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Out on a Ledge: Enduring the Lodz Ghetto, Auschwitz, and Beyond
In this widely acclaimed work, a teenaged Chasidic girl demonstrates rare courage, resilience, and cleverness as she struggles to survive the worst horrors of Nazi-occupied Poland. Despite the deepest suffering and the most profound loss, Eva was able to rebuild her life, and with her husband, also a survivor, raise a family in America – in the city, suburbs, and on the farm. Lehrhaus is proud to publish the second edition, which includes Eva’s eventful return to Poland in 2013 with 16 of her closest relatives spanning three generations.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2010
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129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 11, 2016
This is a powerful book written by a woman who survived Auschwitz. Interestingly enough she was also my neighbor and I use to hang out with her daughters. It is hard to reconcile this story with the Connecticut mother who made dinner, went to work, and loved her kids. Gripping and horrific story with a happy ending.
August 28, 2017
Makes one think...
As I was reading this memoir, it became apparent to me that Eva, the survivor of so much, had something to give all of us. She had started life in a cozy, loving place and thru the dastardly luck of history found herself in hell. How could she survive? How does anyone survive starvation, severe illness with no medicine, terror, loss of those closest to us, depression and watching constant death all around? And that's just the ghetto. What happens in Auschwitz? To make it thru it seems you need things that you cannot conceive of plus luck of a type that cannot be imagined. Somehow Eva reaches down and finds a way to stay alive. It is this incredible quality, this strength, that somehow never quits, that made me think repeatedly about life and our attitudes about it. Eva never thought "No, I can't". Eva's great strength helped her cope with one set of problems after another even when the war ended. There was so much to face, most importantly, finding out if any family survived. How important would that be to know? Can any of us imagine? Had her husband made it thru? Where was he? But it was not easy to find out. Some Poles were disappointed to discover that any Jews had survived and many Jews were met with violence as they returned to their homes. It became unsafe for Jews to travel safely to find loved ones or information about them. How was Eva to get her answers?
I came to care for and respect this woman enormously. She knew what needed to get done and she did it but always with caring and love. She had good sense as well as strength. Following her life in America was interesting to read about and I found myself always rooting for her to succeed, even when against the odds.
I would recommend this book to everyone. It's factually accurate and well written. Eva's story is one that should be told.
As I was reading this memoir, it became apparent to me that Eva, the survivor of so much, had something to give all of us. She had started life in a cozy, loving place and thru the dastardly luck of history found herself in hell. How could she survive? How does anyone survive starvation, severe illness with no medicine, terror, loss of those closest to us, depression and watching constant death all around? And that's just the ghetto. What happens in Auschwitz? To make it thru it seems you need things that you cannot conceive of plus luck of a type that cannot be imagined. Somehow Eva reaches down and finds a way to stay alive. It is this incredible quality, this strength, that somehow never quits, that made me think repeatedly about life and our attitudes about it. Eva never thought "No, I can't". Eva's great strength helped her cope with one set of problems after another even when the war ended. There was so much to face, most importantly, finding out if any family survived. How important would that be to know? Can any of us imagine? Had her husband made it thru? Where was he? But it was not easy to find out. Some Poles were disappointed to discover that any Jews had survived and many Jews were met with violence as they returned to their homes. It became unsafe for Jews to travel safely to find loved ones or information about them. How was Eva to get her answers?
I came to care for and respect this woman enormously. She knew what needed to get done and she did it but always with caring and love. She had good sense as well as strength. Following her life in America was interesting to read about and I found myself always rooting for her to succeed, even when against the odds.
I would recommend this book to everyone. It's factually accurate and well written. Eva's story is one that should be told.
October 26, 2010
Eva spoke at our temple last week, and I wanted to hear more of her amazing story so I bought her book. It's unbelievable that one human being could go through what she did and come out alive and sane. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Holocaust.
October 18, 2022
Although I have read 100's of Holocaust surivor stories and historical fiction accounts, I only picked up this book because my child just returned from participating in a film project based on Eva's life. The Assembly will be released later this month and will hopefully highlight the amazing strength and honesty of Eva Libitzky who recently passed away. Her story is well written and intriguing as it focuses on the Ghetto in Lodz (where we have visited) for many years before her transfer to Auschwitz and beyond. What I appreciate most about her story is her honesty. I often wonder how the Jewish survivors don't wish ill on the local Poles or the Germans for mass murder. But Eva is much more direct and shares multiple times that she thinks of revenge and although can look at individual Poles as good people, overall as a society they are still anti-semitic and guilty of turning a blind eye. I learned a lot about Lodz and now would likely enjoy a visit more than I did about 5 years back.
As with most survivor stories, I realized that living a week in Eva's life-- I wouldn't have made it. Her friendships and "little families" are likely what gave her the strength to continue on and many of these friendships lasted her entire life. Another "unexpected gift" of survival. Most people don't have those deep and meaninful friendships like she did.
I was also a bit disappointed for her in the realistic picture she paints about life after the Holocaust in the States. She didn't have an easy, pleasurable relaxed experience-- but yet continued to suffer as a chicken farmer--I was almost cheering as she bought her suburban home. I also think it is fascinating how she and Martin kept their history hidden from their children but eventually shared everything with them and how the kids then stepped up to delve deeper into their pasts, to honor their ancestry, and to take leadership positions in Jewish programs and councils. I can't wait to hear about the journey my child made in the footsteps of Eva and to see Eva's legacy come to life in the ASSEMBLY. I am sure reading this book and then watching the film will prove to be a powerful connection.
As with most survivor stories, I realized that living a week in Eva's life-- I wouldn't have made it. Her friendships and "little families" are likely what gave her the strength to continue on and many of these friendships lasted her entire life. Another "unexpected gift" of survival. Most people don't have those deep and meaninful friendships like she did.
I was also a bit disappointed for her in the realistic picture she paints about life after the Holocaust in the States. She didn't have an easy, pleasurable relaxed experience-- but yet continued to suffer as a chicken farmer--I was almost cheering as she bought her suburban home. I also think it is fascinating how she and Martin kept their history hidden from their children but eventually shared everything with them and how the kids then stepped up to delve deeper into their pasts, to honor their ancestry, and to take leadership positions in Jewish programs and councils. I can't wait to hear about the journey my child made in the footsteps of Eva and to see Eva's legacy come to life in the ASSEMBLY. I am sure reading this book and then watching the film will prove to be a powerful connection.
June 12, 2019
The author happened to irritate me from time to time, although things she went through was something our generation cannot even imagine. What was the source of the irritation? Eva's outlook and generalization. Her work can be summarize in words: "Hitler, you did not win" she uttered when she visited Auschwitz 70 years after Holocaust, accompanied by her children and grandchildren.
January 14, 2020
Amazing
What a story both before during and after the Holocaust. Highly recommended to all to read this. I've never heard of a survivor of the horrific block 25, the antechamber to death. Incredible story.
What a story both before during and after the Holocaust. Highly recommended to all to read this. I've never heard of a survivor of the horrific block 25, the antechamber to death. Incredible story.
March 20, 2020
Inspiring story
I had the pleasure of meeting Eva about a week ago. I am so grateful that she told me a little about her life and introduced me to this book. I am in awe of your strength and courage! This is a must read.
I had the pleasure of meeting Eva about a week ago. I am so grateful that she told me a little about her life and introduced me to this book. I am in awe of your strength and courage! This is a must read.
January 25, 2017
Wow. One of the most moving books I have ever read.
I have always enjoyed reading and learning about different cultures and religions. Although I am not Jewish, I have always had a love of history and for some reason a connection to WW2. Both of my grandfathers landed in Normandy in 1944. One as a tank driver the other as a air force mechanic. Although I have never had to live through anything even remotely close to what these amazing courageous families did, I have had to deal with a major loss that has greatly affected me and who I am today. I lost my first born son, Andrew, in 1997 at 8m of age to a fatal genetic illness that severed my spiritual relationship as well, even to this day. I was very angry for a very long time but as time has gone on I find healing and peace sharing my experiences with other families going through similar situations. I think this is why this book was so incredibly moving and heart breaking at the same time. No one other than those who even walked the same path can understand. I remember once my mom saying that she can only relate to our loss as a grandparent and not as a mother which reminded me when she spoke of American Jew's not being able to understand or fully empathize with what they had to endure. I have seen hundreds of documentaries, TV series and books of this subject but none had ever moved me as much as this amazing woman's story. Even if you are unsure if you could even relate or just feel uncomfortable with the events of her life I think that can be a great thing to recognize that horrid events and be informed so that can never happen again. When you read any of the survivors stories and their journeys you have a much more understanding of not only the history but also if the amazing courage that it takes to make it to the other side a even stronger person then you could ever of thought possible. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who beside the first person telling of history but also of the beautiful human spirit. Beautiful.
I have always enjoyed reading and learning about different cultures and religions. Although I am not Jewish, I have always had a love of history and for some reason a connection to WW2. Both of my grandfathers landed in Normandy in 1944. One as a tank driver the other as a air force mechanic. Although I have never had to live through anything even remotely close to what these amazing courageous families did, I have had to deal with a major loss that has greatly affected me and who I am today. I lost my first born son, Andrew, in 1997 at 8m of age to a fatal genetic illness that severed my spiritual relationship as well, even to this day. I was very angry for a very long time but as time has gone on I find healing and peace sharing my experiences with other families going through similar situations. I think this is why this book was so incredibly moving and heart breaking at the same time. No one other than those who even walked the same path can understand. I remember once my mom saying that she can only relate to our loss as a grandparent and not as a mother which reminded me when she spoke of American Jew's not being able to understand or fully empathize with what they had to endure. I have seen hundreds of documentaries, TV series and books of this subject but none had ever moved me as much as this amazing woman's story. Even if you are unsure if you could even relate or just feel uncomfortable with the events of her life I think that can be a great thing to recognize that horrid events and be informed so that can never happen again. When you read any of the survivors stories and their journeys you have a much more understanding of not only the history but also if the amazing courage that it takes to make it to the other side a even stronger person then you could ever of thought possible. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who beside the first person telling of history but also of the beautiful human spirit. Beautiful.
June 6, 2016
So wonderfully written
in January I started reading stories of the Holocaust. This is 30th book I've read in a survivor's own voice, and the best Holocaust survivor story I've read this year. I have already decided to add this one to our local library and purchase another for the local high school. It was so compelling I did not want to put it down. It read so authentically. Though this family suffered overwhelming tragedy and unenforceable pain and suffering they do survive. May God Bless them abundantly.
in January I started reading stories of the Holocaust. This is 30th book I've read in a survivor's own voice, and the best Holocaust survivor story I've read this year. I have already decided to add this one to our local library and purchase another for the local high school. It was so compelling I did not want to put it down. It read so authentically. Though this family suffered overwhelming tragedy and unenforceable pain and suffering they do survive. May God Bless them abundantly.
June 10, 2015
Very intriguing and educational
Very heartfelt and educational for the proceeding generations for this time and the horrific circumstances these people prevailed only to rise against Hitler and his madness. Tragic as it was, I feel that the pain and torture will never be perceived in it's entirety to what they lived through. Bless each and every soul, thank you for sharing your story
Very heartfelt and educational for the proceeding generations for this time and the horrific circumstances these people prevailed only to rise against Hitler and his madness. Tragic as it was, I feel that the pain and torture will never be perceived in it's entirety to what they lived through. Bless each and every soul, thank you for sharing your story
August 30, 2016
Powerful
This book was an amazing read. Eva told a powerful story about the endurance a person can have to survive in a horrendous environment. There were times I had to put the book down because I was crying -- her pain was so real. I really loved how her story went well into what happened after the war was over. Most of the memoirs end so abruptly. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the holocaust.
This book was an amazing read. Eva told a powerful story about the endurance a person can have to survive in a horrendous environment. There were times I had to put the book down because I was crying -- her pain was so real. I really loved how her story went well into what happened after the war was over. Most of the memoirs end so abruptly. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the holocaust.
November 6, 2016
Rivetting reading
Very hard to put this book down. Very well written for such a gruelling subject. It is still so hard to comprehend that an individual lived this story......let alone thousands who were able to survive such brutality. It is also good to remember and respect the millions who lived through the hell but didn't survive. I wish the Libitzky descendants well and thank them for Eva's brave, very painful memoir.
Very hard to put this book down. Very well written for such a gruelling subject. It is still so hard to comprehend that an individual lived this story......let alone thousands who were able to survive such brutality. It is also good to remember and respect the millions who lived through the hell but didn't survive. I wish the Libitzky descendants well and thank them for Eva's brave, very painful memoir.
March 29, 2015
Absolutely a true and powerful account
This lady is a wonderful, caring human being who she or no other should ever be treated this way again. This book kept me intrigued but saddened at her story. Please read this book, you'll not be able to put it down. Love and respecting to her and her family.
This lady is a wonderful, caring human being who she or no other should ever be treated this way again. This book kept me intrigued but saddened at her story. Please read this book, you'll not be able to put it down. Love and respecting to her and her family.
December 28, 2015
Very well researched
This account of the family's life and survival is almost unbelievable. The suffering and unimaginable atrocities they have lived through shows a strength of humanity that is unequalled. I felt as if she was my family and her children my cousins. We have to keep these people and their memories alive so the future will know about their sacrifice.
This account of the family's life and survival is almost unbelievable. The suffering and unimaginable atrocities they have lived through shows a strength of humanity that is unequalled. I felt as if she was my family and her children my cousins. We have to keep these people and their memories alive so the future will know about their sacrifice.
April 9, 2016
Painfully real and intense. I had periods that I had to put the story away due to intensity. I have read several accounts of survivors and am amazed and awestruck every time of the strength of spirit and character that allowed these people to survive such horrors. Thank you for sharing the history of your very intimate journey.
February 5, 2017
This is the story of the mother of my mother's boss. In a way, I hate Holocaust memoirs, though this one is well done. I have to admit, this time I couldn't just feel "How could this happen?" Instead, "this" felt a little closer, a little more possible.
March 18, 2016
Riveting book
The writer documents in detail her journey from her childhood, through WW2 and the Holocaust, to her immigration to the USA and beyond. A fascinating read of a family who ultimately survived through one woman.
The writer documents in detail her journey from her childhood, through WW2 and the Holocaust, to her immigration to the USA and beyond. A fascinating read of a family who ultimately survived through one woman.
December 29, 2014
4.5 stars
January 12, 2017
Inspirational journey
An excellent book for those new to the concept of Shoah. This story goes beyond one person's journey but the lives that emerge from courage.
An excellent book for those new to the concept of Shoah. This story goes beyond one person's journey but the lives that emerge from courage.
July 19, 2013
Moving. Beautifully written.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews