After the Roundup: Escape and Survival in Hitler's France

by Joseph Weismann, Richard Kutner (Translator)

A Jewish man recounts his experience as a little boy in Paris during World War II and the Holocaust, as well as his escape and survival in this memoir.On the nights of July 16 and 17, 1942, French police rounded up eleven-year-old Joseph Weismann, his family, and 13,000 other Jews. After being held for five days in appalling conditions in the Vélodrome d’Hiver stadium, Joseph and his family were transported by cattle car to the Beaune-la-Rolande internment camp and brutally all the adults and most of the children were transported on to Auschwitz and certain death, but 1,000 children were left behind to wait for a later train. The French guards told the children left behind that they would soon be reunited with their parents, but Joseph and his new friend, Joe Kogan, chose to risk everything in a daring escape attempt. After eluding the guards and crawling under razor-sharp barbed wire, Joseph found freedom. But how would he survive the rest of the war in Nazi-occupied France and build a life for himself? His problems had just begun.Until he was 80, Joseph Weismann kept his story to himself, giving only the slightest hints of it to his wife and three children. Simone Veil, lawyer, politician, President of the European Parliament, and member of the Constitutional Council of France—herself a survivor of Auschwitz—urged him to tell his story. In the original French version of this book and in Roselyne Bosch’s 2010 film La Rafle, Joseph shares his compelling and terrifying story of the Roundup of the Vél’ d’Hiv and his escape. Now, for the first time in English, Joseph tells the rest of his dramatic story in After the Roundup.“As few others manage, Joseph Weismann’s memoir captures the tension between the great communal torment and the unique personal repercussions of those who endured the Holocaust. This is a boy’s story, except that boy is in hell, faces it, and survives.” —Thomas Keneally, author of Schindler’s List“Extraordinary . . . and timely. Joseph Weismann’s compelling account of his escape from an internment camp after the notorious Winter Velodrome roundup of Parisian Jews in July 1942 is both a vivid recreation of childhood (he was 11 years old when he spent a tenacious six hours crawling through a barbed wire fence to make his getaway) and a powerful insight into what it is like to be on the receiving end of the demonization of a race or religion.” —Peter Grose, author of A Good Place to Hide

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Holocaust, Memoir, World War II, 20th Century, War

177 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Joseph Weismann is one of the surviving children that were deported from the camp of Beaune-la-Rolande to Auschwitz after the Vel d'Hiv roundup.

His sisters Charlotte (13 in 1942) and Rachel (7 in 1942), as well as his parents, were deported to Auschwitz and murdered.

In 1996, Simone Veil convinced him to write his memoirs.

He received the Escapees' Medal in 1972.

Reviews

[Carolyn Scarcella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I’m reading is called “After the roundup” by a Holocaust survivor Joesph Weismann. This is the true story that he was among the 13,000 children who were rounded up in the Vél’ d’Hiv’ Roundup in Paris, between 16th and 17th July of 1942. France had the smallest percentage of French and foreign Jews sent to the camps. We should also remember that 75 percent of the Jews of France survived. In this short book, he describes a hope, friendship, and courage in the face of repression, hatred, and fear. I like this book because the illustrations shows many different perspectives that are visually interesting for the young adult readers where they have faced the frightening, emotional and struggle through their own experiences. He made the movie first in 2010 called “The roundup” after he wrote this book. As a result, what happened the rest of his family in this book? What happened to his friend Joe. You can decide.

[v · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for French class and it was surprisingly ok.

If I had to rate this out of 5 I’d give it a 3.5 because the storyline was good, as this was a biography I though that it was very well thought out and detailed, even I wouldn’t remember as much as he did. I think his journey is incredible and should be discussed in class and taught as part of the curriculum. Although I loved his story, I do feel as if some parts were dragged on and on and on to the point where I wanted to skip a couple pages and fast forward to the next part. Lingering on a single part of his story for so long just duls the story up. This was great, I think that it’s my second favourite book I’ve read in french in high school. I definitely think anyone who’s interested in learning more about the anti sémitismes acts in France u should give it a try.

[David Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Sad but inspiring: "After the Roundup: Escape and Survival in Hitler’s France" takes a look back at one man's journey through one of the darkest times in human history. Joseph Weismann writes about growing up in France, witnessing German cruelty, escaping from captivity and living life as a fugitive. J. Clark Allison maintains the melancholic tone with his steady narration and convincing dialogue. After the roundup should be read by any aspiring historian or WWII aficionado.

Joseph Weismann is a Jewish boy living in France. During WWII, he witnessed the appalling cruelty that many Germans exercised upon the Jewish population. Along with 13,000 Jews, Joseph and his family are rounded up and shipped to the Vélodrome d'Hiver stadium by cattle car. Facing deplorable conditions, Joseph makes a friend and escapes his prison. What follows is a life lived in secret. He moves from shelter to shelter, and he lives in fear of re-capture. Joseph clearly shares his emotions, opinions and convictions. It's obvious that the events of WWII deeply affected the outcome of Joseph's life. Although the majority of this work focuses on WWII and its immediate outcome, Joseph does briefly delve into his post-war life. The book's only downside is its length, which is a brief five hours and 48 minutes. Nonetheless, it makes for a captivating examination of France and Jewish oppression during WWII.

J. Clark Allison narrates "After the Roundup". His tone is sad and despondent, which fits the mood that Joseph expresses in his writing. His accents and inflections are believable, and he smoothly transitions between voices. He gives a consistent, strong performance. His narration is a solid compliment to the narrative.

"After the Roundup" is a touching novel. It shares an image of a very disturbing time in history. It's also encouraging and hopeful: Andrew fought against his oppressors and escaped from captivity. He made a new life for himself, and he lived to tell his story. His bravery is truly inspiring. Allison never detracts from the narrative. He gives a believable, moving performance. This book is highly recommended to those looking for a unique perspective of life during WWII.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the story of Joseph Weismann's escape from the roundup of French Jews in 1942 in Paris. 13, 152 Jews were imprisoned in the Vélodrome d'Hiver stadium for five days without food or water, then sent on to French internment camps and ultimately to Auschwitz, where they were killed. Weismann, 11 at the time, escaped from the French internment camp and was one of only a couple of children to survive. The book details the roundup, his escape, and his long struggle to survive afterwards.

The story feels more immediate and relevant than ever today. Partly because Marine Le Pen recently once again denied French responsibility (although French authorities organized the roundup, French police conducted it, and it was French authorities, not the Nazis, who insisted that children be rounded up with their parents). But also because the adult Jews rounded up were not French-born, but immigrants and refugees: Polish, German, etc. (their children were generally not considered citizens either). Some had been in France for 10-20 years, but the Vichy official who had them rounded up called them vermin, and after the war he actually argued that he deserved praise for rounding them up rather than French-born Jews. In the current climate in the US, where immigrants, especially undocumented ones, are increasingly demonized, all this felt very close to home.

But what of the story itself? Well, it is splendidly written. Joseph brings his child's voice and child's way of thinking vividly to life. I saw his parents and felt his love for them; I saw the traits that made him a mischievous child and gave him the energy and restlessness to escape once his parents were taken from the camp. His voice is direct, unflinching, vivid, evocative, and searing. In many ways the most heartbreaking part of this book is how grim his story is AFTER the escape: the indifference or hostility of the people from whom he asks help, his mistreatment at the hands of the families who shelter him (when paid to do so, and clearly only because they are paid), and the anti-Semitism he encounters even after the war (his long battle to have his citizenship recognized; the army's initial refusal to take him, etc.). There are people who help him too, but they were much more rare than I would have predicted. That he managed to live a full and rich life made me joyful for his sake, but he does not present his life as "inspirational." He is clear about the intense loneliness and despair he felt, and about how many survivors were driven to suicide by similar despair.

I read this in French, but I strongly urge English speakers to read this new translation. It's worth your time.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was amazing, actually not a story, real life during the Holocaust. This book relates the experiences of a young boy who was torn apart from his family and managed to escape a concentration camp. This book was so detailed, including feelings, sights and sounds that made it seem real and come alive. Unfortunately his mother, father and both sisters were murdered in Auschwitz. This book is very powerful which reminds me of The Diary of a Young Girl, the story of Anne Frank and a child's experiences during this horrible time in history. But unlike Anne Frank, this author managed to escape and go on to live his life. It was so courageous and miraculous that a young child had the wherewithal to find a way to escape and see it through and that despite the evil of the Nazis he survived. It's the will to live that this author experienced that despite the horrors he experienced he managed to go on and carve out his life. I like how this book doesn't just end after his escape, you are able to find out how he made it through, found people who were like family and how his experiences shaped his life. If all this were not amazing enough, I admire this author for having the courage to face the tough memories and go back to those times in his old age. He was able to, in a manner of speaking, attempt to confront the memories and try to come to terms with what happened to him and his family. With this book and relating his experiences to others he helps to make sure people never forget and realize that we can absolutely never have something like this happen again.

[Erica Baird · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this for my French class (for the 2nd time in my life) and thought I should still include it! This follows the true story of Joseph Weismann, a young boy living in nazi occupied Paris as a jewish boy. This follows him from the Round up at the Vel d'Hiv, to his escape from the internment camp, Beaune-La-Rolande. I've read many French books with the WW2 being the main subject, and I have to say this one isn't my favourite. However, I won't be picking it apart, because why should I be entitled to decide wether a man's story is worthy to read? It is definitely a book to make you think. I did give it 2 stars on 5, and that's pretty much all I will say about it.

[Julie Mgt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Punaise, j'ai le coeur en miette. On sait ce qu'il s'est passé. Il n'empêche que c'est hallucinant de se dire que c'est vraiment arrivé. De lire ça de la part d'un survivant, de connaître une partie de leur souffrance. Quand je vois l'état actuel du monde, je me dis que ce genre de témoignage est plus qu'essentiel. On DOIT se rappeler...

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not "Just A Story"...

I am older now, and have been well educated so I obviously learned of the Holocaust decades ago. It has always horrified and angered me as it should anyone with a beating heart! It has also left me in tears when I think of man's inhumanity to man!
In an example from this book, for instance, how could you answer your door to find two hungry children, feed them at your table but then insist they leave knowing they have no one, no place to rest for the night? Concern for your own family and the risk is too great? Perhaps. But still, knowing myself, I'd have found room, and allowed them to stay. Either live or die but don't do it alone as a child.
How was that beast Hitler voted to power? I'll never understand that. Just as I cringed, again horrified to see our Capitol invaded by those that supported a reality show businessman, real estate mogul and egocentric in the highest position in the land: U.S. President. What a mockery of that office!
We must never forget.
This was a compelling, poignant read!

[Randy Ladenheim-Gil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw La Rafle this year, after watching a program about the Vel d'Hiv, and looked for more information. Weismann is the young boy who escaped the Vel d'Hiv with a companion, and this book, translated by Richard Kutner, is his full story, from his boyhood in Paris to his present life in Le Mans. Written from the heart, anyone interested in just how Vichy France treated thousands of its Jews should read it.

[Dorothy Timm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Narrated by the man who actually had the experiences. As a young boy, he was arrested as a Jew during WWII and sent to a forced labor camp. He and another young boy were able to escape. His experiences under the custody of the Germans were very interesting, but he escaped before the book was half way thru. The latter part of the book was only a little interesting to me, making the entire book only rating 3 stars.

[Kathy Card · Rating 5 out of 5]

After The Roundup

After The Roundup shares another story of a Holocaust survivor, which was different from other histories. He managed to escape from the children’s detention camp with another boy. He had the desire for freedom which couldn’t be denied. What happened after his escape is an another story, rife some heroes and some villains. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat.

[Debbie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an incredible life of survival

A young Jewish French boy survives the Vichy roundup of the Jews and tells his story of survival and all his challenges he endures during the war. Now as an adult, he tells his story because he sees it as his duty to tell others what happened to him and other Jews and how the French government did not protect them.

[Sherralynne Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving story

A very moving story that draws the reader into war time Paris. Thousands of Jewish people are rounded up and held in a Paris Stadium before being shipped off to another camp. Families are torn apart. Joseph's story describes his experiences in great detail. Highly recommended.

[Judith Sgoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh! My God.

You wonder how this could have happened, but you know. People either didn't know, or turned their backs. It wasn't happening to them. Your heart breaks. Thank you for sharing your extraordinary life.

[Wilbur Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotioal

Excellent well written very emotional . Very difficult not to feel the emotional pain. This could be required reading in high school history

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was very informative from the view of an 11 year old boy. This should be required reading in middle school like Ann Frank.

[Troy Furman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly riveting story

I was locked onto this book from the first sentence.
It’s well written and establishes a baseline to grab your attention.
I loved it.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Remarkable Story

The writer and translator have chronicled the remarkable events of an eleven year old's survival during the French roundup of Jews in Paris in 1942. However, the story flows like a novel complete with suspense and emotion.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the story of Joseph Weismann's escape from the roundup of French Jews in 1942 in Paris. 13, 152 Jews were imprisoned in the Vélodrome d'Hiver stadium for five days without food or water, then sent on to French internment camps and ultimately to Auschwitz, where they were killed. Weismann, 11 at the time, escaped from the French internment camp and was one of only a couple of children to survive. The book details the roundup, his escape, and his long struggle to survive afterwards.

The story feels more immediate and relevant than ever today. Partly because Marine Le Pen recently once again denied French responsibility (although French authorities organized the roundup, French police conducted it, and it was French authorities, not the Nazis, who insisted that children be rounded up with their parents). But also because the adult Jews rounded up were not French-born, but immigrants and refugees: Polish, German, etc. (their children were generally not considered citizens either). Some had been in France for 10-20 years, but the Vichy official who had them rounded up called them vermin, and after the war he actually argued that he deserved praise for rounding them up rather than French-born Jews. In the current climate in the US, where immigrants, especially undocumented ones, are increasingly demonized, all this felt very close to home.

But what of the story itself? Well, it is splendidly written. Joseph brings his child's voice and child's way of thinking vividly to life. I saw his parents and felt his love for them; I saw the traits that made him a mischievous child and gave him the energy and restlessness to escape once his parents were taken from the camp. His voice is direct, unflinching, vivid, evocative, and searing. In many ways the most heartbreaking part of this book is how grim his story is AFTER the escape: the indifference or hostility of the people from whom he asks help, his mistreatment at the hands of the families who shelter him (when paid to do so, and clearly only because they are paid), and the anti-Semitism he encounters even after the war (his long battle to have his citizenship recognized; the army's initial refusal to take him, etc.). There are people who help him too, but they were much more rare than I would have predicted. That he managed to live a full and rich life made me joyful for his sake, but he does not present his life as "inspirational." He is clear about the intense loneliness and despair he felt, and about how many survivors were driven to suicide by similar despair.

I read this in French (I read French, but haven't attempted to write it in many years; hence the English review). But an English translation has just appeared ("After the Roundup"), and I strongly urge English speakers to read it.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When he is eighty, Joseph is made to see the good it will do for others to hear about the horror his life became in France in 1942. Born in France in 1931 to parents who lived in France after leaving a neighboring country twenty years earlier, he and his family were condemned by the Vichy government and Hitler because they were Jews not born in France. Think about it. What if you were herded into unsanitary and foodless arenas because of your religion and the fact that you or your parents were born in Wisconsin instead of, say, Texas. The conditions were horrible, parents separated from children who didn't know where parents were or that they, too, would be shipped off to the camps. Obviously Joseph escaped and suffered in other ways even after liberation, and much of that is related as well. This biography is excellent and most of it is written from the perspective of that young person. What a monumental task!
Equally monumental was the task faced by translator Richard Kutner in transforming the original French, complete with idioms from sixty years ago!
And don't forget how well J Clark Allison audio interpreted the writing without getting overly dramatic or doom and gloom. Fantastic!
I won the audio in a giveaway.
These things happened. Never Forget.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating true story of the roundup of French Jews by Gendarmes who then turned them over to the Nazis for deportation to Auschwitz. The author, Joseph Weismann, his parents, and his two sisters were included in the roundup. He was 11 years old at the time. They were all held with thousands of other Jews at facilities in France temporarily before most of them were sent east. Joseph became separated from his family and was frantic to rejoin them. When he became suspicious of the whole operation, he joined with another boy, also named Joseph, and escaped before the next shipment. The rest of the book follows Joseph on the run, in and out of various orphanages and foster homes for the rest of the war. How he survived and built his own family after the war as well as how he dealt with his emotional demons with the loss of his family made this book hard to put down.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this book. I love listening to the holocaust stories because when I read the books, I never know how to pronounce a lot of the words. But, I do look up the spelling of the land marks and cities. Anyway, this is about a boy who was taken away from his family and out into a children’s camp by Paris. I hadn’t heard of the camp before. He actually escaped!!! I’m so proud of him. He had a rough life for many years after. Learning his whole immediate family was in Auschwitz and died had to be horrible. I hate what the Nazis did. So so so sickening. I’m obsessed with the survivor stories. We can never let this happen again.

[Anthony Bracciante · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the harrowing account of how 11 year old Joseph Weismann survived the round up of the Jewish residents of Paris July 16-17, 1942 after becoming separated from his family who later perished in Auschwitz. His story of survival is told in the vernacular of the boy who experienced it and you can feel both the cruelty and the kindness that he was shown. This is an outstanding first person account of one of history's greatest nightmares that must never be forgotten.

[Yana Lyandres · Rating 5 out of 5]

J'ai tellement pleuré !!! Il vaut la peine de le lire, ce livre

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lire absolument !

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of escape and survival that continues after the war -- a welcome addition to a story that gives us more of the life of an 11-year-old who lost almost everything.

[Onder · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5. De ware aard van de mens.