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Determined
Avraham Perlmutter is just ten years old when his life changes forever.
In 1938, the Nazis arrive in Avraham’s hometown of Vienna, Austria. Desperate to help their son survive, his parents send him to the Netherlands. But the invading German army soon follows. During the ensuing war-torn years, young Avraham braves harrowing captures, daring escapes, torturous hiding, and heartbreaking losses. Yet he also experiences the goodness of humanity through the strangers who help him.
Surviving the Holocaust takes ingenuity, guts, and sheer determination—all of which he calls on again, when he fights to establish the State of Israel during its War of Independence.
And when mere existence isn’t enough, Avraham moves to the United States to continue his education and pursue his dreams.
Determined takes the reader on an unforgettable journey filled with suspense and danger. But it is more than just a remarkable story of survival—it is a testament to human kindness, even in the darkest of hours, and to the achievements made possible through relentless perseverance.
This unique autobiography will inspire readers of all ages—spanning fans of historical memoirs to readers seeking an uplifting perspective on a life fulfilled.
In 1938, the Nazis arrive in Avraham’s hometown of Vienna, Austria. Desperate to help their son survive, his parents send him to the Netherlands. But the invading German army soon follows. During the ensuing war-torn years, young Avraham braves harrowing captures, daring escapes, torturous hiding, and heartbreaking losses. Yet he also experiences the goodness of humanity through the strangers who help him.
Surviving the Holocaust takes ingenuity, guts, and sheer determination—all of which he calls on again, when he fights to establish the State of Israel during its War of Independence.
And when mere existence isn’t enough, Avraham moves to the United States to continue his education and pursue his dreams.
Determined takes the reader on an unforgettable journey filled with suspense and danger. But it is more than just a remarkable story of survival—it is a testament to human kindness, even in the darkest of hours, and to the achievements made possible through relentless perseverance.
This unique autobiography will inspire readers of all ages—spanning fans of historical memoirs to readers seeking an uplifting perspective on a life fulfilled.
172 pages, Paperback
First published October 14, 2014
66 people are currently reading
1026 people want to read
About the author
A. Avraham Perlmutter
2 books10 followersAvraham Perlmutter was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1927. A Holocaust survivor, he emerged with a positive perspective on life—choosing to focus on the people who helped him rather than those set on defeating him. After World War II, he fought in the Israeli War of Independence to help establish the State of Israel. He went on to pursue his education in the United States, earning a PhD in aeronautical engineering. Fluent in seven languages, he is an award-winning scientist and a successful businessman.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 4, 2017
With incredible visual additions such as genuine photographs and documentation from the wartime and beyond, Mr. Perlmutter has crafted a no-hold account of his life during WW11 and after.
His memoirs does not emphasizes on the gruesome atrocities committed by the Nazis but rather focuses on the survival of one young man and how he made a successful life for himself in Israel and in the United States after the war. His account touches on some of the people who orchestrated his various escape or hid him from the Nazis. It is an important story that tells how determined even at a young age the need to survive by taking risks and keep pushing the limits in order to succeed.
The first part of the book focusses on the kindness and generosity he experienced during the war and the multiple miracles that allowed him to survive. The rest of the book concentrates on what happened after the war.
This moving story is unique both in content and in tone. His personal journey with detailed descriptions gives us a glimpse of his adventurous life filled with danger and risks and evokes the feeling of compassion as you walk in the shoes of a brilliant young man determined to survive.
Although the book is a quick read it is also one difficult to follow. The narrative has a plethora of people to keep track of with names hard to remember. The timeline is inconsistent and all over the place for most part till it found a better rhythm then the words flowed at a steady and even pace. It is a bit of a choppy account but having said this, I nevertheless say that Mr. Perlmutter has an amazing memory to have given so many details while providing many photos and documents to support his words.
His memoirs does not emphasizes on the gruesome atrocities committed by the Nazis but rather focuses on the survival of one young man and how he made a successful life for himself in Israel and in the United States after the war. His account touches on some of the people who orchestrated his various escape or hid him from the Nazis. It is an important story that tells how determined even at a young age the need to survive by taking risks and keep pushing the limits in order to succeed.
The first part of the book focusses on the kindness and generosity he experienced during the war and the multiple miracles that allowed him to survive. The rest of the book concentrates on what happened after the war.
This moving story is unique both in content and in tone. His personal journey with detailed descriptions gives us a glimpse of his adventurous life filled with danger and risks and evokes the feeling of compassion as you walk in the shoes of a brilliant young man determined to survive.
Although the book is a quick read it is also one difficult to follow. The narrative has a plethora of people to keep track of with names hard to remember. The timeline is inconsistent and all over the place for most part till it found a better rhythm then the words flowed at a steady and even pace. It is a bit of a choppy account but having said this, I nevertheless say that Mr. Perlmutter has an amazing memory to have given so many details while providing many photos and documents to support his words.
January 25, 2015
For anyone with an interest in World War II and/or the Holocaust, you should consider reading the memoir Determined by A. Avraham Perlmutter. I am always eager to read more, so, I was happy to receive a copy of this for review.
The first third of the memoir focuses on the war itself. On his experience as a Jew during World War II trying to survive. Readers also learn about his family, his background, his childhood, Hitler's rise to power, etc. Everything readers need to know and understand to appreciate his personal story.
The final two-thirds of the memoir focus on his life AFTER the war sharing his experiences in Europe, in Israel, and finally the United States. This section focuses more on moving on with his life and establishing himself. Readers see him as a survivor, a soldier, a student, a husband, a father, and an engineer. The story of his life is so much more than just a surviving-the-war story.
The book includes plenty of photographs and documents to supplement the story.
I'm glad I read this one.
The first third of the memoir focuses on the war itself. On his experience as a Jew during World War II trying to survive. Readers also learn about his family, his background, his childhood, Hitler's rise to power, etc. Everything readers need to know and understand to appreciate his personal story.
The final two-thirds of the memoir focus on his life AFTER the war sharing his experiences in Europe, in Israel, and finally the United States. This section focuses more on moving on with his life and establishing himself. Readers see him as a survivor, a soldier, a student, a husband, a father, and an engineer. The story of his life is so much more than just a surviving-the-war story.
The book includes plenty of photographs and documents to supplement the story.
I'm glad I read this one.
December 16, 2025
Determined is a good book if you're looking for perseverance that is needed to keep the Avraham alive.
It also shows that he has a lot of faith in himself and his decisions and doesn't second guess himself.
Avraham has multiple close encounters with Nazis and his quick decision making skills and friends and strangers a long the way keep him alive. He never gives up when he is in trouble he just finds a new way out and keeping as positive of a mindset as possible. He makes it easy to follow by having lots of pictures relating to what he is talking about with a more in depth section underneath the photo. This book shows that having just enough determination can help change your life and change the outcome and how your future will be.
It also shows that he has a lot of faith in himself and his decisions and doesn't second guess himself.
Avraham has multiple close encounters with Nazis and his quick decision making skills and friends and strangers a long the way keep him alive. He never gives up when he is in trouble he just finds a new way out and keeping as positive of a mindset as possible. He makes it easy to follow by having lots of pictures relating to what he is talking about with a more in depth section underneath the photo. This book shows that having just enough determination can help change your life and change the outcome and how your future will be.
February 27, 2018
Inspiring and uplifting!
Av did really well with his life. He manages with help from many people to stay alive. After the war he put his brain to work for him and was a successful businessman. His story is very uplifting.
Av did really well with his life. He manages with help from many people to stay alive. After the war he put his brain to work for him and was a successful businessman. His story is very uplifting.
March 17, 2019
Excellence at its best.
Well written with very little extra fill in words. To the point. Delightful to read. Not a 5 star book but a 6 star book. Hard work and education will provide success.
Well written with very little extra fill in words. To the point. Delightful to read. Not a 5 star book but a 6 star book. Hard work and education will provide success.
March 31, 2018
Informative and good
This was a good book to read about a survivor of the holocaust. It was good to see how he had lived through it with the help of brave people.
This was a good book to read about a survivor of the holocaust. It was good to see how he had lived through it with the help of brave people.
January 3, 2019
Remembering what we wish we could forget
A good recounting of a time in history we would like to forget.
It shows the resilience of the human family, especially in such dark times
A good recounting of a time in history we would like to forget.
It shows the resilience of the human family, especially in such dark times
February 4, 2015
Summary:
Determined shares a chronicle of the life of Avraham Perlmutter.
Avraham, sister Dorothea, and their parents, lived in Vienna, Austria. Both of Avraham's parents came from Orthodox Jewish parents. In early 1938, the Nazi's took control of Austria. Less than a year later, Avraham and his sister were sent to the Netherlands on a Kindertransport. The title of the book is a perfect one word definition of a self-made, intelligent, savvy man.
My Thoughts:
The first sixty pages are Avraham's early years of life; which, is the story of his experience during the Holocaust. Part two and three of the book is devoted to his life after World War II; the significant events were: Israel, education, marriage, family, and career.
Avraham is a man of bravery, intelligence, wisdom, and hard work. His story is inspiring. His story is engaging. His story is motivating. I have great respect and admiration for Avraham.
I feel this is a perfect book for middle school and high school history classes. Determined teaches a personal story about the Holocaust, World War II, and the statehood of Israel. It also teaches that endurance, perseverance, hard work, and keeping a focus leads to the ability to achieve a successful education and career.
I've read several books (27) on the Holocaust. Determined is not as painful to read as many of the Holocaust memoirs I've read. Yes, fear and trauma is expressed. But, I was not kept awake at night, nor did it grip my heart with anguish. I wonder if the author chose to "take a step-back" so to speak? The closest I saw of his emotions was in reference to his dear mother. In writing his story, I'm sure he had many moments of anguish. Thank you Dr. Avraham Perlmutter for sharing your story.
"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26. ESV.
Determined shares a chronicle of the life of Avraham Perlmutter.
Avraham, sister Dorothea, and their parents, lived in Vienna, Austria. Both of Avraham's parents came from Orthodox Jewish parents. In early 1938, the Nazi's took control of Austria. Less than a year later, Avraham and his sister were sent to the Netherlands on a Kindertransport. The title of the book is a perfect one word definition of a self-made, intelligent, savvy man.
My Thoughts:
The first sixty pages are Avraham's early years of life; which, is the story of his experience during the Holocaust. Part two and three of the book is devoted to his life after World War II; the significant events were: Israel, education, marriage, family, and career.
Avraham is a man of bravery, intelligence, wisdom, and hard work. His story is inspiring. His story is engaging. His story is motivating. I have great respect and admiration for Avraham.
I feel this is a perfect book for middle school and high school history classes. Determined teaches a personal story about the Holocaust, World War II, and the statehood of Israel. It also teaches that endurance, perseverance, hard work, and keeping a focus leads to the ability to achieve a successful education and career.
I've read several books (27) on the Holocaust. Determined is not as painful to read as many of the Holocaust memoirs I've read. Yes, fear and trauma is expressed. But, I was not kept awake at night, nor did it grip my heart with anguish. I wonder if the author chose to "take a step-back" so to speak? The closest I saw of his emotions was in reference to his dear mother. In writing his story, I'm sure he had many moments of anguish. Thank you Dr. Avraham Perlmutter for sharing your story.
"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26. ESV.
March 15, 2015
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Avraham (Av) Perlmutter is an amazing man. As a young man his mother put him and his sister on a train, part of the Kindertransport, and sent them to the Netherlands. It was the last time he would ever see his mother. He and his sister were shipped from one refuge camp to another. Eventually they would be separated. What is so amazing about this man is his attitude. He was determined to survive like so many other Jews. He lived life to the fullest. This book is his story of survival, perseverance, ad hope. Multiple times Av had run into Germans. Most of them were with the Nazis. Many were caught up in something they wanted no part of, but had no choice in. As Av moved from one safe house to another he found may Christians who were willing to put their own lives on the line for the welfare of the Jews. In this book he speaks highly of those people. He tells of how they hid him. I was amazed at how much he thirsted for knowledge. In one instance he asked the man hiding him to get him textbooks where he taught himself English, French and Spanish. After being liberated he wanted to do more. He fought in the war that created the State of Israel. He was reunited with his sister who had survived a death march. He wanted to further his education so he moved to the United States. He was not satisfied with just one degree. He holds multiple degrees as do his children. This man has done more for mankind. I found it interesting that one of his goals was for he and some of his friends to meet Albert Einstein. He set out to reach that goal and actually accomplished it.
Want an inspiring book to read? This is definitely the book you must read. It is quick, only taking me two hours to complete. This is not only a great book for adults and for the classroom shelf, it makes a great resource for students. This one I highly recommend.
Avraham (Av) Perlmutter is an amazing man. As a young man his mother put him and his sister on a train, part of the Kindertransport, and sent them to the Netherlands. It was the last time he would ever see his mother. He and his sister were shipped from one refuge camp to another. Eventually they would be separated. What is so amazing about this man is his attitude. He was determined to survive like so many other Jews. He lived life to the fullest. This book is his story of survival, perseverance, ad hope. Multiple times Av had run into Germans. Most of them were with the Nazis. Many were caught up in something they wanted no part of, but had no choice in. As Av moved from one safe house to another he found may Christians who were willing to put their own lives on the line for the welfare of the Jews. In this book he speaks highly of those people. He tells of how they hid him. I was amazed at how much he thirsted for knowledge. In one instance he asked the man hiding him to get him textbooks where he taught himself English, French and Spanish. After being liberated he wanted to do more. He fought in the war that created the State of Israel. He was reunited with his sister who had survived a death march. He wanted to further his education so he moved to the United States. He was not satisfied with just one degree. He holds multiple degrees as do his children. This man has done more for mankind. I found it interesting that one of his goals was for he and some of his friends to meet Albert Einstein. He set out to reach that goal and actually accomplished it.
Want an inspiring book to read? This is definitely the book you must read. It is quick, only taking me two hours to complete. This is not only a great book for adults and for the classroom shelf, it makes a great resource for students. This one I highly recommend.
February 26, 2015
I am so honored to have received this story for review. There is something about World War II and the Holocaust that is of interest to me. There is so much sadness that follows that time and I am inspired by the story of survival and overcoming tragedy. You get to see the Avraham in many roles and get a great overview of him as a whole person, not just parts of him. He is amazing, heroic...successful in life and sharing his story. This book has everything one needs to really understand what happened during that time, with pictures and documents (which add so much to this amazing story). I am so grateful that he has has shared his story with all of us! Thank you Avraham, so very much. 5 stars
June 12, 2015
Mr Perlmutter tells a very interesting and enlightening tale of his youth in NAZI Germany, without getting too emotional and without pathos. I am sure there is a lot more to tell of each of these incidents, but he treats it like a past event, still haunting him today, of course, but it reads like a history essay.
I personally think that makes it much much more impressing to the reader. To say I "enjoyed" reading this would be a very wrong choice of word, but I did appreciate Mr Perlmutter sharing his story with me very very much.
I personally think that makes it much much more impressing to the reader. To say I "enjoyed" reading this would be a very wrong choice of word, but I did appreciate Mr Perlmutter sharing his story with me very very much.
September 21, 2015
Very straightforward , well written memoir. Av Perlmutter was a boy with lots of chutzpah. From his earliest days, he would not remain captive to Nazi soldiers or being separated from his family. Through the charity and caring of various people in the Netherlands he managed to survive World War II and eventually moved through Palestine and then to the United States where he became a successful engineer and businessman. This is a pretty quick but very interesting read. His insight into the political situation in Palestine before it became the state of Israel is very enlightening.
May 21, 2016
A Lifetime of Remembrances
Av's life story of survival and then his education, work and family life are a testimony of human resilience! I very much enjoyed this book and grew to respect Av and the people who saved his life by hiding him from the Nazi soldiers. The hardships he faced during the 1930's and 1940's, might have ended his life. Instead, Av grew more determined to work and achieve. My thanks for sharing these memories with the World.
Av's life story of survival and then his education, work and family life are a testimony of human resilience! I very much enjoyed this book and grew to respect Av and the people who saved his life by hiding him from the Nazi soldiers. The hardships he faced during the 1930's and 1940's, might have ended his life. Instead, Av grew more determined to work and achieve. My thanks for sharing these memories with the World.
August 10, 2015
Very nice survivors recollection.
I enjoyed this book very much. Maybe not the best written book I have ever read. I have yet to write it! But I truly enjoy reading these stories of survival.mi know I would have never survived.
I enjoyed this book very much. Maybe not the best written book I have ever read. I have yet to write it! But I truly enjoy reading these stories of survival.mi know I would have never survived.
August 24, 2015
I cannot read enough about the courage of those who survived Hitler's inhumanity.
For anyone who has read Anne Frank, here is another's survivor's story which reaffirms the goodness inherit in some people to jeopardize their own lives to save the life of another human being.
For anyone who has read Anne Frank, here is another's survivor's story which reaffirms the goodness inherit in some people to jeopardize their own lives to save the life of another human being.
January 7, 2018
Although at times reading like a manual, it's an important story to hear.
March 11, 2015
Enjoyable
Very enjoyable in the first half then begins to slow a little on in depth details. The photos
throughout the book brought the individuals to life.
Very enjoyable in the first half then begins to slow a little on in depth details. The photos
throughout the book brought the individuals to life.
August 6, 2015
Another fascinating account of survival. This book is much more factual and straight-forward in it's telling, but still a story that should be known.
August 19, 2015
Everyone should read the stories that the Holocaust survivors put on paper. Avraham's story is very interesting.
August 24, 2015
A good book, and a great quick read of what seems to be a very extraordinary man.
September 29, 2016
Great read
I really enjoyed this book. He truly overcame a terrible situation with a daring heart. His life's journey was tough yet inspirational.
I really enjoyed this book. He truly overcame a terrible situation with a daring heart. His life's journey was tough yet inspirational.
June 22, 2016
This was very inspiring!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews