The Garden Keeper of Auschwitz: A WW2 Historical Novel Based on a True Story of a Holocaust Survivor

by Naama Levy Eylam

In a place of total devastation, Livia could never believe that something as delicate as flowers would save her life.

1942. Livia just celebrated her 24th birthday when she was forcibly taken from her peaceful village in Slovakia to an unknown Nazi labor camp. Always the optimist, she believes she’ll be back home in three months, but reality quickly crashes down on her when she reads the German writing on the gates of Auschwitz. There is no going back.

Losing her friends, family, and humanity, Livia is about to abandon all hope of surviving. But after a horrifying year of unimaginable torment, Livia is given a lifeline when she is sent to work in the camp’s farms to tend to their rare tropical flower gardens.

With the threat of violence and death looming over her, the delicate flowers are Livia’s only hope of survival – a reminder that there is still life to be lived outside the camp walls. Determined to do anything she can to return home, she must face the Is there anyone out there waiting for her?

Based on a true story, The Garden Keeper of Auschwitz is a heartbreaking testament to the power of perseverance in the face of unspeakable horrors, perfect for fans of Heather Morris and Georgia Hunter.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Holocaust, Historical, World War II, Ebooks

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2024

Reviews

[Gracyn Rudkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book for history

[Jenny Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. I love true stories. I came upon this book on amazon and the blurb had me hooked and I just had to read it.

The characters were phenomenal. I couldn't help but crave the main chapter and find out how she would survive.

The storyline was a gripping tale of truth of the Jewish people along with others from other ethnic backgrounds. It's a sad but amazing story that grabbed me and kept me reading more. I highly recommend this read.

[Amanda Bernacchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short buy amazing true story. I love true stories of holocaust survivors and this grab your emotions and keeps you reading. This is not an in depth novel but rather a short story of the life of lily. I would recommend if you’re looking for a quick true read.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Potential spoiler alert…
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Why on earth was this book titled The Garden Keeper of Auschwitz?” There’s maybe one chapter about the garden. Oh well… otherwise, another harrowing story of survival in such a horrific time.

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeds of Strength: A Moving Holocaust Narrative...

"The Garden Keeper of Auschwitz" by Naama Levy Eylam is a poignant historical novel that delves into the harrowing experiences of Holocaust survivors. Based on a true story, the book follows Livia, a young Slovak woman sent to Auschwitz, as she struggles to maintain hope in the face of unimaginable horrors.

Eylam's narrative skillfully balances the brutal reality of the concentration camp with moments of unexpected beauty, symbolized by the rare tropical flowers Livia tends. This juxtaposition creates a powerful exploration of resilience and the human spirit. Drawing from her family history and extensive research, Eylam brings authenticity to the story, making it both a deeply personal account and a broader testament to survival. While the subject matter is undoubtedly heavy, the author's focus on hope and perseverance offers readers a compelling, if heart-wrenching, journey through one of history's darkest periods. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Anita Oakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical reads especially when it is a true story. Thank you to the author for telling this beautiful, brave, courageous woman's story. I read the whole book in one day....couldn't put it down. The title is what sparked my interest because I am a plant/ flower lover, and I am fascinated with how people survived such horrific treatment. I used to ask myself how people could let that war happen but after living through our covid period I can see how people turn on one another, are brainwashed, who let fear override common sense and I can actually see how it happened. Good people stay silent. I fear history will repeat itself. This is why stories like Mrs Lily's needs to be told. Rest in Peace Mrs Lily.

[Kim Wilch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm infatuated with historical fiction, namely, the Holocaust. This book was good, as it does a fabulous job showing how the victims were wrenched from their homes, the devastation they felt, and the horrid conditions they endured. On the other hand, there wasn't really a story going on inside of Auschwitz besides longing for her family, friends losing the battle, and deplorable conditions. I felt like it was more telling than showing (making me invested). There was a story that happened before and after her time in Auschwitz. I admire the research the author did to produce this book, and how the characters were close to home. It was well worth the read.

[Diane Major · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwrenching

This book was heart wrenching. To know that someone went through that horror and lived. This book made me cry and made me wonder why people lost their humanity during war time. To do such horrible atrocities and think that was okay and for neighbours and friends to turn their backs and steal their property. Hopefully this will never happen again. A story to read and learn from.

[Ashley Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speechless

This book sent me through so many emotions. While I’ve studied much of the Holocaust, there were so many things entailed here that I had no idea existed. I felt like I knew Lily personally and at times felt as though I could have been there.

The Garden Keeper of Auschwitz was written with such imagery that I felt like I could see everything throughout the story.

Phenomenal job Naama.

[Robin Lux · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Horrors of War

I have had the privilege of listening to survivors of the Nazis speak 10 times in my life. There are very few left. Reading books of historical fiction about real life events might make it easier to swallow the atrocities humans can inflict on other humans. Keep reading, keep learning and if you are able go to a Holocaust Museum to hear one of the few remaining survivors speak. May we never forget the horrors of the Nazi regime and the abuse of power of men.

[LINDA MCCAULEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man’s inhumanity to man…….

A time in our human history that should never be forgotten! A young woman torn from her family, sent to the death camps! One by one, she sees the neighbors who came with her succumb to the rigors of the labor they were forced to do with only a thin gruel to eat and sometimes a dried crust of bread. Sent to a camp to work in the garden saved her sanity.
This book is about pain, despair and hope!

[Sharon Weingarten · Rating 5 out of 5]

An indomitable spirit

We don’t have words in the English language to adequately capture the horror of what Livia Lowy endured at Auschwitz. In recommending this well-written true account of one brave Slovakian woman, all I can say is that you, too, will marvel at the determination of the human spirit!

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I loved this book. 5 stars because it was so heartbreakingly beautiful, through tragedy, horror, and so much death..there was still an uplifting ending. Definitely recommend for anyone who loves and is intrigued by books about the holocaust and everything those people during the war had to endure.

[Myrtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping story, well researched and deeply moving. I enjoyed reading it because did a deep dive into life in a concentration camp. It was refreshing to read a WW2 Historical book that wasn’t resistance based. It was a true survival story and held my attention.

[Margaret lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

evil deeds

What a brilliant story of courage, Lilly what a woman you were what an example of of humanity, this book was written with such care and you can tell how much it was researched into I’m so glad it was translated into English thank you a very well deserved 5 stars

[Diane M. Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Very interesting, but disturbing. So hard to think of what those people endured during WW2 by the nazis. Amazing that anyone could survive. These stories need to be told so we don't forget and let it happen again.

[Rosemary Turgeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read!

Loved this book! Couldn’t put it down! Nicely written.
As atrocious as WWII was, and horrible the Nazi’s were, some still found peace, purpose and a way to survive! Glad, these survivors, could share a glimpse of all they endured!

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Story that Needs To Be Read

My heart broke so many times while reading the words. You can feel the pain and loneliness. This is book I believe that needs to be considered for high school English classes.

[Jeanne Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

While well written, this was one of the most difficult books I have read in a long time and what I mean is because of its story. I found myself wanting to race to the end in hopes it would end the way I wanted to. i’m looking forward to reading another one of her novels.

[Tonya Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the read .

I am always amazed at what the human body is capable of when reading these based on a true story books . I am an avid reader of World War Two books my heart breaks each time but I am always amazed at their strength. Thank you for sharing

[Kathy Beda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting depiction of the life of Lily at the concentration camps. What a horrendous life to have lived through, the pain, torture and loosing all one’s relatives, so heinously. Good rest her soul.

[Mrs. Bridget Wiltshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

harrowing but inspirational

Phenomenal courage to adhere to life in spite of all the gruelling cruelty of the camps. Harrowing heart rending details but a truly inspirational read.

[Gail M. Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow fantastic book

The story of Lily and her journey and suffering was spell binding. The fact that this was a true story added to the in trique. This was a great read that I found myself unable to.put down.

[Mary Bow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was left with so many questions about her life after the last chapter, but could not locate any information. Does anyone know where I could locate information about Livia Lily’s life after the book ended?

[Cecelia Northrup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keep the memory of those who died at the cruel hands of the Nazi regime.

Cruel and evil people still exist. Beware, they are in all walks of life.. Read his book, and remember it

[Paula Eide · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little light in a tragic story

Stories like this are so hard to read, but it’s important to to hear them and remember. They were important.

[Suzanne B Grethel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down. Emotional , gripping, historical novel
A must read.

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book as hard as it was to read. You found yourself horrified and the conditions Lilly was in.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow start. Excellent book

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

The cover is horrific. Prisoners in the Auschwitz concentration camp did not look like this.