One in Six Million: The Baby by the Roadside and the Man Who Retraced a Holocaust Survivor's Lost Identity

by Amy Fish

Maria was eight months old in 1942 when a childless couple found her, wrapped in a blanket, at the side of a road near Krosno, Poland. A note pinned to the blanket stated only her first name and her date of birth. The couple picked up Maria and raised her, but she grew up longing for identity and connection. Who was she, and what had happened to her family?

Years later, Maria’s story came to the attention of Stanley Diamond. Diamond was the founder of Jewish Records Indexing-Poland, one of the largest databases of Jewish vital records and a crucial tool in researching the stories of the victims and survivors of the Holocaust.

In this engrossing story, Amy Fish shows how Diamond and an intrepid band of international volunteers compared photographs with genealogical records and smuggled DNA tests to provide Maria with family ties that she thought were lost to her forever. A tale of unexpected coincidences, astonishing revelations, and more than a little luck, One in Six Million is an amazing story of lost — and found — identity.

Genres: Holocaust, Nonfiction

210 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2025

Reviews

[Sonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

One in Six Million: The Baby by the Roadside and the Man who retraced a Holocaust Survivor's Lost Identity. The title seems to tell it all, and yet there is so much more to this story. This is a story that is readable and accessible, a story worth reading.

A good portion of the first half of the book is Stanley Diamond's (the genealogist) own journey. Mundane and random life events come together to paint a portrait of Stanley, a man who was compelled to search for Maria's birth family. Perseverance and luck= Stanley Diamond.

Immensely personal but told in a relatable way, many individual stories come together to tell one much larger story. How all these events, some of them coincidences, join together: Amy Fish's present day personal life, Stanley Diamond with his interest in genealogy, and Maria with her yearning to learn from where she originated. What a great legacy this book is, this collection of history from multiple families, the joy meshed with the tragic, strangers joined by events out of their control.

What I thought was a book about the baby found by the side of the road was actually a story of how people are connected through blood, experiences, and happenstance. I loved the storytelling, there was a light touch to the more horrific events, and ultimately this was a riveting and important story.

As for Stanley Diamond, responsible for the creation of JRI-Poland, an archive of information accumulated by volunteers and archivists, it is incredible what one man set into motion, life changing for many people. And Uncle Avi and Aunt Dora, what absolute gems.

[Melanie Chambers]

This book is aptly named: it’s one story that inspires a million other untold stories. It’s a treasure of little sub stories of love, humanity and courage. And, it’s a reminder of tenacity and courage in the darkest of times.

It’s a story of hope that we all need right now.

This book is also an important testament to truth in a time of misinformation. Rumour is that Fish spoke to her main source, Stanley Diamond, over 100 times. In an age when we’re surrounded by misinformation and lies, it is so refreshing to read words and stories that were painstakingly recorded and verified. But more than that, since the story is sprinkled with the author’s own story, opinions and reflections, you feel the care and love in her words.

It’s an uplifting story of determination and love that is a must read for any who believes in hope. It’s a page turner that I will return to again and again.

[Amanda Borys · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book about the creation of the first Jewish index of births, marriages, and deaths, which was created in Poland. Today, other indexes exist. This was a great read, as it feels like a victory over the Nazis and the neo-Nazis. They may have perpetrated the unimaginable horror of the Holocaust, but in the end, the survivors and their families persevered and thrived.

The reason I didn't rate the book higher was, quite frankly, the unfortunate writing style of the author. A non-fiction book certainly is very different to write than a fictitious story. It takes turns and twists and deviations you can't control, but need to be faithfully told. But I don't believe non-fiction cannot be written with feeling and emotions. However, I found this story rather sterile and linear. A no doubt faithful rendition of events, but one without any spirit. It was rather an odd situation, because the author shared personal accounts of growing up Jewish in Montreal and family stories. And she would try to explain reactions and feelings, but they were done in an uncreative and stereotypical way. So they really didn't convey what felt like true feelings.

So while I enjoyed the book and reveled in the successes of families to reunite and commemorate their lost loved ones, I didn't really connect with the story as fully as I felt I could have.

[Lucy Black]

ONE in Six Million by Amy Fish
At the heart of this memoir is the story of an infant left by the roadside during the second World War and the childless couple who found her and raised her as their own, despite the assumption that she is Jewish. Maria grew up wanting to learn more about her missing parents. Later in life, with the help of a friend, she began her search. Far away, in Canada, a man named Stanley Diamond had been labouring on a genealogy project that would eventually connect Maria to her family. Stanley was a self-taught genealogist motivated by a family history of anemia. As his work progressed, Stanley realized the database could also be utilized to assist Jews searching for family members who had disappeared during the Holocaust. Carefully researched and documented, this book will fascinate those interested in Jewish studies, genealogical tracing and DNA testing.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A suspenseful, surprising story about a woman's search for her identity, and the extraordinary people who volunteered to help her. Much of the story takes place during one of humanity's darkest periods, the Holocaust, yet this book brims with delight, wit, and warmth.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. sparks different emotions throughout the book. I enjoyed learning more about DNA. Definitely worth reading 📚

[Jo-Ann Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this book. The author, Amy, and I were in the same writing program, so for two years I heard her talk about it and some of the challenges she faced. It’s an amazing story — a baby found abandoned at the side of the road in Poland during WW II and her search to find her identity. We have a cast of vibrant characters, the genealogist who takes on the challenge, the researchers and academics in several countries who assist in solving the mystery. Amy understood the responsibility she had taken on. She wanted to tell this story well, with honesty and respect for everyone involved, but she also wanted to create a page turner, so as many people as possible would read this book. She did it!

This book is remarkable in so many ways. It builds tension and creates a story arc that draws you in and keeps you reading through several dead ends. She makes the genealogist, Stanley, a person you are rooting for, along with Maria, the mystery baby.

Along the way you learn a lot about the Jewish faith, the holocaust, DNA ancestry sites and the postwar diaspora. Finally, while this is a heartbreaking story at times, there is joy and even laugh out loud moments. Amy allows herself to be part of the story. It’s not over the top. It’s much like Amy herself, smart,snappy and, at times, self deprecating.

I will admit I had a moment of envy at how well Amy delivered this amazing story. I got over it because I know how much she invested in getting it right. Read this book it will exceed all expectations.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Profound and Unforgettable Journey into Identity, History, and Hope

Amy Fish’s One in Six Million is a masterclass in narrative nonfiction heartbreaking in its historical weight, yet profoundly uplifting in its resolution. At its core, this is more than a biography; it's a testament to resilience, the quiet power of human connection, and the remarkable dedication of those who refuse to let stories be lost to time.

Fish delicately reconstructs the life of Maria, a Holocaust survivor discovered as a baby near Krosno, Poland, and abandoned with only a note and a name. What unfolds is an emotional tapestry, expertly interwoven with genealogical research, historical insight, and personal testimony. The involvement of Stanley Diamond and the global effort to uncover Maria’s origins adds a layer of intrigue and investigative depth that will appeal to fans of both historical nonfiction and psychological storytelling.

The prose is elegant and restrained, letting the facts breathe while guiding readers through complex emotional terrain. Fish honors every voice in this story with grace and clarity, making it accessible yet deeply resonant.

One in Six Million is a rare and necessary work one that not only reclaims a lost identity but reminds us that even in the face of unimaginable loss, truth and belonging can still be found.

Highly recommended for readers of historical nonfiction, genealogy, psychology, and anyone moved by stories of survival and discovery.

[Bb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how the author managed to compile and synthesize what is a very complicated genealogical wild goose chase into such an approachable and engaging story. But here we are.

Fish blends history, science, biography, and religion into a heartwarming and gripping story of a global community coming together for the seemingly impossible task of digging up one women's family tree.

Infused with just the right amount of irreverence and humor, this would have been a one-sitting read if it was available as an e-book (or I had remembered to bring the hard copy with me when I left the house lol).

[Michele Dawson Haber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an astonishing story of a geologist's inspiring devotion to help one woman uncover her true identity seventy years after she was abandoned as a baby. For anyone who needs a reminder of the goodness that still exists in the world, this book more than delivers. I learned so much from Maria and Stanley's stories, and I'm grateful to author Amy Fish for sharing them with the world. It left me hopeful, which is no small thing.

[Carole Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story and fascinating education about initiatives to trace family members, lost or lost track of due to the Holocaust. Reads like a detective novel—but true. Thanks to Amy Fish and her main source the late Stanley Diamond, this story of the one in six million comes to light, reminding us of the importance of family.

[stephanie segal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read a book this good in a long time. It was suspenseful and kept me wanting to read more. The story is unbelievable and worth reading. I highly recommend!

[Sharon Hajj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fascinating story with so many serendipitous moments. It’s amazing how it all came together, and Maria discovered her history. Great book!

[Judie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reviews for One in Six Million have said it all and I can't come up wth any other superlatives.
I couldn't put it down. Thank you Amy.