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In the Hell of Auschwitz: The Wartime Memoirs of Judith Sternberg Newman
Sternberg, along with her mother, two sisters, three brothers, a brother-in-law, a niece, an aunt and uncle, and her fiancé all entered into the hell of Auschwitz.
She was the only one to leave alive again.
At five o’clock on February 23, 1942, Nazi police, armed with rifles surrounded the hospital where Sternberg worked.
Time had run out for the Jewish inhabitants of Breslau.
There had been ten thousand Jewish inhabitants in the city prior to the rise of Nazis. By the end of the war only thirty-eight had escaped the gas chambers of the Nazi concentration camps.
Sternberg’s book relates episode after episode of events where she should have been killed, but for whatever reason, she was spared.
Much has been written of the horrific events that occurred in Nazi Germany, yet it is rare that you are able to hear of these stories written by survivors themselves. Sternberg’s book is therefore an invaluable source that uncovers the dark days that she spent in hell.
In the Hell of Auschwitz is a fascinating book that provides insights into the worst horrors of the Second World War. Although at points it is a difficult read, it should be read by everyone so that such horrors will never be allowed to occur again.
After the war Judith Sternberg Newman married Senek Newman, a fellow concentration camp survivor, and emigrated to the United States 1947. She began writing her account immediately after arriving in the United States. She worked as a nurse in Providence, Rhode Island, until her retirement. In the Hell of Auschwitz was first published in 1963. Newman passed away in 2008.
She was the only one to leave alive again.
At five o’clock on February 23, 1942, Nazi police, armed with rifles surrounded the hospital where Sternberg worked.
Time had run out for the Jewish inhabitants of Breslau.
There had been ten thousand Jewish inhabitants in the city prior to the rise of Nazis. By the end of the war only thirty-eight had escaped the gas chambers of the Nazi concentration camps.
Sternberg’s book relates episode after episode of events where she should have been killed, but for whatever reason, she was spared.
Much has been written of the horrific events that occurred in Nazi Germany, yet it is rare that you are able to hear of these stories written by survivors themselves. Sternberg’s book is therefore an invaluable source that uncovers the dark days that she spent in hell.
In the Hell of Auschwitz is a fascinating book that provides insights into the worst horrors of the Second World War. Although at points it is a difficult read, it should be read by everyone so that such horrors will never be allowed to occur again.
After the war Judith Sternberg Newman married Senek Newman, a fellow concentration camp survivor, and emigrated to the United States 1947. She began writing her account immediately after arriving in the United States. She worked as a nurse in Providence, Rhode Island, until her retirement. In the Hell of Auschwitz was first published in 1963. Newman passed away in 2008.
103 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1963
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1113 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
June 20, 2019
This book, and Five Chimneys, which I'm reading at the same time, are both stunning and horrific personal memoirs of what it was like to be at Auschwitz.
May 31, 2019
People’s experiences in Auschwitz never fail to leave me sickened and disheartened. Newman writes of her hellish years in Auschwitz with a frankness that only trauma can produce, and her anguish can be felt on every page. This is a story of oppression and dehumanization, but it’s also one of resilience and resistance. Newman’s memoir is a valuable story to know, especially in a world where today’s teenagers don’t even know what Auschwitz was.
May 25, 2019
Agonizing review of existence in concentration camp.
The message of this book is America guard your liberties. It illustrates how easily they can be lost, and replaced with controls that smother freedom.
The message of this book is America guard your liberties. It illustrates how easily they can be lost, and replaced with controls that smother freedom.
March 24, 2020
May we never ever forget what was done. The price that was paid from hate of others just because one person so hated other human because of they faith.
I would say that this story should be read by all. Yes there are people who believe that this never happened. However no one could have made this up. I personally have seen one of the camp's. Even then I could believe other could have done what was done. But I can tell anyone seeing is believing. We as a nation can not ever forget or let this happen to any group of people again. We can never turn a blind eye of let this happen again.
I would say that this story should be read by all. Yes there are people who believe that this never happened. However no one could have made this up. I personally have seen one of the camp's. Even then I could believe other could have done what was done. But I can tell anyone seeing is believing. We as a nation can not ever forget or let this happen to any group of people again. We can never turn a blind eye of let this happen again.
November 4, 2019
An interesting account if her personal time spend in Auschwitz. The telling of what went on in the camps and the torture she endured is heartbreaking. I really liked reading about her escape in the last days of the war and how she was helped by strangers and finally traveled back to her home town. The only complaint I had was wanting a little more connection with the characters.
June 12, 2019
I have read many books on the Holocaust, but this one was very painful in arts to read. Details given by the author were atrocious, some worse than I had ever read. What a heinous time.
February 22, 2023
The book was very short and concise. I really wish the author had elaborated more on her experiences and expanded a bit. The content in the book was quite shocking and, even though I've read dozens of Holocaust books, I learned even more appalling information. It was difficult to read at times, but I do recommend it.
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December 5, 2019Strong
The young nurse is so strong. Physically and emotionally. She needed it all and barely got through. And the book is strong , intense. Hard to take but truly amazing. Less than 100 years ago.
The young nurse is so strong. Physically and emotionally. She needed it all and barely got through. And the book is strong , intense. Hard to take but truly amazing. Less than 100 years ago.
May 16, 2019
Will history repeat itself
I was able to visit a couple of the camps mentioned, and I can truly state that if you a are still and listen quietly, you can hear the people crying and calling to you.
I was struck by the strength shown by some that survived of how clear and concise they were in telling you the story of their lives and of their awestruck will to live and tell!! Some that I met, were in wonder that they and not a camp-mate were spared.
I truly don't know how to express myself here except to say, please read the books that are out there on this subject and learn what others before us experienced thru no fault of their own but because someone else didn't like their skin color, their religious beliefs, their support of a party line that didn't align with theirs,or just because they don't understand empathy,or the concept of unity. This could conceivably happen again!---P/
I was able to visit a couple of the camps mentioned, and I can truly state that if you a are still and listen quietly, you can hear the people crying and calling to you.
I was struck by the strength shown by some that survived of how clear and concise they were in telling you the story of their lives and of their awestruck will to live and tell!! Some that I met, were in wonder that they and not a camp-mate were spared.
I truly don't know how to express myself here except to say, please read the books that are out there on this subject and learn what others before us experienced thru no fault of their own but because someone else didn't like their skin color, their religious beliefs, their support of a party line that didn't align with theirs,or just because they don't understand empathy,or the concept of unity. This could conceivably happen again!---P/
June 4, 2017
Tragic
I chose this book as I have met the authors oldest, son. I can't begin to imagine how his mother felt. To suffer unimaginable pain and loss. I am happy she was able to finally find her place in the world. She and her family of present hold a special place in my heart, as they settled in my home town. It makes me wonder, was she my nurse when I was born? Perhaps one of my family members were lucky enough to be cared for by this courageous person. She would be proud of her eldest son.
I chose this book as I have met the authors oldest, son. I can't begin to imagine how his mother felt. To suffer unimaginable pain and loss. I am happy she was able to finally find her place in the world. She and her family of present hold a special place in my heart, as they settled in my home town. It makes me wonder, was she my nurse when I was born? Perhaps one of my family members were lucky enough to be cared for by this courageous person. She would be proud of her eldest son.
February 9, 2017
Gripping
A living hell endured with determined humanity. Courage and determination beyond anything we today can imagine unless you experienced it yourself
A living hell endured with determined humanity. Courage and determination beyond anything we today can imagine unless you experienced it yourself
October 24, 2019
In the Hell of Auschwitz: The Wartime Memoirs of Judith Sternberg Newman is written by Judith Sternberg Newman. It is written in memory of her family who, with the exception of her father, were killed at Auschwitz (Her Father died in 1940 before they were taken.) It tells, in detail, of the events leading up to her capture and placement in the Auschwitz. The courage it took to continue to fight to live once your entire family is taken from you must be explored in order to understand the concept Judith is referring to. The story is written in complete honesty and clarity as she vividly remembers what happened in the camp. She rarely voiced anything about it because very few wanted to hear about what happened after the war. She persevered because she thought it important to spread the word of what happened in the camps. The honesty with which she writes includes some graphic and disturbing remembrances which should be read with care and it may require stopping your reading for a time. Despite this, the book is an honest depiction of live in Auschwitz.
I can’t say I liked the book although I was impressed with Judith’s bravery and ability to adapt to the most difficult circumstances. To know that of her family, she was the only survivor is disheartening. She lost her parents, two sisters, three brothers, a brother-in-law, a niece, her aunt and uncle, and her fiancée. On the other hand, it is wonderful to know that she and her husband, also a survivor, made it to the United States where they created a family with three children and both have jobs that provide for that family. Her desire to continue living for her family is vital to her survival.
I can’t say I liked the book although I was impressed with Judith’s bravery and ability to adapt to the most difficult circumstances. To know that of her family, she was the only survivor is disheartening. She lost her parents, two sisters, three brothers, a brother-in-law, a niece, her aunt and uncle, and her fiancée. On the other hand, it is wonderful to know that she and her husband, also a survivor, made it to the United States where they created a family with three children and both have jobs that provide for that family. Her desire to continue living for her family is vital to her survival.
April 19, 2019
Horrific murders of Jews...
The most horrific crimes done to the Jewish people, and other nationalities as well, were the most inhuman way to treat another human being. There are people out in the world that deny the Holacust ever happen. How can anyone deny this happening when they were not there to witness the horrors that went on in the concentration camps.
My heart goes out to Mrs. Newman, and her family. I am so sorry you, and your family, had to be subjected to such awful treatment.
Anyone that believes in GOD knows that he created all of us, so why are certain nationalities and races singled out to be treated differently from one another?
After reading this book, I am thankful that I live in America where there is freedom and no Adolf Hitler.
Dianna,
Prescott, AZ.
The most horrific crimes done to the Jewish people, and other nationalities as well, were the most inhuman way to treat another human being. There are people out in the world that deny the Holacust ever happen. How can anyone deny this happening when they were not there to witness the horrors that went on in the concentration camps.
My heart goes out to Mrs. Newman, and her family. I am so sorry you, and your family, had to be subjected to such awful treatment.
Anyone that believes in GOD knows that he created all of us, so why are certain nationalities and races singled out to be treated differently from one another?
After reading this book, I am thankful that I live in America where there is freedom and no Adolf Hitler.
Dianna,
Prescott, AZ.
February 24, 2020
Detailed account!
The details of the horrible things the Germans did to fellow human beings is nearly impossible to believe. If not for the massive numbers of people who were able to speak out and tell their stories the world might never know the details of the horror the people suffered. Even more amazing is the admission of those who carried out many of these atrocities. Those people wanted to split hairs over some stupid details of their behavior, such as arguing over whether or not a German official struck someone under their command. They would rather admit to slaughtering millions of people and forcing them to live in deplorable and then wish to argue that they did not strike a fellow German. How could so many people been swept under the spell of one man and believed that exterminating an entire race of people was the right thing to do?????
The details of the horrible things the Germans did to fellow human beings is nearly impossible to believe. If not for the massive numbers of people who were able to speak out and tell their stories the world might never know the details of the horror the people suffered. Even more amazing is the admission of those who carried out many of these atrocities. Those people wanted to split hairs over some stupid details of their behavior, such as arguing over whether or not a German official struck someone under their command. They would rather admit to slaughtering millions of people and forcing them to live in deplorable and then wish to argue that they did not strike a fellow German. How could so many people been swept under the spell of one man and believed that exterminating an entire race of people was the right thing to do?????
April 25, 2020
Astonishing! I have read several halocaust victims books. I found this author was extremely dedicated to telling her truth in full. Often, things are skilled over as if to find it down for the public. Do not gone it down. This time should be helped off the roof tops so people understand the horrific acts. They are difficult to wrap your head around. I have often wondered how many German soldiers said, I will not and cannot do this to another human being. Or because there were many in charge, did they simply fall into the pack mentality? We're they shot if they protested? We're they able to sleep at night? The loss of all the creative intelligence of human life is overwhelming. This is one genocide but have we not seen others? I don't understand how we can let destruction of life, like this go on.
September 25, 2022
Such a sad and painful story to read, but hopeful at the same time. It’s truly horrifying the things the author went through and the miracle of her survival. I have read a lot of Holocaust stories and each one is unique in their own way, and this was not the exception. I just feel honored to have read the journey of such a powerful and brave woman. May her story, as well as the others, live on. May we never forget.
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Una historia tan triste y dolorosa de leer, pero esperanzadora al mismo tiempo. Es realmente horrible las cosas por las que pasó la autora y el milagro de su supervivencia. He leído muchas historias del Holocausto y cada una es única a su manera, y esta no fue la excepción. Me siento honrada de haber leído el viaje de una mujer tan poderosa y valiente. Qué su historia, así como las demás, vivan. Qué nunca olvidemos.
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Una historia tan triste y dolorosa de leer, pero esperanzadora al mismo tiempo. Es realmente horrible las cosas por las que pasó la autora y el milagro de su supervivencia. He leído muchas historias del Holocausto y cada una es única a su manera, y esta no fue la excepción. Me siento honrada de haber leído el viaje de una mujer tan poderosa y valiente. Qué su historia, así como las demás, vivan. Qué nunca olvidemos.
October 26, 2019
Sobering story of how evil some people in power can be
This book is one of many personal recollections from someone who suffered at the hands of the Nazis during the holocaust. Like many, Judith's entire family was exterminated at the hands of purely evil men. It is an example of how unchecked power can spread and decimate entire groups of people. Judith's accounts were detailed and it was easy to imagine her life before the war and how horrible the conditions were during. I found myself hoping for the survival of her brother, her fiance, and her friends. It's amazing how anyone could maintain a desire to survive in those conditions. I read these accounts because it is part of my family history. No matter how horrible, i want to know and learn.
This book is one of many personal recollections from someone who suffered at the hands of the Nazis during the holocaust. Like many, Judith's entire family was exterminated at the hands of purely evil men. It is an example of how unchecked power can spread and decimate entire groups of people. Judith's accounts were detailed and it was easy to imagine her life before the war and how horrible the conditions were during. I found myself hoping for the survival of her brother, her fiance, and her friends. It's amazing how anyone could maintain a desire to survive in those conditions. I read these accounts because it is part of my family history. No matter how horrible, i want to know and learn.
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March 29, 2021I'm not going to rate this because it feels weird to rate someone's life so I'm just going to say a few words. The horrors this woman faced would be unbelievable in a work of fiction. Like I would say this is ridiculous and put it down if this was a novel. But it's not a novel it's a memoir and while her recollections might not be 100% accurate the horror is true enough. My brain refuses to grasp the complete picture of these atrocities so every time makes it feel like a new blow. And it is so important for these stories to be shared so that we dont become forgetful. All that being said she is obviously not a professional writer and could have probably benefited from more help in keeping things clear and not as disjointed.
August 25, 2019
After reading Inside the Gas Chambers, this was a cool complimentary book. It shows the female story of Auschwitz and how brutal things were for women at the camp.
I had no idea that women served in Hitlers military and you get to see how cruel they were to the female Jews at Auschwitz. It’s an incredible story of never giving up and the human spirit.
The book takes you from before, during, and after the author’s experience at Auschwitz. It’s sad because many of these survivors had a lifetime of PTSD from the experience.
For anyone curious about the Auschwitz experience , this is a must read.
I had no idea that women served in Hitlers military and you get to see how cruel they were to the female Jews at Auschwitz. It’s an incredible story of never giving up and the human spirit.
The book takes you from before, during, and after the author’s experience at Auschwitz. It’s sad because many of these survivors had a lifetime of PTSD from the experience.
For anyone curious about the Auschwitz experience , this is a must read.
September 26, 2019
An important book to read
This book gives a great although tragic account of what really went on in Auschwitz-Birkenau. It’s so important for people to read things such as this book in order to actually understand what went on. I learned about it in school but not until I actually visited Auschwitz did I think I fully understood what went on. After reading this book I realize that I still do not fully understand it, and I realize that I probably never will. But it is important to try, and the more people who read books such as this one, the more her experience will not have been in vain.
This book gives a great although tragic account of what really went on in Auschwitz-Birkenau. It’s so important for people to read things such as this book in order to actually understand what went on. I learned about it in school but not until I actually visited Auschwitz did I think I fully understood what went on. After reading this book I realize that I still do not fully understand it, and I realize that I probably never will. But it is important to try, and the more people who read books such as this one, the more her experience will not have been in vain.
May 27, 2020
The title is well deserved
Judith Sternberg Newman is a exceptional writer. I am so impressed that she
survived the savage brutality that the Germans showered on the Jewish population. The did the same to any one that did not fit with their ideal person,even Gypsies priests and Nuns. What she so vividly remembers is so very frightening, and shakes one to your very soul. Those evil things we have to call people whom escaped, and the horrible people who assisted them including the Catholic church, I believe God has a special place for them. We must never forget the power of hate!
Yes I would prefer this book as a good read.
Judith Sternberg Newman is a exceptional writer. I am so impressed that she
survived the savage brutality that the Germans showered on the Jewish population. The did the same to any one that did not fit with their ideal person,even Gypsies priests and Nuns. What she so vividly remembers is so very frightening, and shakes one to your very soul. Those evil things we have to call people whom escaped, and the horrible people who assisted them including the Catholic church, I believe God has a special place for them. We must never forget the power of hate!
Yes I would prefer this book as a good read.
December 29, 2021
Of all the holocaust memoirs I've ever read - and I've read plenty, especially as I prepped for the writing of my grandfather's memoirs in "Zaidy's War" - this one is by far the most plainly brutal from a single person's point of view. There is nothing banal here at all, just terror and horror and an absolute shredding of the reader's emotions. The ghastly cover (the one with the bodies, not the barracks) is the giveaway for the contents. It is unsparing, and it is accurate. It warns you. As an antidote, partake in something that makes you happy while reading this book. You will need the balance.
June 26, 2019
Heart wrenching and brutal,
As I read this book, I was sickened by the brutality of these poor people
I had to stop several times to come to terms with the actual description of the event inside Auschwitz.
The pure strength of this woman is true courage. I want to Applogize to Judith and the entire Jewish community for these
Atrocities into these people.
We should make it perfectly clear, that these actions never, ever happen again.
Thank you for writing this down , so history will never forget
As I read this book, I was sickened by the brutality of these poor people
I had to stop several times to come to terms with the actual description of the event inside Auschwitz.
The pure strength of this woman is true courage. I want to Applogize to Judith and the entire Jewish community for these
Atrocities into these people.
We should make it perfectly clear, that these actions never, ever happen again.
Thank you for writing this down , so history will never forget
May 28, 2020
"...for only after one's freedom has first been taken away, does one realize what a wonderful and precious thing it is, and that it should be most cautiously guarded"
No importa cuantos libros de este terrible momento de la historia lea, siempre siento que hay muchos más testimonios que escuchar de la gente que lo padeció, les debemos eso por todo su sufrimiento, nunca olvidar.
Lo más interesante de este libro es que incluye al final un pequeño sumario del juico a Rudolf Hoess quien fue el comandante de Auschwitz, donde fue el responsable de la muerte de tres millones de personas.
No importa cuantos libros de este terrible momento de la historia lea, siempre siento que hay muchos más testimonios que escuchar de la gente que lo padeció, les debemos eso por todo su sufrimiento, nunca olvidar.
Lo más interesante de este libro es que incluye al final un pequeño sumario del juico a Rudolf Hoess quien fue el comandante de Auschwitz, donde fue el responsable de la muerte de tres millones de personas.
December 26, 2020
One of the most profoundly disturbing books I have ever read. So incredibly sad and heart-wrenching. I physically and mentally had a hard time reading parts of it because the reality of what humans did to humans (AND CHILDREN) is hard to fathom. As a mother, this book was VERY saddening. All that being said, this book is a MUST READ. The horrors of WWII are captured so frankly and disturbingly in this short book that this is not a book you may necessarily WANT to read, but one you SHOULD read. It’s still hard to believe the memories captured in this book... humanity is terrifying.
August 17, 2021
I’ve read a lot of books about the Holocaust and it never ceases to amaze me the cruelty and inhuman things these people survived. With all of the details in this book I would have given it five stars, however the writing style I found very flat. Maybe that’s how the author meant for it to be, I don’t know. But it was…this happened, then this happened, then this happened…I found it hard to connect with this type of writing.
Anyway, it was true account of was this family went through and I am still amazed anyone survived!!! She really is an inspiration!!!
Anyway, it was true account of was this family went through and I am still amazed anyone survived!!! She really is an inspiration!!!
July 6, 2019
A difficult book to review
In my book reviews I fear that I often fall short because I try to give an honest opinion of the book without giving away the subject matter contained therein. In this book written by a Holocaust survivor the subject matter is obvious. The book is sad, at times difficult to read. It serves as a personal view, of the 20th century's greatest tragedy. I've read many novels on this subject, this represent an eye witness to the facts.
In my book reviews I fear that I often fall short because I try to give an honest opinion of the book without giving away the subject matter contained therein. In this book written by a Holocaust survivor the subject matter is obvious. The book is sad, at times difficult to read. It serves as a personal view, of the 20th century's greatest tragedy. I've read many novels on this subject, this represent an eye witness to the facts.
July 19, 2019
A survivors personal hell.
Why my rating? Could not rate it great read, it was hell! Was well written yet brutal to read and again cannot fathom this happened so recently really. It's barbaric, for any faith of people to endure this. I adore history and read other books such as these, I want truth! I got it! Hated and just read and who does read will never forget.
Why my rating? Could not rate it great read, it was hell! Was well written yet brutal to read and again cannot fathom this happened so recently really. It's barbaric, for any faith of people to endure this. I adore history and read other books such as these, I want truth! I got it! Hated and just read and who does read will never forget.
January 23, 2020
The book tells the story of Judith as a young person to her experience with the holocaust and thereafter.
The descriptions of disease, lack of food, torture, etc. is so vivid. I think I would have hoped to be killed. I don't know how anyone could survive physically or emotionally.
It is a short read. A really good read to better understand the holocaust and the bleak existence they lived.
The descriptions of disease, lack of food, torture, etc. is so vivid. I think I would have hoped to be killed. I don't know how anyone could survive physically or emotionally.
It is a short read. A really good read to better understand the holocaust and the bleak existence they lived.
August 31, 2021
So sad!
This book was very easy to read, well written, and very interesting. It was difficult, however, for me to read about all the atrocities that took place in Auschwitz and other locations, even to babies I cannot understand how human beings could be so horrible to each other and then be able to sleep at night. I have read dozens of holocaust stories, but the sickening treatment is sometimes difficult to understand, and sometimes affects my ability to sleep
This book was very easy to read, well written, and very interesting. It was difficult, however, for me to read about all the atrocities that took place in Auschwitz and other locations, even to babies I cannot understand how human beings could be so horrible to each other and then be able to sleep at night. I have read dozens of holocaust stories, but the sickening treatment is sometimes difficult to understand, and sometimes affects my ability to sleep
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews