The Survivor of the Holocaust

by Jack Eisner

Anniversary edition hardcover with a new foreword.

A courageous and remarkably accomplished Holocaust survivor’s powerfully vivid account of his transformation from a 13-year-old music student, to smuggling food and arms for the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and tenaciously enduring a series of brutal concentration camps, fighting for life against impossible odds.

When Hitler’s Nazis marched into Poland, it brought an abrupt, cruel end to Jack Eisner’s childhood, shattered his loving family, and turned his peaceful Jewish community into a nightmarish world of atrocity and murder. Instead of entering the Warsaw Music Conservatory, to which he’d won a scholarship, Jack found himself climbing cemetery walls, leaping over rooftops, and tunneling through sewers with a gang of fellow teenagers to smuggle food, hope, and survival into his besieged home.

Pulse-pounding and chillingly graphic, Jack’s story takes you into the terror of the Warsaw ghetto . . . to the clandestine meetings with Christian friends who risk their lives to help the teenagers . . . and alongside young rebels as they raise the flag with the Star of David in the final, unforgettable moments of the daring but doomed Warsaw uprising.

From the rubble of the ghetto to the horror of the concentration and slave labor camps, The Survivor of the Holocaust is both a stunning chronicle and a poignant true story of a young man sustained by his passionate desire to be reunited with the girl he loves. It also stands as captivating memorial to the 100 members of a single family who perished, told by one among them who—pitted against overwhelming odds—clung fiercely to their life-affirming message.

Genres: Holocaust, History, Nonfiction, Memoir, World War II, Biography, Autobiography

345 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Elliott Bignell · Rating 5 out of 5]

There have been many histories of many atrocities, but somehow the impact and horror of a survivor's account of the Shoah never diminishes. Jacek Eisner - I think he deserves his given name, and cannot ask him - was a tough bastard. He survived the liquidation of the Warsaw ghetto and fought in the uprising. This alone would establish him as one of the last Century's heroes. But that is only one fragment. He ran smuggling operations from outside the ghetto to feed his family. He defended the Polish and David's flags during its final stand. He went through Teblinka, escaped, was captured again and stood up face-to-face with one of the SS's most notorious beasts. He fought with the Polish resistance, and was driven from them by their vile hatred for a race that had done nothing to offend. He survived beatings, shootings and starvation, narrowly avoiding the gas chambers at several points and dragging many others along by sheer force of will. He was separated from his lover and found her twice over before the end. He survived to find his mother and some of his friends from along the way, and this alone is a miracle.

Before he died, he wrote down this account with the help of those who accompanied him. The message, as always, is never to forget. Listen to him.

[Jennifyre Ziegler]

Okay. I know this site is called 'Good Reads'. This book was a really tough read. I happened to find it on the back of the toilet in a home I just moved into, and being in my fall semester of school with barely anytime to breathe, the bathroom is as good a place as any to sneak some good books in. This book blew me away. I read a review on here that considered the book 'Not very well written', to that I say to each his or her own. The book was about 'never forgetting' and I believe it did a fine job of instilling that in me. When I say it was a tough read I mean just that. It wasn't a book I wanted to sit down with for hours. It's a lot to swallow. It was, however, a book that I was always wondering what was going to happen next, even though I knew a lot of it would be painful. In honor of Mr. Eisner and all of those whom survived or perished in that horrific atrocity, I will never forget. I will never forget.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have nothing to say that could probably describe the emotions I've felt while reading this. It's more brutal than a lot of fiction novels that I've read, and it happened in real life. I know there are a great many things that this novel eschewed, but what was given here completely floored me and I can't even begin to comprehend events of inhumane treatment past that. I didn't cry, but I felt this heaviness in my head and a gaping hole inside my chest that made me wish I had enough in me to just break down and wail it all away. It's quite personal, the words captured my mind, and it all seemed like a life that would never be a part of reality.

I've always had a huge interest in the 2nd World War. My country, the Philppines, was involved in it and I've read several atrocities from our virtually forgotten town history book. There was a story there of a pregnant woman whose child was bayoneted straight out of her stomach as she tried to escape with her husband, and the thought haunts me when I see the river where the event took place. Most stories I've read about are insignificant compared to the draconian hell Mr. Jack Eisner has gone through, and all I got from this book shall never leave me.

I'm only 13, the same age Jack was when this all started. He survived and so did his story- one that I will always remember.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The spine-tingling, moving story of a survivor of the Warsaw Ghetto, including the Uprising, and subsequent deportations to several concentration camps, death camps, and slave labor camps. The author survived but lost numerous family members in the inferno of the Holocaust. The fast moving story begins in Warsaw before the Nazi invasion, continues with the confinement of the Jewish community within a walled precinct (the ghetto) to which are added Jewish deportees from all corners of Europe. As more Jews are added, cattle cars are pulled up the siding adjacent to the ghetto and thousands depart for the death camps. The Jews are impoverished, sickened, beaten and starved in the ghetto before being forced on the trains. Eisner however has an unbreakable will to live and survive - despite everything he experiences. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in finding out more about the Holocaust, Nazi atrocities, etc. It is a very fast read - you can read it in a day or two, since it is so gripping.

[Jessica Brusven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected and triumphant, despite such a difficult topic. This story chronicles the life of a teenage boy living in the Warsaw Ghetto and later, multiple nazi concentration camps. Like all holocaust memoirs, it’s deeply sad and excruciating…however I found Jack’s story to also be hopeful. His lens of this horrific timeframe as a young boy had many unique takes. There are moments of delight like him falling in love paired with such despair like losing his grandmother. It’s deeply human, deeply human and deeply humble. I will try to read every account of this time in history, while also acknowledging the Holocaust intentionally forever disappeared millions of stories. This book is contemplative and another necessary account of how extreme hatred created the worst of mankind. Deeply thankful for this republished memoir making the rounds again!

[Greg Nybo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved and hated this book. The main focus of this book was not the author's survival through the concentration camps, but more on his life struggling through conditions of the Warsaw Ghetto. The events of daily life and survival were completely fascinating, but the detailed descriptions of Nazi brutality to people, and specifically to children and babies was extremely difficult to read. This author largely focused on the impact the Holocaust took on the lives of children. He was 13 when his ordeal started. I would not recommend this book to most people. The details about pain and suffering throughout the Nazis' brutal and dehumanizing treatment of people is extremely difficult to read. The story, however, is captivating. If you choose to read this, good luck, it's horrifying.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend taking the time to read this. Reading stories of these atrocities from those who experienced them first hand is invaluable. When they are no longer with us these stories will remain as a reminder, we must remember so that we do not repeat. I received this book as part of a giveaway, but I would have been interested even if I hadn't!

[Léa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bouleversant du début à la fin. Témoignage de mille horreurs et mille miracles à la fois (c’est à croire que Jack Eisner avait un ange gardien dans son malheur). Jamais un livre m’a autant fait pleurer. Extrêmement bien écrit, juste magnifique.

[Marcela B · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read about holocaust. The will to survive of the main character is inspiring.

[Faithe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The survivor of the Holocaust by Jack Eisner Is a memorable true story. This book is dedicated to his childhood love Halina (19), his sister Hela (15) and his 30 cousins (2-13) who were all murdered by the Nazis. The forward is written by Jack's grandkids Alexandra Gibson and Lauren jordan. It states that in a few years there will be no holocaust survivors left, so Jack felt the need to write down his story. His story, this book is also adapted into a Broadway play and a motion picture.

Jack was 13 when it started and 19 when it ended.

Jack survived the Warsaw Ghetto killings and fought in the uprising. He fed his family by running smuggling operations from outside the ghetto. He defended the Polish flag during its final stand and went through Teblinka. Jack managed to escape Teblinka, was captured again and stool face-to-fave with the enemy. He fought with the Polish resistance, survived beatings, shootings, starvation and narrowly avoided the gas chambers several times. He was separated from his love, but managed to find her twice. Jack survived it all, and managed to find his mother and some friends along the way.

Before he passed away he wrote down this account of what took place, with the help of those who accompanied him. He wanted people to never forget what happened and this book goes a long way in doing just that.

Huge thank you to Jack and Family for sharing your incredible story. Thank you for partnering with NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply breathtaking

Amazing first hand account of one of the worst tragedies tobefall humanity. Both heartbreaking and inspirational. A true testament to human survival.

[Howard Tobin MD · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredibly compelling book. There have been many books written about the holocaust, but this one differs in that it describes the experience of a young boy who throug grit, determination and luck lived to survive. It is not easy reading, and in fact, I could not sleep at all the two nights I spent reading it. Although written years ago, it has been republished at a very appropriate time. As a very patriotic, American Jew, I was just a young child during World War II, and only learned about the holocaust after the war was over Nevertheless, throughout my life, I have realized that antisemitism has always, and will always exist. This book has simply reinforced my strong, feeling that the strength of Israel is of vital importance to all Jews, the savagery of the holocaust has been repeated once again through the brutal and inhumane invasion by Hamas terrorists. This time, however a strong and powerful Israel exists to counteract this evil.

I appreciate the author’s, grandchildren republishing this very important and compelling narrative.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Survivor's Story

Amazing story, and like others I was amazed at how many times the author escaped from so many places. This books really takes you into the Hell the Jewish people and others went thru and it's hard to imagine making it out in the end. Thank you to the author for going back to Hell so as to write this novel and share it with us.

[Mavis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest reviews.
This was a good book. An easy read as far as it’s well written and easy to follow. A hard read as far as to think humans can treat other humans that way.
Several times I thought the stories were exaggerated but at the end of the book it addresses ways his story was validated.
This is one of many books that people need to read to understand how horrible we can be to each other.

[Nicole H · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75⭐️

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a profoundly moving testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Jack Eisner’s account of his experiences during the Holocaust is raw, gripping, and deeply personal, offering readers an unflinching look at the horrors of that dark chapter in history. What sets this work apart is not just the vivid storytelling, but the way Eisner captures moments of hope, courage, and humanity amidst unimaginable adversity. His writing is both haunting and inspiring, pulling you into his world with an authenticity that lingers long after the final page. This isn’t just a memoir, it’s a powerful reminder of survival against all odds. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand the strength it takes to endure and overcome. Five stars, without hesitation.

[Dan Richter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es ist ungeheuerlich. Wir durchleben mit Eisner sämtliche möglichen Stationen, vom Ghetto bis zum Vernichtungslager. Welche Chancen hatte einer wie er in Ostpolen? Und trotzdem gelingt es ihm immer wieder, zu entweichen.
Eine Fluchtgeschichte nach der anderen, damit hatte mich Eisner am Haken. Andererseits wirkt es fast ein bisschen abenteuerbuchartig, fast unangemessen für das Thema. Und das melodramatische Ende? Bei solch einer extremen Verknüpfung der Zufälle ist man beinahe versucht zu fragen, ob da nicht das ein oder andere der Story halber hingebogen wurde.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks goodreads and publisher for this copy I won in a goodreads giveaway. This book needs to be talked about more. While based on a true story of Jack’s, it reads like a fiction story but obviously it’s not. Jack’s strength and perseverance during the holocaust is amazing!

[Alex Foxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times gripping, at times utterly overwhelming. Picked it up, put it down, pulled it close, tucked it away, and found it again. *exhale*

[Mary Polzella · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly moving true story about Jack Eisner, a young Jewish boy's experience during the Holocaust, smuggling food and arms into the Warsaw Ghetto and the strength and courage he shows to fight for himself and his family to survive. Graphic and horrifying, this young man's story is painful to read but so important to understand. As a teenager in Poland under Nazi occupation, he and one other member of his family survived inhumane conditions but lost everything and everyone else. He spent the rest of his life bearing witness to his experience and founded the Holocaust Survivors Memorial Foundation. A tough and moving read which is difficult to forget.

This book has been rereleased for the 45th anniversary with a new forward. Thank you to NetGalley and Citadel for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Pam Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that needs to be told over and over again. I will do my part and lend my copy on. My highest compliment - if the author would be in my time - I would want him to be my neighbor. There are so many more untold stories I would have loved to hear. Very readable despite the intensity of the story being told. I had to keep reminding myself these are real people - this really happened. I got attached to the people - even those with minor roles in this particular story. These lives mattered and the people suffering now due to prejudice matter also. If you love heroes, then you will find one in this story. Someone real and worth hearing about. Yes - I believe the miracles in the story. A good read.

[Cindy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. The Survivor of the Holocaust, and I’m blown away by its raw power and emotional depth. The way it captures the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust while weaving a thread of hope and resilience left me speechless. Every page feels like a testament to the human spirit, told with such honesty that it’s impossible not to be moved. The writing is gripping, pulling you into the heart of the experience without ever letting go. This is a book that stays with you long after the last page—a must-read for anyone who values history, courage, and the strength to endure.

[AmaliaLuz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read so many books about the Holocaust and this one is unique from all the other l have read. This is a firsthand account from a young boy/teen growing up during the Holocaust and its aftermath. Jacku had such a fighting spirit was extremely resourceful and really miraculously got out of some crazy situations. He was very clever and used his cleverness and resources to protect his loved ones and himself as much as possible. Jacky fought in the Warsaw ghetto uprising. He was one of the last Jews in the ghetto and fought valiantly . At times his story did not seem real, but every bit of it is and key events were corroborated by witnesses. I truly felt as if l knew Jacku , and my heart broke for all of the pain him and millions of others have experienced.

[sarah marie ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a raw, emotional recount of life during the holocaust. Although this book was so well written, and his loved ones described so beautifully you can visualize.. I cannot even begin to imagine what was went through to have been able to survive even a fraction of what Jack mentions in his book, and live to share their story.
A true story of unwavering bravery, an overwhelmingly tragic but beautiful love story, fight, and love for friends and family..

[Lottie C · Rating 5 out of 5]

[a copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher from netgalley. thank you!]

5⭐️

a touching and brave story from a survivor of the Warsaw ghetto—one of the last survivors of the Holocaust we will get to read. well worth a read for fans of historical fiction.

[Mary Vogelsong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story of survival. So many times the author stood face-to-face with death, but he refused to give up or say "I can't." Although he endured brutal beatings, starvation, and steep odds, he always believed he could find a way. He was intelligent and courageous. Inspiring.

[Taylor Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve ever read the memoir of someone who survived the Holocaust. This book is all of the things that you expect a book about a Jewish person’s experience during the Holocaust to be. Frightening, alarming, gut wrenching…

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a difficult book to rate for me. On the one hand, it's a history worth reading and a very important subject (one of particular interest to me), being about Eisner's experiences in the Warsaw ghetto and his participation in the uprising and survival. On the other hand, unfortunately, it is in fact very poorly written, and this often made it impossible to connect with the story.
People were introduced abruptly and with hardly any background or explanation, description and establishing details were choppy at best, and except when expressing anger he relied almost entirely clichéd and over-dramatic turns of phrase, often when it was totally inappropriate and just made reading uncomfortable (purposelessly so). He seemed to think he was writing an adventure story, or at least he seemed to want to, and the effect was alienating--why on earth would you write an adventure story about such awful experiences?
What Eisner really needed was a ghost writer or co-writer, someone who could prompt him to find the more interesting and relevant details, coach and critique on the best story telling methods and ways of communicating, refine the technique and make it accessible and relate-able. Because it really is a shame to have to say I didn't like this book, but in the end, I just didn't.

[Karyl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is painful and difficult book to read. How can humans be so very cruel to one another, for the slightest of reasons? The sadism of the SS troops as described by Eisner is horrific. And yet Eisner managed to survive. Reading this, I was surprised at Eisner's amazing will to live, to thwart the Nazis in their program of extermination. At every turn, when death seems imminent, somehow Eisner fights through and lives to greet another day. So many others gave up, but not Eisner. This book is not only a testament to the horrors the Jews of Europe were forced to endure, but also to the desire of the human spirit to continue on and survive against all odds.

[Sara T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely excellent book. Despite what I'm seeing from people that it was poorly written, I would argue that it's actually the exact opposite. I first read it in high school and this was so well written from the perspective of the character's age as he was when he lived it, it deeply embedded itself within my consciousness. That level of appeal for people of that age is extraordinary and, regarding this topic especially, of profound importance. It read easily, it read well and it was heartbreakingly poignant. I highly recommend this to anyone of any age but beg that it be given proper perspective. Absolutely wonderful.