a heart-felt memoir written by Irene Miller. At a very young age, she is forced out of her home due to Nazi hatred. The chapters of her life during the Holocaust are detailed throughout the different sections of her life — often moving, losing family, and fighting starvation. She ends her book by explaining her life beyond those terrible days. Last December, I was lucky enough to have Irene speak to my students. Since then, she has become a friend. Irene is hardworking, funny, creative, and has many passions in her life. She is a life changing woman who has taught me to find the simple pleasures in life and to hold on closely to those that show love. Thank you for writing this book and sharing your story ❤️
May 15, 2024
I was so fortunate to hear Irene Miller speak in person. There are so few Holocaust survivors left to tell their stories. Irene's story is fascinating from a historical perspective and also told from the eyes of a little girl. It is a quick read but not an easy one. I have a huge curiosity for people's life journey and how they handled their adversities. This book does not disappoint as throughout the story, not only Irene's story is revealed but that of her family and thousands of others that were in her same situation before, during and after the war. I am grateful for my signed copy and in a very small way be a conduit to keep Irene's story alive.
August 20, 2019
After meeting Irene Miller in person and listening to her testimony, it was more personal to read her book. Hers is a different Holocaust story. It was a beautiful tribute to her daughter, Naomi, to write the book as a conversation between a mother and daughter. It is a stark contrast to the relationship Miller had with her own mother. Overall, like so many survivor accounts, she exemplifies what it means to persevere.
May 7, 2023
I was fortunate to have attended a talk by Irene Miller and hear her tell her Holocaust story of survival in Warsaw, Poland, Russia, Siberia , Uzbekistan and Israel. This book gives the detailed account of her life and her families experiences . A book that gives one pause as it is a warning of complacency and ignoring signs that they could not believing was happening to them. Excellent writing.
September 4, 2024
Such an honor to have met Irene and also be able to read her whole story. Wow. Absolutely incredible.
Whenever we think about the Holocaust we always think “ok, forced into cattle car, taken to extermination camp, millions killed” but every single holocaust story is different. Irene’s included. She never was taken to an extermination camp, but endured countless other hardships. Definitely recommend.
Whenever we think about the Holocaust we always think “ok, forced into cattle car, taken to extermination camp, millions killed” but every single holocaust story is different. Irene’s included. She never was taken to an extermination camp, but endured countless other hardships. Definitely recommend.
May 29, 2025
I went to a speech she did at Zeeland Christian High School with my husband, where we bought her book. I thought she said she was always hungry at the orphanage but maybe I got that wrong because in the book it was better for her. Also in her speech she wouldn't say how her mother reunited with them so that was interesting to find out. She speaks of her marriage kind of oddly in both the book and real life. But yes a few things will probably stay with me from the book and speech.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2019
Irena reminds me of Anna Frank
Irena reminds me of Anna Frank who still believed after atrocities that people were basically good at heart. I wish with all my heart that every millennial, every snowflake, every young would-be socialist could read - and I mean read and study -- this wonderful expose of war and socialism.
Irena reminds me of Anna Frank who still believed after atrocities that people were basically good at heart. I wish with all my heart that every millennial, every snowflake, every young would-be socialist could read - and I mean read and study -- this wonderful expose of war and socialism.
February 3, 2022
i got this book at the holocaust museum in farmington hills, michigan, after hearing the author speak about her holocaust experience. i was so moved by her story, that i had to read her book as well. luckily, they were selling it in the museum store, and she was signing books. it was a privilege to hear her story and to meet her. i loved the book and can’t wait to recommend it to others.
January 7, 2023
Picked up a copy of Into No Man's Land after seeing Irene speak at my high school. The book offers a different perspective on the hardships faced during the holocaust. The story explained her family's terrible living conditions, constant hunger, and lack of medical care as they lived in Siberia to escape the German death camps.
February 3, 2024
Naturally, the story is unbelievable, yet true. Having met Irene Miller and heard her speak multiple times, I waited to read her story until I was distanced from teaching the topic. I enjoy her straight forward writing style. I would have liked to know the dates of her path, but I know those may have been unclear to her as well.
February 16, 2021
Advertised as a Holocaust memoir, it’s not exactly what you think. Irene and her family flee a nazi occupied Poland and find themselves homeless, in labor camps along Soviet countries. A story of loss and perseverance and new perspective.
February 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! I found the beginning and middle very interesting, however, the ending was a bit slower and was harder to read. I found myself getting bored and wasn't as intrigued. This book was an easy read, although it does touch on some tough topics. Overall a great read!
July 1, 2023
i haven’t actually read this yet but Irene came to my school and talked about the Holocaust and her experiences and I could tell by that that she is an incredible writer. She also has such an amazing story that would translate so well into a book.
December 9, 2023
I had the pleasure of meeting Irene Miller at the Holocaust Museum in Michigan and listen to her story. This book is very gut wrenching…. Couple pages I had to put my book down and have a good cry. So sad what humanity can do to one another. Prayers to everyone.
August 28, 2020
5 stars because Irene is a sweet baby angel and should be protected at all costs.
May 24, 2023
This book was very sad to read but it was great.
July 2, 2023
I loved it. Nonfiction. I met the author and she is a survivor of the concentration camps. Amazing lady.
October 23, 2023
Loved this book by a local ish author. One of the many untold stories of the holocaust of a young orphan.
October 15, 2025
Best memoir I've recently read. Highly recommend.
July 20, 2019
A different side of the Holocaust. Very good.
March 19, 2023
Amazing how she tells her story. I forgot I was reading someone’s life at some points as I can’t believe her story. A must read
August 19, 2019
Beautifully written share the experience of another scenario of the Holocaust
July 2, 2018
Irene Miller, Holocaust survivor, and her parents and sister managed to escape into Russia and avoid the fate of all the rest of her family. Even though they didn't take the perhaps more typical route through the death camps, her experience is still horrific. Near starvation, jammed into cattle cars, persecution, banishment to Siberia, and austere life in an orphanage paint a vivid picture. Irene lives in Michigan and gives presentations. I hope to see her speak sometime and have been wishing to have the displeasure of visiting the Holocaust Memorial Center in Farmington Hills sometime.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews