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Beyond the Last Path: A Buchenwald Survivor's Story
It records what he saw and felt during his calvary from Antwerp to the Malin distribution camp in France and from there to the extermination camp of Buchenwald.
He was one of the few people who both entered a Nazi concentration camp and left again.
This is his remarkable personal story that records his experiences of one of the most harrowing events in human history.
Buchenwald concentration camp was one of the first and largest camps to be built on German soil and during the years that Weinstock spent there he kept company with other Jews, Poles, Slavs, political prisoners and many other men and women that the Nazi’s deemed subhuman.
“A mere number, he had the strength to remain a man, an artist of the word, observing his captors, his fellow-prisoners, life in the shadow of death. … . Throughout, the writing is poignant, vibrant with humanity, a cry “de profundis” and a vow that it must never happen again. This book should be long remembered.” — Emil Lengyel
Eugene Weinstock was a Hungarian Jew who was living in Belgium at the beginning of the Second World War. Beyond the Last Path records his life during those terrible years up to the point when American troops released the remaining prisoners in Buchenwald. By this time Weinstock weighed a mere eighty pounds and had seen many of his good friends die. His work was first published in the United States in 1947 where he had gone to. He passed away in 1984.
He was one of the few people who both entered a Nazi concentration camp and left again.
This is his remarkable personal story that records his experiences of one of the most harrowing events in human history.
Buchenwald concentration camp was one of the first and largest camps to be built on German soil and during the years that Weinstock spent there he kept company with other Jews, Poles, Slavs, political prisoners and many other men and women that the Nazi’s deemed subhuman.
“A mere number, he had the strength to remain a man, an artist of the word, observing his captors, his fellow-prisoners, life in the shadow of death. … . Throughout, the writing is poignant, vibrant with humanity, a cry “de profundis” and a vow that it must never happen again. This book should be long remembered.” — Emil Lengyel
Eugene Weinstock was a Hungarian Jew who was living in Belgium at the beginning of the Second World War. Beyond the Last Path records his life during those terrible years up to the point when American troops released the remaining prisoners in Buchenwald. By this time Weinstock weighed a mere eighty pounds and had seen many of his good friends die. His work was first published in the United States in 1947 where he had gone to. He passed away in 1984.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1947
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 20, 2018
This book was very well written with an accurate reporting of facts close after liberation when memory of happenings hasn't been reduced by time. I would have loved to hear more about what happened after the war. How did he adjust to live afterwards. What happened to some of the other people.
What is surprising is that the book isn't full of bitterness instead what is pointed out how survival depended a lot of time of other prisoners trying to support each other in one way or other. In some sense replacing the family members they had lost along the way.
I highly recommend reading this book I'm also including a link (for everyone that likes to get some additional info) to The August 1944 American air raid on a weapons factory at the Nazis’ horrific concentration camp was one of the most precise bombing missions of the war. By Flint Whitlock
http://warfarehistorynetwork.com/dail...
What is surprising is that the book isn't full of bitterness instead what is pointed out how survival depended a lot of time of other prisoners trying to support each other in one way or other. In some sense replacing the family members they had lost along the way.
I highly recommend reading this book I'm also including a link (for everyone that likes to get some additional info) to The August 1944 American air raid on a weapons factory at the Nazis’ horrific concentration camp was one of the most precise bombing missions of the war. By Flint Whitlock
http://warfarehistorynetwork.com/dail...
November 11, 2019
TRUTH, UGLY AS IT IS
As a “War Baby”, born early in 1942, safe in the arms of my parents, I am appalled by the monstrous acts of the Nazis. As I grew up, I learned more about the times when I was born and the stupid post war decisions made on how to divide up Germany. Purely for political expediency, nothing more.
This book has been another eye opener for me. The details the author spelled out of the heinous crimes perpetrated on Jews, Russians, French, actually all of Eastern Europe have given me reason to wonder why it is that a certain faction of our young citizens being taught in their schools that socialism is good. They call our conservative citizens “fascists” without having studied enough history to know what they’re talking about.
There is no place in this world for fascism, it is a cruel, unfeeling belief system in which life has no value. Kudos to this author for providing me with yet another wake-up call.
As a “War Baby”, born early in 1942, safe in the arms of my parents, I am appalled by the monstrous acts of the Nazis. As I grew up, I learned more about the times when I was born and the stupid post war decisions made on how to divide up Germany. Purely for political expediency, nothing more.
This book has been another eye opener for me. The details the author spelled out of the heinous crimes perpetrated on Jews, Russians, French, actually all of Eastern Europe have given me reason to wonder why it is that a certain faction of our young citizens being taught in their schools that socialism is good. They call our conservative citizens “fascists” without having studied enough history to know what they’re talking about.
There is no place in this world for fascism, it is a cruel, unfeeling belief system in which life has no value. Kudos to this author for providing me with yet another wake-up call.
January 21, 2019
This is by far the best survivor's story that I have read to date. It is literate and conveys the horror of Buchenwald without being too graphic. The author was a carpenter, and required assistance to write the narrative, and the book reflects the lack of style and composition that this partnership created. The story jumps around and is missing in some details that would have made the chronology complete. That said, it is a tremendous testament to Mr. Weinstock that he was able to survive his internment with his wits fairly much about him, and that he is able to evoke the emotions (and lack thereof) of his fellow prisoners and jailers. This book will stay with me for a long time. It is a slim book that speaks volumes.
May 25, 2015
This needs editing badly
This was a great story, but plagued by terrible editing. Please, if you read this book...be prepared for that. It was very frustrating, especially after paying full price.
This was a great story, but plagued by terrible editing. Please, if you read this book...be prepared for that. It was very frustrating, especially after paying full price.
June 24, 2018
This is the story of Eugene Weinstock, a Jewish member of the resistance that began in the early stages of the Holocaust. His story is both horrific and beautiful, as it includes both the savagery and nobility that exists in humans.
Mr. Weinstock tells us about the underground resistance in Buchenwald, where he was shipped to, which they say is the only organized underground in any German concentration camp. We also get to learn about some of the heroes of the Holocaust, men who saved the lives of hundreds, some even thousands, from inside Buchenwald while also fighting for their own lives, and we get to learn their names.
Eugene tells his story from the beginning of the Holocaust up to the moment of his liberation. I wish he had shared a little more about the process of being freed, about reuniting with his children, and how his life was afterwards. I definitely recommend if you're interested in Holocaust memoirs.
Mr. Weinstock tells us about the underground resistance in Buchenwald, where he was shipped to, which they say is the only organized underground in any German concentration camp. We also get to learn about some of the heroes of the Holocaust, men who saved the lives of hundreds, some even thousands, from inside Buchenwald while also fighting for their own lives, and we get to learn their names.
Eugene tells his story from the beginning of the Holocaust up to the moment of his liberation. I wish he had shared a little more about the process of being freed, about reuniting with his children, and how his life was afterwards. I definitely recommend if you're interested in Holocaust memoirs.
November 16, 2018
Remarkable
A remarkable book that reveals the struggle to remain alive through organization and discipline in a vast horror chamber. The Underground of Buchenwald, the day to day terrors, and the liberation of the camp are described with such brutal clarity and honesty by Eugene Weinstock. And prior to his and his son's capture, the authors struggle to escape the closing ring of the invading German army is a macabre adventure. What sets this book apart in many ways is the authors ability to infuse dark humor throughout its gruesome contents. It reveals how one man and many others were able to remain human while in the captivity of monsters.
A remarkable book that reveals the struggle to remain alive through organization and discipline in a vast horror chamber. The Underground of Buchenwald, the day to day terrors, and the liberation of the camp are described with such brutal clarity and honesty by Eugene Weinstock. And prior to his and his son's capture, the authors struggle to escape the closing ring of the invading German army is a macabre adventure. What sets this book apart in many ways is the authors ability to infuse dark humor throughout its gruesome contents. It reveals how one man and many others were able to remain human while in the captivity of monsters.
April 16, 2024
This is a perfectly told personal story of a Belgian jew. No punches are pulled and names are named. Both great and loathsome behavior is displayed for the reader. This is possibly one of the best personal accounts I have read.
Sometimes a tale is gripping and sometimes it is well told. This is both. It flows seamlessly and answer all of the how and why questions people have. The issue of resistance plays a major role in Weinstocks experience.
Because no attempt to tell "the big story" is made, you get a very real and personal story.
I encourge all to read or listen. I picked up my copy at Audible, where if you are a member you can listen for free.
Sometimes a tale is gripping and sometimes it is well told. This is both. It flows seamlessly and answer all of the how and why questions people have. The issue of resistance plays a major role in Weinstocks experience.
Because no attempt to tell "the big story" is made, you get a very real and personal story.
I encourge all to read or listen. I picked up my copy at Audible, where if you are a member you can listen for free.
February 6, 2018
One of the best survival of the Holocaust Stories
This one by a Hungarian survivor of Buchenwald. What a story! The amazing thing was the unique camp Underground that maintained discipline and kept many, many men (and children) alive. As usual, how anyone at all survived is a miracle but this was exceptional. Lots of outwitting the Nazis but unfortunately, they were fighting a mostly losing battle. Quite a brave story told dispassionately. A truly humane and compassionate memoir.
This one by a Hungarian survivor of Buchenwald. What a story! The amazing thing was the unique camp Underground that maintained discipline and kept many, many men (and children) alive. As usual, how anyone at all survived is a miracle but this was exceptional. Lots of outwitting the Nazis but unfortunately, they were fighting a mostly losing battle. Quite a brave story told dispassionately. A truly humane and compassionate memoir.
April 11, 2024
Eugene Weinstock was a Hungarian Jewish man living in Belgium at the time of Nazi occupation. With links to the Jewish Belgian resistance, he was eventually captured and sent to Buchenwald. This is a memoir of his life before and during his inmprisonment at the camp.
What struck me as interesting was that this is one of the first accounts I've read of someone who was a member of the resistance, and Weinstock's activism affects his views of himself and others in the camp. He gets across a sense of cooperation and strength, and of deference to their block leader Emil, and Emil in turn does his best to protect those under his authority. Weinstock has trust and determination that ultimately sees him survive the camp.
It's worth saying that in the Holocaust, no amount of determination or strength guaranteed survival. His story contains plenty of instances of the luck one needed to stay alive. As with all Holocaust memoirs, he comes close to death a number of times, and it is pure luck that he survived when others did not.
An interesting account. Valuable as always, but well told and engaging.
What struck me as interesting was that this is one of the first accounts I've read of someone who was a member of the resistance, and Weinstock's activism affects his views of himself and others in the camp. He gets across a sense of cooperation and strength, and of deference to their block leader Emil, and Emil in turn does his best to protect those under his authority. Weinstock has trust and determination that ultimately sees him survive the camp.
It's worth saying that in the Holocaust, no amount of determination or strength guaranteed survival. His story contains plenty of instances of the luck one needed to stay alive. As with all Holocaust memoirs, he comes close to death a number of times, and it is pure luck that he survived when others did not.
An interesting account. Valuable as always, but well told and engaging.
November 7, 2016
Must read
I was born in 1943, so only read things as I was growing up, but did not fully understand until the account I just read. Thank you for sharing this terrible time in history, so we can understand the suffering you experienced. Thank god for people as yourself who survived to tell the world.
I was born in 1943, so only read things as I was growing up, but did not fully understand until the account I just read. Thank you for sharing this terrible time in history, so we can understand the suffering you experienced. Thank god for people as yourself who survived to tell the world.
January 28, 2018
The horrors of the holocaust
The most horrible time in history when life was disposable and no thought was given to preserving it. The author describes the conditions of the concentration camp and the brutality inflicted on fellow humans. This story brings home why we must never forget.
The most horrible time in history when life was disposable and no thought was given to preserving it. The author describes the conditions of the concentration camp and the brutality inflicted on fellow humans. This story brings home why we must never forget.
October 11, 2018
The power of organized resistance
The never ending story of man's inhumanity to man This book is a different slant with organized resistance in a concentration camp. The decision to sacrifice a few to save the many would be one of the hardest things to do but in Buchenwald it was done. Through resistance many lives were saved
The never ending story of man's inhumanity to man This book is a different slant with organized resistance in a concentration camp. The decision to sacrifice a few to save the many would be one of the hardest things to do but in Buchenwald it was done. Through resistance many lives were saved
July 8, 2019
Beyond the Last Path documents the saga of Eugene Weinstock as he is swept up in the Nazi 'Final Solution' and shipped to several concentration camps, ultimately ending up in Buchenwald. The story-telling is poignant and descriptive. You feel as though you have come to know each of the characters personally. This book stands tall in the genre of Man's Inhumanity to Man.
June 13, 2020
A lot of horror to keep you company your whole life.
This is one of too many books of this time in history that I've read about my heart goes out to all the innocent people that had to live through this terrible time in our history, unbelievable but horrible oh true. We won't ever forget and pray that it won't happen again. Thank you for sharing your experience.
This is one of too many books of this time in history that I've read about my heart goes out to all the innocent people that had to live through this terrible time in our history, unbelievable but horrible oh true. We won't ever forget and pray that it won't happen again. Thank you for sharing your experience.
August 24, 2020
Fascinating was it luck was it smart or was it just time who lived who died
This book was different from other Holocaust books the man that wrote this book had a different experience in this camp but again all the same through smartness through luck and through the help of other people he survived amazing
This book was different from other Holocaust books the man that wrote this book had a different experience in this camp but again all the same through smartness through luck and through the help of other people he survived amazing
February 10, 2018
World War II Story
This book, written shortly after the war, is supposed to be a story of life in Buchenwald. However, much of it appears to be fantasy. I am referring to the incredibly well organized air attack by the Americans, and much of the description of the liberation.
This book, written shortly after the war, is supposed to be a story of life in Buchenwald. However, much of it appears to be fantasy. I am referring to the incredibly well organized air attack by the Americans, and much of the description of the liberation.
April 19, 2018
Accomplished by few !
It is just so hard to believe and impossible to understand, man's inhumanity to each other. We must learn from stories such as this, BELIEVE, it can happen again, if we Don' t do our part to stop it.
It is just so hard to believe and impossible to understand, man's inhumanity to each other. We must learn from stories such as this, BELIEVE, it can happen again, if we Don' t do our part to stop it.
April 24, 2018
Outstanding story of survival, of courage and perseverance.
The best book on concentration camp life I've read. The ability of these men to overcome one of the most horrible events in human history is astounding.
The best book on concentration camp life I've read. The ability of these men to overcome one of the most horrible events in human history is astounding.
November 4, 2018
Staying human in an inhuman place
This well written memoir is moving and uplifting despite the tense material. It's the best book I've read in several years, and I average two books per week.
This well written memoir is moving and uplifting despite the tense material. It's the best book I've read in several years, and I average two books per week.
April 30, 2019
Such a powerful book. The fresh perspective adds a fascinating element, as it was written not long after liberation. Not a "perfectly written" book in terms of style or editing, but very raw and real. The simplicity with which Mr. Weinstock tells his story is at time stark and harrowing.
June 11, 2019
Well authored
A moving testament to the human spirit as well as the unbridled evil that exists in mankind. As we lose the survivors of the Holocaust, books such as this should become required reading so that our youth learn the perils of following a leader blindly....
A moving testament to the human spirit as well as the unbridled evil that exists in mankind. As we lose the survivors of the Holocaust, books such as this should become required reading so that our youth learn the perils of following a leader blindly....
December 2, 2019
Wow
This is a first hand account of a prisoner during the holocaust who lived to liberation by the Americans. It's a sad story but shows the strength that shined through when it was needed. It took me through the horror and then the triumph of people.
This is a first hand account of a prisoner during the holocaust who lived to liberation by the Americans. It's a sad story but shows the strength that shined through when it was needed. It took me through the horror and then the triumph of people.
May 11, 2020
First hand account
Eugene With stock endured the most torturous event in human modern history. Will only one goal, to survive until tomorrow. His determination and blind luck only kept him alive to tell his story.
Eugene With stock endured the most torturous event in human modern history. Will only one goal, to survive until tomorrow. His determination and blind luck only kept him alive to tell his story.
October 28, 2020
Astounding!
Amazing personal account of survival in a concentration camp until the day of liberation. The lengths men would would go to to survive and carry on a family's legacy. Hats off for the will to survive and not stoup to the level of their oppressors.
Amazing personal account of survival in a concentration camp until the day of liberation. The lengths men would would go to to survive and carry on a family's legacy. Hats off for the will to survive and not stoup to the level of their oppressors.
March 14, 2021
Survivor story
This is a compelling story of life in a Nazi death camp. It's good to remember and honor all those who suffered and endured. Evil governments are capable of great horrors. It's still true today.
This is a compelling story of life in a Nazi death camp. It's good to remember and honor all those who suffered and endured. Evil governments are capable of great horrors. It's still true today.
July 22, 2024
Review Beyond the last Path
Very easy read. Good details before being captured and sent to Buchenwald. Good description of events inside the camp. Better details about what happened after liberation.
Very easy read. Good details before being captured and sent to Buchenwald. Good description of events inside the camp. Better details about what happened after liberation.
December 15, 2024
I didn't think I can learn much new from yet another account but well the German sick inventive spirit and the human indomitable spirit beat me again. and we learnt nothing at all from this unspeakable events.
February 21, 2018
Praise
Such an uplifting, but sad story. Proof that there are those capable of taking the high road no matter what the circumstances are.
Such an uplifting, but sad story. Proof that there are those capable of taking the high road no matter what the circumstances are.
March 6, 2018
A Survivor's Story
This was an excellent factual book. It fully and clearly describes the horrors of the holocaust. This is a must read book.. Very well written!
This was an excellent factual book. It fully and clearly describes the horrors of the holocaust. This is a must read book.. Very well written!
July 16, 2018
History
This book details an important part of history that all should learn. It takes you through the journey of one man's fight for survival in the concentration camp, Buchenwald.
This book details an important part of history that all should learn. It takes you through the journey of one man's fight for survival in the concentration camp, Buchenwald.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews