The Ballet Teacher of Auschwitz: An Emotionally Heart-Wrenching WW2 Historical Fiction Novel

by Dani Zrihen

Freedom - stolen.
Family - torn apart.
Hope - shattered.

But dance? Dance was written in her bones, and even Auschwitz couldn’t take that away from her.

1941, Lodz. When nineteen-year-old Jewish ballerina Eleonore Kantor arrives at the Lodz ghetto, she quickly learns how easy it is to break a person’s spirit. After the Nazis murder her mother before her eyes, she is left with nothing but a pair of ballet slippers. Painstakingly hand-stitched by her mother, they were a gift to remind Eleonore to continue pursuing her dream of becoming a ballerina, no matter what.

Determined to find light even in the darkest of places, Eleonore joins the ghetto resistance to open a secret ballet studio for the children. And when she meets charming resistance fighter Matias and his beloved niece, Greta, she finds more than just purpose - she discovers a chance at love.

But when a resistance operation goes terribly wrong, Eleonore is deported to Auschwitz - a place so devoid of joy, she can't imagine ever dancing again. And when a twist of fate reunites her with Greta, she vows she will do anything to keep her safe. But knowing she may never see her love again, is hope enough to carry her through?

The Ballet Teacher of Auschwitz is a captivating and heartbreaking story of courage, resilience, and the enduring power of love, perfect for fans of Ellie Midwood and The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even begin this review? There aren't enough stars for this book, which is all the more remarkable, given that it is the author's debut novel. The pacing is perfect, never dragging, from the first paragraph to the last. It begins in Berlin and moves on to the Lodz ghetto, then Auschwitz, and gives closure to the characters after the end of the war. Despite the historical significance of these locations, this is a character-driven story that resonates deeply with the heart. I didn't rush through this book because I wanted to keep Eleonore, Lea, and Greta close to me. As they became family to each other, they became family to me.

"The historian will tell you what happened. The novelist will tell you what it felt like." E.L. Doctorow

The Ballet Teacher of Auschwitz is not to be missed, even if you think you've read plenty of books about the Holocaust. This beautifully written novel will stay with me for a long time. (Keep a box of tissues close to you.)

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a powerful and beautifully written story. Even though it takes place during one of the darkest times in history, the author managed to capture so much humanity and love. These people endured unimaginable loss during the Holocaust, yet the book shows how love can still grow out of tragedy. The way their lives came together was so moving and gave the story such a sweet conclusion. It made me tear up but also left me with a warm heart.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book

I couldn’t put this book down. It was excellent and well written. Parts of the book brought me to tears and the ending made me happy.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard to describe how much i loved reading this book. It was an intense read that honestly I had to pause a few times, take a break and then resume reading. But so so so worth it. So beautiful.

[La-Shanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Ballet Teacher of Auschwitz" is a powerful story and great written piece of historical fiction.

[Susan Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of a true hero

A story that will make you cry and then give you hope. The strength to survive in the worst circumstances. But hope should never die. A page turner!