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Survivors Club: The True Story of a Very Young Prisoner of Auschwitz
A New York Times bestseller“Both moving and memorable, combining the emotional resolve of a memoir with the rhythm of a novel.” —New York Times Book ReviewIn 1945, in a now-famous piece of World War II archival footage, four-year-old Michael Bornstein was filmed by Soviet soldiers as he was carried out of Auschwitz in his grandmother’s arms. Survivors Club tells the unforgettable story of how a father’s courageous wit, a mother’s fierce love, and one perfectly timed illness saved his life, and how others in his family from Zarki, Poland, dodged death at the hands of the Nazis time and again with incredible deftness. Working from his own recollections as well as extensive interviews with relatives and survivors who knew the family, Michael relates his inspirational Holocaust survival story with the help of his daughter, Debbie Bornstein Holinstat. Shocking, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting, this narrative nonfiction offers an indelible depiction of what happened to one Polish village in the wake of the German invasion in 1939.This thoroughly-researched and documented book can be worked into multiple aspects of the common core curriculum.A New York City Public Library Notable Best Book for Teens
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2017
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3987 people want to read
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March 18, 2017
Please visit my blog www.readrantrockandroll.com for reviews on children's books like this regarding the Holocaust and WWII
Survivors Club : The True Story of a Very Young Prisoner of Auschwitz by Michael Bornstein is a memoir written for middle schoolers, but its a story for all.
I personally had a lot of emotions reading it, but the story was so moving, and I couldn't put it down. It's told in first person and I can't imagine what life was like for him and what his family had to endure at that time.
I consider books on the Holocaust extremely integral to children's curriculums. These books need to be brought to the attention of kids, and they need to read them, so that these stories won't be forgotten! I think this would be a great book for schools, libraries, and even for a home library. Great for adults too.
5*****
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book
Survivors Club : The True Story of a Very Young Prisoner of Auschwitz by Michael Bornstein is a memoir written for middle schoolers, but its a story for all.
I personally had a lot of emotions reading it, but the story was so moving, and I couldn't put it down. It's told in first person and I can't imagine what life was like for him and what his family had to endure at that time.
I consider books on the Holocaust extremely integral to children's curriculums. These books need to be brought to the attention of kids, and they need to read them, so that these stories won't be forgotten! I think this would be a great book for schools, libraries, and even for a home library. Great for adults too.
5*****
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book
April 25, 2017
As I was reading this I read aloud to my husband a horrific statistic found within. I don't have the book in front of me so this is not a direct quote but I'm pretty sure it is right. Out of the hundreds of thousands of children that entered Auschwitz, only 59 under the age of eight survived. Four year old Michael was one of them. My husband asked me why I read these so very sad books and my answer was close to, the reason that Michael, at long last decided to tell his story. To never forget was my answer and I know many share this same reasoning but Michael's went even further. In his preface he states that he saw his picture, which is the cover photo, on a site for who believe the Holocaust was a hoax. The thread in that site citing that the children looked too well fed and healthy for it to be a believable event. Of course it isn't and the photo itself is explained in this book, how and why it was taken.
I never before read about the youngest in these horrific camps, except for, those experimented on by Mengele, so this was a new experience for me. Michael's family was luckier than some because many of his family survived, in various ways, in various places, but they lost much as well. Not too mention their innocence and faith in mankind, their faith in their religious beliefs never wavered though, and provided them much solace. How the youngest were treated, how the few who did survive is of course heartbreaking, but again fortuitous circumstances saved Michael. This family is followed after the concentration camps, their attempt to return home to their small Polish town, and what happens afterwards. Their trials were not yet over.
This is a simply written book, by Michaels daughter, and it reads like a middle school or Ya rendering, but that does not change the message within. In fact it's simple prose made these experiences stand out starkly, these the reminisces of such a young boy. I try to spread these books out in my reading, sometimes I am successful, sometimes not, but for the few remaining whom have a story yet to tell, I will be there to read them.
I never before read about the youngest in these horrific camps, except for, those experimented on by Mengele, so this was a new experience for me. Michael's family was luckier than some because many of his family survived, in various ways, in various places, but they lost much as well. Not too mention their innocence and faith in mankind, their faith in their religious beliefs never wavered though, and provided them much solace. How the youngest were treated, how the few who did survive is of course heartbreaking, but again fortuitous circumstances saved Michael. This family is followed after the concentration camps, their attempt to return home to their small Polish town, and what happens afterwards. Their trials were not yet over.
This is a simply written book, by Michaels daughter, and it reads like a middle school or Ya rendering, but that does not change the message within. In fact it's simple prose made these experiences stand out starkly, these the reminisces of such a young boy. I try to spread these books out in my reading, sometimes I am successful, sometimes not, but for the few remaining whom have a story yet to tell, I will be there to read them.
May 26, 2017
When war broke out and the soldiers invaded Poland, Michael’s mother was pregnant with him. Their little town of Zarki housed a large number of Jews and many of them were Michael’s relatives; Mamishu and Papa had Samuel and Papa’s mother, Bobeshi (or Grandma Dora) living in their home and when Michael arrived, the five of them lived the most normal life they could together.
Michael’s father, Israel, was ordered by the Germans to organise the work details, as well as choose who was to leave on the trains to be “re-housed”. His job was a heartbreaking one, but he found a way to help his friends and family. His ingenuity was to save many lives over the war years. But when Michael was four years old, the family’s luck ran out and they were all sent to Auschwitz…
Survivor’s Club by Michael Bornstein - what a heartbreaking and tragic story! But it is also one filled with enormous courage and the breath of hope. There are many stories written about the Holocaust; those horrible days when the cruelty inflicted by one human on another was commonplace. But this one is different. This one is told by a man – then a four year old boy – who survived those atrocities. Thanks for sharing your story Michael – you truly are an inspiration. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Text Publishing for my copy to read and review.
Michael’s father, Israel, was ordered by the Germans to organise the work details, as well as choose who was to leave on the trains to be “re-housed”. His job was a heartbreaking one, but he found a way to help his friends and family. His ingenuity was to save many lives over the war years. But when Michael was four years old, the family’s luck ran out and they were all sent to Auschwitz…
Survivor’s Club by Michael Bornstein - what a heartbreaking and tragic story! But it is also one filled with enormous courage and the breath of hope. There are many stories written about the Holocaust; those horrible days when the cruelty inflicted by one human on another was commonplace. But this one is different. This one is told by a man – then a four year old boy – who survived those atrocities. Thanks for sharing your story Michael – you truly are an inspiration. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Text Publishing for my copy to read and review.
February 7, 2018
Who knew how special this book would be? I ended up starting this book after midnight and stayed up until 2am as I simply couldn't stop turning the pages. I had to know how this would end. Tears streamed down my face as I left the final 50 pages for my lunch today.
Michael Bornstein is the youngest survivor from Auschwitz and the very best hider. His face is in the photo on the cover of the book from the Soviets upon his rescue. He decided after all this time to come forward and tell his story as he was seeing these pictures circulated on websites denying that the Holocaust really happened. He wanted to remind us all to never forget. My heart aches knowing that we are slowly losing the very last remaining survivors to this atrocity in our world history. The writing was in no way literary, but it didn't need to be. I did take issue with the perspective shifts and always find myself struggling when authors refer to themselves in the third person, but I can only assume maybe Debbie was composing those sections?
Ultimately, I couldn't put this book down. I was enthralled and it read just as quick as a historical fiction narrative. I had to know how Michael ended up and what happened after that famous picture went viral. This book delves into the aftermath of the war (a subject where most books end on this topic) and my heart continued to break apart for this particular family. I greatly appreciate Michael sharing his story and I know I will never forget.
Michael Bornstein is the youngest survivor from Auschwitz and the very best hider. His face is in the photo on the cover of the book from the Soviets upon his rescue. He decided after all this time to come forward and tell his story as he was seeing these pictures circulated on websites denying that the Holocaust really happened. He wanted to remind us all to never forget. My heart aches knowing that we are slowly losing the very last remaining survivors to this atrocity in our world history. The writing was in no way literary, but it didn't need to be. I did take issue with the perspective shifts and always find myself struggling when authors refer to themselves in the third person, but I can only assume maybe Debbie was composing those sections?
Ultimately, I couldn't put this book down. I was enthralled and it read just as quick as a historical fiction narrative. I had to know how Michael ended up and what happened after that famous picture went viral. This book delves into the aftermath of the war (a subject where most books end on this topic) and my heart continued to break apart for this particular family. I greatly appreciate Michael sharing his story and I know I will never forget.
May 31, 2017
A Moving Holocaust Memoir for Younger Readers .
During the Holocaust, hundreds of thousands of children were transported to the murder mill that was Auschwitz. It is estimated that in 1945, only 52 under the age of 8 were liberated. Michael Bornstein was one of them.
We are nearing the point when we will no longer have WWII concentration camp survivors alive. Thanks to the author for finding a way to push aside the fears of recalling your life story so that more can understand the things we need to find a way to avoid from ever happening again. I felt bad at times reading as several of the dates of terrible happenings for the author coincided with wonderful dates in my family history. They are still alive at 73 years of marriage and dad is a surviving WWII VET; but in no way living through what the Jewish did.
An amazing novel, I listed it in the faction list, along with Edelweiss Pirates, and Schindler's List. Facts but recreated. We have to remember the unborn (Michael) and a 4 years could not possibly remember dialogue and every event, but nevertheless it was well put together. I recommend.
During the Holocaust, hundreds of thousands of children were transported to the murder mill that was Auschwitz. It is estimated that in 1945, only 52 under the age of 8 were liberated. Michael Bornstein was one of them.
We are nearing the point when we will no longer have WWII concentration camp survivors alive. Thanks to the author for finding a way to push aside the fears of recalling your life story so that more can understand the things we need to find a way to avoid from ever happening again. I felt bad at times reading as several of the dates of terrible happenings for the author coincided with wonderful dates in my family history. They are still alive at 73 years of marriage and dad is a surviving WWII VET; but in no way living through what the Jewish did.
An amazing novel, I listed it in the faction list, along with Edelweiss Pirates, and Schindler's List. Facts but recreated. We have to remember the unborn (Michael) and a 4 years could not possibly remember dialogue and every event, but nevertheless it was well put together. I recommend.
April 30, 2017
5 stars
How does a 4 year old Jewish child survive the Holocaust? Ask Michael Bornstein. This is his history, his autobiography, as he and many others direct their memories to Bornstein's daughter, Debbie, she writes his story. It takes years for Michael to come to terms with people knowing his plight.
As the Soviets invade his Polish village, his father fights to keep their family intact. Waiting too long to escape, the family ends up in a box car headed for, relocation, a prisoner of war camp. Somehow Michael, his mother and his grandmother are herded with a group that bypasses the gas chambers. His older brother and father are separated from the family and taken in another direction. Michael becomes the youngest child in the camp. This is his story of survival, both in Auschwitz and after his liberation.
Powerful!!! A must read!
How does a 4 year old Jewish child survive the Holocaust? Ask Michael Bornstein. This is his history, his autobiography, as he and many others direct their memories to Bornstein's daughter, Debbie, she writes his story. It takes years for Michael to come to terms with people knowing his plight.
As the Soviets invade his Polish village, his father fights to keep their family intact. Waiting too long to escape, the family ends up in a box car headed for, relocation, a prisoner of war camp. Somehow Michael, his mother and his grandmother are herded with a group that bypasses the gas chambers. His older brother and father are separated from the family and taken in another direction. Michael becomes the youngest child in the camp. This is his story of survival, both in Auschwitz and after his liberation.
Powerful!!! A must read!
March 4, 2018
SURVIVORS CLUB: THE TRUE STORY OF A VERY YOUNG PRISONER OF AUSCHWITZ by Michael Bornstein and Debbie Bornstein Holinstat is about the life of Michael Bornstein. On the front cover of the book is a picture of four year old Michael and other children dressed in their prison uniforms with their right sleeves pulled up showing the tattooed numbers on their arms. The picture on the back cover of little Michael in his grandmother's arms was taken by the Soviets to document their rescue.
This book tells about Zarki, a community in Poland over fifty percent populated by Jewish people, the hometown where Michael's family lived and worked. It tells of Israel Bornstein Michael's heroic father, Michael, his mother, two grandmothers, older brother and extended family and friends. It starts September 1, 1939 covering wartime, hardships and frightening times after the war, up to 1953 followed by an afterward by Michael, a glossary, notes on sources and a section containing over 25 photos spanning the years 1940 to 2015.
These two quotes from SURVIVORS CLUB: THE TRUE STORY OF A VERY YOUNG PRISONER OF AUSCHWITZ show us that it is miraculous that Michael Bornstein survived!
As a four-year-old boy, Michael Bernstein, "managed to evade death in a murder mill where more than one million Jews were killed during the Holocaust. I was one of the youngest prisoners to exit the Auschwitz death camp alive."
"Of the 2,819 inmates freed by the Russians, only 52 were under the age of eight."
This true story is heartbreaking and sad, but also inspirational and hopeful as well as interesting and enlightening.
The narrative style of writing and clarity of language with "threads" of hope and love intertwined with horrors of war and hatred was perfectly written for "young adults" and older school children, the intended audience (reader) of this book. For youth guided discussions and group discussions with opportunity to ask and answer questions and address fears and uncertainties should accompany the reading.
I highly recommend this book. 5*****
This book tells about Zarki, a community in Poland over fifty percent populated by Jewish people, the hometown where Michael's family lived and worked. It tells of Israel Bornstein Michael's heroic father, Michael, his mother, two grandmothers, older brother and extended family and friends. It starts September 1, 1939 covering wartime, hardships and frightening times after the war, up to 1953 followed by an afterward by Michael, a glossary, notes on sources and a section containing over 25 photos spanning the years 1940 to 2015.
These two quotes from SURVIVORS CLUB: THE TRUE STORY OF A VERY YOUNG PRISONER OF AUSCHWITZ show us that it is miraculous that Michael Bornstein survived!
As a four-year-old boy, Michael Bernstein, "managed to evade death in a murder mill where more than one million Jews were killed during the Holocaust. I was one of the youngest prisoners to exit the Auschwitz death camp alive."
"Of the 2,819 inmates freed by the Russians, only 52 were under the age of eight."
This true story is heartbreaking and sad, but also inspirational and hopeful as well as interesting and enlightening.
The narrative style of writing and clarity of language with "threads" of hope and love intertwined with horrors of war and hatred was perfectly written for "young adults" and older school children, the intended audience (reader) of this book. For youth guided discussions and group discussions with opportunity to ask and answer questions and address fears and uncertainties should accompany the reading.
I highly recommend this book. 5*****
February 27, 2018
All Holocaust books are hard for me to read. The evil that can overtake people is just mystifying. (Is that the word for it?). Anyways, this book was also about family, survival and love.
This book was in my "youth non fiction" section in my library. I am not quite sure how I feel about that. Certainly the reading level was appropriate for that label, but the content is graphic at times. I am not sure what "youth" is technically, but I would not really want my 9 year old reading this book at this point. Certainly it is important for our youth to know the Holocaust history, and I suppose the youth then were directly exposed to these horrors, but I am still a little apprehensive.
Overall, a good book. A little different perspective. Important documentation. 4/5 stars.
This book was in my "youth non fiction" section in my library. I am not quite sure how I feel about that. Certainly the reading level was appropriate for that label, but the content is graphic at times. I am not sure what "youth" is technically, but I would not really want my 9 year old reading this book at this point. Certainly it is important for our youth to know the Holocaust history, and I suppose the youth then were directly exposed to these horrors, but I am still a little apprehensive.
Overall, a good book. A little different perspective. Important documentation. 4/5 stars.
November 18, 2017
RTC
This unbiased review is based upon a copy won through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program.
This unbiased review is based upon a copy won through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program.
February 22, 2020
This book was a wonderful roller coaster with mixed emotions. It made me laugh at times. Other times it made me sick at heart to read the sorrowful words of Micheal Bornstein's past! I was glad to have found this wonderful book on the dusty shelves of the library. It opened my eyes to the hurtful past that the world has endured.
ℝ𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕕 𝔸𝕘𝕖: 𝟣𝟢+
𝐸𝓍𝓅𝓁𝒶𝓃𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃- This book didn't have as harsh content as some of the other Holocaust related books I have read. Such as
Overall I would recommend this book to anyone that typically enjoys reading Holocaust related books. Also to anyone that likes a Happy ending! 😉
Ｂｅｓｔ Ｐａｒｔｓ？- I actually don't have a favorite part! I loved every second of this book! I completely devoured each page!
𝕋��𝕥𝕒𝕝 ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘: ✨✨✨✨✨
ℝ𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕕 𝔸𝕘𝕖: 𝟣𝟢+
𝐸𝓍𝓅𝓁𝒶𝓃𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃- This book didn't have as harsh content as some of the other Holocaust related books I have read. Such as
Overall I would recommend this book to anyone that typically enjoys reading Holocaust related books. Also to anyone that likes a Happy ending! 😉
Ｂｅｓｔ Ｐａｒｔｓ？- I actually don't have a favorite part! I loved every second of this book! I completely devoured each page!
𝕋��𝕥𝕒𝕝 ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘: ✨✨✨✨✨
February 28, 2017
This book makes me very excited about being a librarian. I look forward to putting it into as many hands as possible, because I don't think it's possible to read it without learning from it. It is, of course, incredibly painful to read, but given the state of America these days, it's a pain we need to experience. This is an important book.
April 13, 2018
This book moved me to tears, and that rarely happens. This was nonfiction but there was a note at the start that explained liberties were taken when it came to dialogue. I liked the mix of both the history and the dialogue in this one. It was well done and beautifully written. I was choking back the sobs. Ruth's story was also heart wrenching. This book gets the full 5 stars.
May 14, 2018
מועדון הניצולים הוא ספר המוגדר על גב כריכתו, כספר שואה לבני נוער.
הגדרה זו הינה פזיזה וחסרת אחריות, לטעמי, ואסביר מדוע.
ראשית, אציין כי בעקבות ההצהרה כי הספר מיועד לבני נוער, סברתי כי זאת הזדמנות לחשוף את בני לסיפור אחד מיני רבים מסיפורי השואה. הוא אמנם בן 10, אך מחונן ובוגר וקורא מזה שנים ספרים לבני נוער, שלאו דווקא תואמים את גילו הביולוגי.
עם זאת, החלטתי לקרוא את הספר בעצמי לפני שאמסור אותו לבני.
אני שמחה שעשיתי זאת, מכיוון שהספר התגלה כלא מתאים כלל לבני 10, ואפילו לא לבן ה-10 הספציפי הזה, שקורא גם ספרים לבני 15.
זהו ספר שואה מזעזע, קורע לב ממש, על קורותיו של פעוט בן 4 (!) במחנה ההשמדה אושוויץ, ולא ברור לי מי החליט שהוא מיועד לבני נוער. גם לי, כבוגרת שמכירה מקרוב חומרים שונים המתעדים את אימיי השואה, היה קשה לקרוא.
אני מסכימה שבני נוער מסויימים יכולים להתמודד איתו: בני נוער בוגרים בנפשם אשר כבר נחשפו לחומרים שונים, סרטים וספרים אודות השואה. אבל בהחלט לא כל בן תשחורת, רק מכיוון שהגיע לגיל ביולוגי מסוים.
הגדרה זו הינה פזיזה וחסרת אחריות, לטעמי, ואסביר מדוע.
ראשית, אציין כי בעקבות ההצהרה כי הספר מיועד לבני נוער, סברתי כי זאת הזדמנות לחשוף את בני לסיפור אחד מיני רבים מסיפורי השואה. הוא אמנם בן 10, אך מחונן ובוגר וקורא מזה שנים ספרים לבני נוער, שלאו דווקא תואמים את גילו הביולוגי.
עם זאת, החלטתי לקרוא את הספר בעצמי לפני שאמסור אותו לבני.
אני שמחה שעשיתי זאת, מכיוון שהספר התגלה כלא מתאים כלל לבני 10, ואפילו לא לבן ה-10 הספציפי הזה, שקורא גם ספרים לבני 15.
זהו ספר שואה מזעזע, קורע לב ממש, על קורותיו של פעוט בן 4 (!) במחנה ההשמדה אושוויץ, ולא ברור לי מי החליט שהוא מיועד לבני נוער. גם לי, כבוגרת שמכירה מקרוב חומרים שונים המתעדים את אימיי השואה, היה קשה לקרוא.
אני מסכימה שבני נוער מסויימים יכולים להתמודד איתו: בני נוער בוגרים בנפשם אשר כבר נחשפו לחומרים שונים, סרטים וספרים אודות השואה. אבל בהחלט לא כל בן תשחורת, רק מכיוון שהגיע לגיל ביולוגי מסוים.
March 5, 2018
My book club read the month of February was Survivors Club The True Story of a Very Young Prisoner of Auschwitz.
And as I was finishing this book in bed, my husband called out and asked me to rub his hair. And while this is something I do that helps him fall asleep, his words, and the emotions of this read, caused me to weep.
I paused and stroked his hair and it occured to me that throughout our lives, we are comforted by a gentle touch.
It helps to reduce our anxiety..... it makes us feel safe... feel comforted.
This recounting of the young boy, Michael Bornstein, a prisoner for 7 months inside the walls of Auschwitz, is a true testimony to love. At a horrific time, when it was thought that all hope may be abandoned, the healing of the suffering that he endured was because he clung to his faith in the belief he would see his Mother again.
We realize that those we love will not always be around, but as we hug or kiss them goodbye, it is always with the hope - you'll come back to me.
And as I was finishing this book in bed, my husband called out and asked me to rub his hair. And while this is something I do that helps him fall asleep, his words, and the emotions of this read, caused me to weep.
I paused and stroked his hair and it occured to me that throughout our lives, we are comforted by a gentle touch.
It helps to reduce our anxiety..... it makes us feel safe... feel comforted.
This recounting of the young boy, Michael Bornstein, a prisoner for 7 months inside the walls of Auschwitz, is a true testimony to love. At a horrific time, when it was thought that all hope may be abandoned, the healing of the suffering that he endured was because he clung to his faith in the belief he would see his Mother again.
We realize that those we love will not always be around, but as we hug or kiss them goodbye, it is always with the hope - you'll come back to me.
January 28, 2017
At times this is a gruelling read. What an extraordinary life this man had and his survival is beyond miraculous. A really important story that deserves to be told so that this can never happen again.
May 21, 2021
Survivors Club: The True Story of a Very Young Prisoner of Auschwitz by Michael Bornstein tells of the coincidence of the 1945 now-famous piece of archival footage, of four-year-old Michael Bornstein that was filmed by Soviet soldiers as he was carried out of Auschwitz in his grandmother’s arms. Survivors Club tells the unforgettable story of how a father’s courageous wit, a mother’s fierce love, and one perfectly timed illness saved Michael’s life. It is also the story of how others in his family from Zarki, Poland, dodged death at the hands of the Nazis time and again with incredible deftness. Working from his own recollections as well as extensive interviews with relatives and survivors who knew the family, Michael relates his inspirational story with the help of his daughter, Debbie Bornstein Holinstat. Shocking, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting, this narrative nonfiction offers an indelible depiction of what happened to one Polish village in the wake of the German invasion in 1939, following some of its inhabitants through the war and into the aftermath as they tried to put their lives back together following the German defeat.
February 20, 2018
I promised myself I would stay away from the holocaust stories.....This one made me cry.
February 5, 2021
The holocaust is always a heavy read so I try to only read this subject every few years. This book is definitely one of my favorites for sure!!! It was a great story of a man who led and took care of his extended family - it really encompassed the years before the camps, during(briefly) and after. So well written, completely enthralling from page 1, and a true story written by a survivor. I listened to the audio and it was FABULOUS! Reading this during this time of corona virus, this time of such political unrest, and more government control in our lives than I have ever lived through really made me think about how jews were targeted, yet made feel comfortable enough to slowly give away their freedoms to the government.....something I could not fathom personally - until now! What they went through was horrific, but certain parts are now more relatable than ever before.
November 24, 2016
This is a captivating book of survival in the face of so much tragedy. While filled with horrific, true experiences, the book's enduring message for readers is one of triumph. A must read.
December 13, 2016
I am speechless. I have so many emotions after reading this story. This is a book that should be shared with the world!
May 20, 2017
He was born a Jew during the German invasion and Michael and his family lived in an open ghetto. Bribing a German officer, his father saved his family for many months with cash collected from their community. Eventually Michael’s family found themselves in Auschwitz, where they were the last prisoners to have their numbers etched in their arms. Michael, the youngest child in the camp is grouped with his mother (Mamishu) and grandmother (Babeshi) while his brother and father are placed in another group. Mamishu continues to care for Michael as best as she can, given the extreme conditions that they are in, hoping that one day the family will be reunited and that they will return to their home in Zarki. Meanwhile all around them, the horrors of Auschwitz descent upon them. Michael survived this ordeal as he was filmed in 1945 by the Soviets being “carried out of Auschwitz in his grandmother’s arms.”
I appreciate the author’s ability to reconstruct his family’s history and share it with others. I enjoyed reading this novel and I enjoyed the second half of this novel especially. I liked how some matters came full circle for Michael, for these matters became an emotional tie. This novel is great for individuals who like nonfiction, history, WWII, memoirs, or survival.
I appreciate the author’s ability to reconstruct his family’s history and share it with others. I enjoyed reading this novel and I enjoyed the second half of this novel especially. I liked how some matters came full circle for Michael, for these matters became an emotional tie. This novel is great for individuals who like nonfiction, history, WWII, memoirs, or survival.
June 6, 2017
Imagine going to the movies one day in the 1980s with your daughter and seeing yourself in the movie you are watching. That’s exactly what happened to Michael Bornstein and his daughter Debbie. The movie was The Chosen and in one scene, two young Jewish boys are watching a newsreel showing footage of the liberation of children from Auschwitz, and there right at the front of the line of children, was Michael Bornstein, age 4.
Like so many Holocaust survivors, Michael Bornstein never really spoke about his childhood during the Holocaust, even after seeing himself as part of a movie. But, years later, Michael began to realize that his survival was a indeed miracle, and after doing a Google search, he also realized that the liberation images were (and sadly still are) being manipulated by Holocaust deniers to prove that it was all a Jewish lie, or that the Jews made up stories about their children being killed on arrival at Auschwitz, or that it was just a labor camp and not a death camp. Michael decided it was time to tell the story of the Bornstein family.
Michael begins his narrative in September 1939, a year before he was born, when German planes dropped bombs on the small village of Żarki, Poland where the Bornsteins lived, killing residents and destroying homes and synagogue. Almost immediately, the village was invaded by Nazi solders who went from house to house collecting anything of value from Jewish families, including the Bornsteins. Luckily, Michael’s father, Israel Bornstein, managed to bury some valuables in the backyard including a Kaddish cup, a family heirloom.
Jews who weren’t shot immediately were rounded up and put into the Jewish ghetto in Żarki, where Michael was born. His father was made head of the Jewish Council, with the difficult job of deciding who would be sent to die in a death camp and who wouldn’t be. Interestingly, although the head of the local Gestapo, Officer Schmitt, was an incredibly cold-hearted man, Zarki remained a somewhat open ghetto, allowing the remaining Jews to conduct some trade with the local Polish residents. It didn’t hurt that Israel was able to continually bribe him to save many lives, as well.
One of the things that really struck me was the strength of the Bornstein family, Israel, wife Sophie, grandmother Dora, older brother Samuel and now Michael is so evident throughout the narrative. In the face of deportations of fellow Jews, hunger, cold, and sickness, the family struggled but remained strong and faithful. Once it was decided that the Zarki ghetto would be liquidated, and all Jews sent to Treblinka, Schmitt made an exception of Israel and his family, who were sent to a labor camp instead.
Unfortunately, in July 1944, the Bornsteins were all sent to Auschwitz. Sophie, Dora and Michael were immediately separated from Israel and Samuel and it wasn’t until much later that Sophie learned the fate of her husband and son. Michael was only four years old by then, and sent to live in the Kinderlager, where older kids stole his food but also gave him some points that helped him survive. Eventually, Sophie snuck him into the women’s barracks where she and Dora were, and he remained there, even after she was sent to another labor camp. It was illness that ultimately saved Michael’s life. As the Russian Army approached Auschwitz, the Germans rounded up the remaining Jewish prisoners and began what is known as the Death March to cover their atrocities. Michael was left in the infirmary and survived with his grandmother, Dora.
The aftermath of the war, and the reunion of the remaining members of the Bornstein and of Sophie’s Jonisch family, and forming the family's Survivor Club, takes up the rest of Michael’s narrative. One story that I found particularly poignant is that of Michael’s cousin Ruth Jonisch, who found herself in a Catholic Convent, had her name changed to Kristina, and who had to be taught to hate Jews in order to survive. The years after being reunited with the Jonisch family are very interesting reading.
By now, you must be wondering how Michael knows so much about the time before he was born and the years he lived under the Nazis, given his age at the time. Most of his story is the result of research and interviews with family members. So while it isn’t actually a first hand account, it is still a compelling story about strength, some lucky coincidences, and mostly about family love.
There is a section of photographs, a Glossary and a Bornstein Family Who's Who also included in the back matter. And be sure to read Michael Bornstein's illuminating Preface and Afterword, as well.
Interestingly, the review of the movie, The Chosen, written by Janet Maslin and published April 30, 1982 in the New York Times, ended with these warning:
''The Chosen'' is rated PG (''Parental Guidance Suggested''). It contains brief but graphic footage of the liberation of concentration-camp inmates after World War II."
I feel I need to echo that warning:
Survivor’s Club is a very readable nonfiction narrative, but there are some graphic descriptions of the Nazi treatment of the Jews in it that may be difficult for some sensitive readers.
This book is recommended for readers age 10+
This book was an ARC received from the publisher, Farrar Straus Giroux
This review was originally posted at The Children's War
Like so many Holocaust survivors, Michael Bornstein never really spoke about his childhood during the Holocaust, even after seeing himself as part of a movie. But, years later, Michael began to realize that his survival was a indeed miracle, and after doing a Google search, he also realized that the liberation images were (and sadly still are) being manipulated by Holocaust deniers to prove that it was all a Jewish lie, or that the Jews made up stories about their children being killed on arrival at Auschwitz, or that it was just a labor camp and not a death camp. Michael decided it was time to tell the story of the Bornstein family.
Michael begins his narrative in September 1939, a year before he was born, when German planes dropped bombs on the small village of Żarki, Poland where the Bornsteins lived, killing residents and destroying homes and synagogue. Almost immediately, the village was invaded by Nazi solders who went from house to house collecting anything of value from Jewish families, including the Bornsteins. Luckily, Michael’s father, Israel Bornstein, managed to bury some valuables in the backyard including a Kaddish cup, a family heirloom.
Jews who weren’t shot immediately were rounded up and put into the Jewish ghetto in Żarki, where Michael was born. His father was made head of the Jewish Council, with the difficult job of deciding who would be sent to die in a death camp and who wouldn’t be. Interestingly, although the head of the local Gestapo, Officer Schmitt, was an incredibly cold-hearted man, Zarki remained a somewhat open ghetto, allowing the remaining Jews to conduct some trade with the local Polish residents. It didn’t hurt that Israel was able to continually bribe him to save many lives, as well.
One of the things that really struck me was the strength of the Bornstein family, Israel, wife Sophie, grandmother Dora, older brother Samuel and now Michael is so evident throughout the narrative. In the face of deportations of fellow Jews, hunger, cold, and sickness, the family struggled but remained strong and faithful. Once it was decided that the Zarki ghetto would be liquidated, and all Jews sent to Treblinka, Schmitt made an exception of Israel and his family, who were sent to a labor camp instead.
Unfortunately, in July 1944, the Bornsteins were all sent to Auschwitz. Sophie, Dora and Michael were immediately separated from Israel and Samuel and it wasn’t until much later that Sophie learned the fate of her husband and son. Michael was only four years old by then, and sent to live in the Kinderlager, where older kids stole his food but also gave him some points that helped him survive. Eventually, Sophie snuck him into the women’s barracks where she and Dora were, and he remained there, even after she was sent to another labor camp. It was illness that ultimately saved Michael’s life. As the Russian Army approached Auschwitz, the Germans rounded up the remaining Jewish prisoners and began what is known as the Death March to cover their atrocities. Michael was left in the infirmary and survived with his grandmother, Dora.
The aftermath of the war, and the reunion of the remaining members of the Bornstein and of Sophie’s Jonisch family, and forming the family's Survivor Club, takes up the rest of Michael’s narrative. One story that I found particularly poignant is that of Michael’s cousin Ruth Jonisch, who found herself in a Catholic Convent, had her name changed to Kristina, and who had to be taught to hate Jews in order to survive. The years after being reunited with the Jonisch family are very interesting reading.
By now, you must be wondering how Michael knows so much about the time before he was born and the years he lived under the Nazis, given his age at the time. Most of his story is the result of research and interviews with family members. So while it isn’t actually a first hand account, it is still a compelling story about strength, some lucky coincidences, and mostly about family love.
There is a section of photographs, a Glossary and a Bornstein Family Who's Who also included in the back matter. And be sure to read Michael Bornstein's illuminating Preface and Afterword, as well.
Interestingly, the review of the movie, The Chosen, written by Janet Maslin and published April 30, 1982 in the New York Times, ended with these warning:
''The Chosen'' is rated PG (''Parental Guidance Suggested''). It contains brief but graphic footage of the liberation of concentration-camp inmates after World War II."
I feel I need to echo that warning:
Survivor’s Club is a very readable nonfiction narrative, but there are some graphic descriptions of the Nazi treatment of the Jews in it that may be difficult for some sensitive readers.
This book is recommended for readers age 10+
This book was an ARC received from the publisher, Farrar Straus Giroux
This review was originally posted at The Children's War
August 4, 2017
I started this on audio, and it was too difficult to listen to, so I switched to the book. It's a fantastic story, full of details about the Jewish experience that were so personal to the author's family and new to me. It's also incredibly heart-wrenching, and I definitely cried. You should read it.
August 20, 2017
Survivors club is a true story about a boy in Auschwitz. Its very emotional, actually. One minute your happy, then the other your devastated. Sometimes your angry. And sometimes you just have to know what's happening next. I liked this book a lot. I think anyone would want to know what happens in this book. Thanks to NetGalley.
February 5, 2019
This is a relevant and compelling book that leaves an impression on the reader, and therefore I recommend everyone to read it despite the difficult content.
May 5, 2020
Simple book that brings out tangible emotions.
I loved how this book is down to earth yet emotionally raw. The author shares their personal story of how their family lived before the war, during the war, and after the war.
One message I got from this book was power of family and love can bring hope in midst of dark times.
I loved how this book is down to earth yet emotionally raw. The author shares their personal story of how their family lived before the war, during the war, and after the war.
One message I got from this book was power of family and love can bring hope in midst of dark times.
February 27, 2025
The audiobook was excellent! It included an interview with the author and audio from one of his family members about her time in the camps which was an awesome addition. Overall a moving and powerful story that was very well told!
September 14, 2017
A very sad memoir about a horrific time in our history. Amazing to think Michael Bornstein recognised himself as a four year child being liberated from Auschwitz while watching a movie in Brooklyn in the 1980s which used real film excerpts. A very readable story of survival.
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