Man without a shadow: The Jew who would not be caught

by Ernst J. Taussig, Peter Elyakim Taussig (Translator)

This is a true account of one Jewish man who managed to elude the Gestapo, escape from SS custody, and on occasion even trap his captors. It takes place during the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia. It is a Holocaust story that reads like an edge-of-your-seat thriller, alternately harrowing and humorous. Above all it is a life-affirming testament to the indomitable human spirit. In his memoir Ernst J. Taussig portrays the intrepid life of a Jewish entrepreneur before, during, and after the Second-World-War. His odyssey takes him from a pampered life in imperial Vienna to being a destitute hunted man in Nazi Slovakia. The title refers to his years on the run, a phantom, a nonexistent person who can leave no shadow. Against enormous odds he manages to fulfill his vow to never be caught and as a result saves the lives of his wife and baby son from deportation to Auschwitz. After the war he rises from the ashes and becomes a millionaire again, only to lose his fortune to the communist takeover of his country and to various crooks who swindle him as he escapes, disheartened and penniless to Israel. He never recovers financially, but though not a Zionist to start with, in his new homeland he discovers for the first time a true sense of belonging, a place he can call home. His is a life-story that mirrors the turbulent times in which it unfolds, the worst and yet the most hopeful century in Jewish history. Written in Israel from the perspective of old age, the German manuscript lay unpublished for thirty five years. It is now being offered for the first time in an English translation by the author’s son, Peter Elyakim Taussig.

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2015

Reviews

[Dr.J.G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those familiar more with western or in general an English speaking part or parts of the globe, these memoirs now coming forth from the Holocaust victims of central and eastern Europe are a vital reminder of just how different the world is, even so close to what one is familiar with, and yet how humanity isn't different. Most of us have our information about the events related to the WWII through books and films and television related to the allied forces, mostly. These memoirs serve to fill in a vital gap therein, and tell us about the parts of Europe that remained under occupation of forces from one side or another for a long, long time.

Taussig wrote this for his own family, but his son rightly thought it was of interest in general, and translated it from the original German with its very flowery ornate language and style. As such it seems a bit dated and stilted to readers used to more plain style of writing, instead of one where the author is constantly turning to address the reader. But that is a minor inconvenience in reading what is a memoir with astonishing details and twists and turns.

Taussig survived the holocaust mainly by hiding and running, as many others did, albeit a minuscule proportion in comparison with those that did not. The details of that hiding involve a number of helpers who hid and fed him and his family, and helped them keep in touch. They in turn needed help when it was all over, which Taussig went to lengths to make sure they got, by insisting officials take notice of how they were helpful in his and his family's survival.

The aftermath of the war is surprisingly just as interesting, as is the part when they managed finally to escape to Israel and found it wasn't easy there either, and had to begin struggle all over, repeatedly. The honesty and openness of this account is breathtaking in this respect.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man Without a Shadow: The Jew Who Would Not Be Caught is written by Ernst J. Taussig and translated from German by Peter Elyakim Taussig. It is a memoir written in three books. This copy contains all three books.
Ernst J Taussig wrote this book for his family. He wanted them to know about their past and what happened to him and his family during WWII. He had taken notes during his life so he could remember things. As he is writing, he remembers more from his past. Some memories are wonderful to remember and may be vague; but those from WWII are hard to remember but he remembers them clearly.
The book tells the story from his childhood through his older years. He gives us a look at Jewish life before the Nazis took over. It tells his life during the time of the Holocaust and what they knew. His marriage and the birth of his son were major events and they played a part in his surviving. Living in the open as Jews and later as Gentiles and living in hiding are told side by side. Finally, in the final book, he tells of his coming and his determination that people will know what happened so not to repeat it.
The book is very good and it seems like you are just sitting hearing him talk to you. His informal style is refreshing and lends a positive tone to a negative situation. I highly recommend this book.