Sevek and the Holocaust: The Boy Who Refused to Die

by Sidney Finkel

Sidney “Sevek” Finkel is the author of Sevek and the Holocaust, The Boy Who Refused to Die. This Holocaust memoir is told from the perspective of eight-year-old Sevek, capturing the emotions of a boy who loses his home, his family and ultimately his humanity by the time he reaches the age of fourteen. This 2nd Edition includes a new chapter about Sevek's return to Buchenwald 66 years after liberation, as well as new-found information learned during this visit. This book has been used as part of the Holocaust curriculum in hundreds of middle schools across the country, and Finkel has shared his story with thousands of students, relaying a message of tolerance, hope and love. Sevek and the Holocaust, The Boy Who Refused to Die received positive reviews from the Kirkus Review and Writer’s Digest. Sidney Finkel received the Philip K Weiss Award for Storytelling for Peace and Human Rights in 2013.Learn more about Sidney Finkel’s work with schools and education at his website or contact him at s341f@aol.comLike his Author Page on Facebook at

Genres: Holocaust

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 14, 2018

Reviews

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Wrenching

I have had a horrible fascination with accounts of the holocaust and of prisoner of war camps (German and Japanese and anywhere else these atrocities have occured) for much of my adult life. My parents were in their early -mid twenties during the second world war and my Mum used to tell me about things that happened. A friend of Mums from school had a German Mum who worked to get Jewish children out of Germany to Britain in the early days of the war to bring them to safety. As I have got older (now71) I wanted to know more and so I've read many books . I hope other people read these books also, not as a story but as a fact of life for many at that time, including young people now from all walks of life and many countries and make a decision that these evil things will never happen again. It is the young of today who can continue to help good prevail.

[Tandi Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, Raw & Honest Memoir

I have read over 200 Holocaust memoirs. As a Christian and as a human, I have never been able to wrap my mind around the sadistic treatment of the Jews. Each memoir I read teaches me something, and this book really did. I was so impressed by the honesty of the author's feelings. He lost so much and endured hell, and his survival is truly a miracle. I read this book in one night and couldn't put it down. I'm so glad I did.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a local author, this was a very moving and well written memoir. I appreciate the frank and straightforward style, sharing not only the sequence of events but many private feelings.

Surprisingly, the most poignant emotional impact comes early in the book (at the top of page three, in fact). Long after the horrible experiences of his youth, the author visits the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC, and is reminded viscerally of feelings he had long suppressed. Fortunately, he is accompanied by family to support him.

I am grateful that the author has gone to great effort to share his experiences of World War 2 Nazi anti-Semitism with others, especially young people. It should make us wiser and more empathetic.

I cringe to think of the horror stories that continue to unfold every day for children in Sudan, Gaza, Haiti (to name just a few), and even within the borders of the United States of America today if you happen to have dark skin. By scapegoating immigrants and minorities for our problems, we are following in the footsteps of Nazis, colonizers, and slave-traders, and squandering the noble and hopeful legacy of the Statue of Liberty. This un-makes any greatness we had.

[Tamara Cicogna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring !

I’ve read quite a number of books from and about Holocaust survivors. After doing a DNA test and being shocked to find out I was part Jewish something never mentioned in my family heritage. I wanted to hear Jewish voices. This book is one of the best I’ve read. The truth about the emotions that are usually hidden because their not proper. In this book you see them raw. And the process of healing so beautifully describe.

[Debbie Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!!

This was written so that you could almost feel what it truly was like. My heart goes out to all the Survivors💔💓 Each and everyone are courageous heros!! Thank you Sevek for sharing your experience with us . I'm so sorry you or any of the others had to go through any of this!😞 God bless you all!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

First person account of a child who survives the holocaust. He lives with many scars, but has healed and overcome some of the demons that haunted him. We need to remember these stories to remind us to be on the look out for the dehumanization of any people group and do what we can to stop it and fight against it.

[sally reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the eyes of a child

This memoir of a Polish child surviving 6 years of war, was very heart rendering! How he gained friends, courage,stealth and hardened emotions was truly amazing!!

[Loriann Deangelis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking

A true and heroic story written with truth and passion for such a young soul. Living with the memories of such destruction has got to take its toll on anyone’s inner self and body.

[James Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

Really gives insight to not only what he experienced the camp, but what he was before and after. A good read if you are interested in holocaust survivors.

[Dawn Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

Thought provoking true story Highly recommend this , it puts things into perspective. Follow Sevek through the ghetto, camps and then after the war

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrowing

The will to survive is so strong among holocaust victims. It always amazes me. Well written and the telling of the after story makes it complete.