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Auschwitz Rose: Inspired by the true story of Helena Citrónová and Franz Wunsch
Even in Hell, love can bloom.When a strikingly beautiful young woman, Adriana Zöbel, is deported to Auschwitz from her home in Czechoslovakia, a chain of events that will reverberate across time and space is set in motion.Alone in the death camp, Adriana rekindles a dying spark of humanity in Mattias Traugott, a sadistic and corrupt guard who will do everything in his power to keep her alive.But Traugott's affection is a double-edged sword that she must wield very carefully less she chop off her own head. Adriana quickly realizes that everybody wants something from her - Traugott, his enemies, the investigators looking into his crimes, the other inmates, even her own sister when she turns up at Auschwitz... All have their own agenda, and Adriana finds herself torn between her hatred for the Nazis, this undreamed-of opportunity of exploiting Traugott's feelings for her benefit and that of others, and even her own feelings for him.And years later, long after the camp has been liberated and Adriana is trying to rebuild her life, Auschwitz's tentacles keep reaching for her, refusing to let her go.This book was inspired by the true of Helena Citronova and Franz Wunsch.
597 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2020
367 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 28, 2021
Zero star is what this book deserves
Thank god i had kindle unlimited so I didn't have to spend my money on this book. Nothing about this story is like the real story in the real story the love was real but in this book it was nothing i dont know why someone felt the need to ruin such a beautiful love story by writing this book
Thank god i had kindle unlimited so I didn't have to spend my money on this book. Nothing about this story is like the real story in the real story the love was real but in this book it was nothing i dont know why someone felt the need to ruin such a beautiful love story by writing this book
March 26, 2022
I don’t usually cry on a book… No, I never cry… But this one….
This was the best book I ever ever read..
When I finish any book that I love, I usually run into a new one I may love as well… But now I just can’t… As if a chapter came to an end, and I cannot move forward. I even have chest pain from crying!
I highly recommend this to everyone!
My favorite book ever.
This was the best book I ever ever read..
When I finish any book that I love, I usually run into a new one I may love as well… But now I just can’t… As if a chapter came to an end, and I cannot move forward. I even have chest pain from crying!
I highly recommend this to everyone!
My favorite book ever.
July 12, 2023
Amazing Account of Auschwitz
An amazing true story of one young woman a Jewess & her survival.Adriana,who found herself an unwilling victim at this the harshest of the five camps..
An SS man found her,was instantly captivated & ,fell ,in love.
He saved her life & did numerous good deeds for her & others,but he was a Nazi n every sense of the word.
Yes, Adriana finally escaped Auschwitz, but came face to face with this man ,thirty yrs.later,when he was discovered & tried for his past war crimes.
This book was almost 600 pages & it was so graphic,at times it was painful to read.
I have read hundreds of books about the Holocaust, but this one,will always stick out in my mind.
The participants in this true read are simply unforgettable.
An amazing true story of one young woman a Jewess & her survival.Adriana,who found herself an unwilling victim at this the harshest of the five camps..
An SS man found her,was instantly captivated & ,fell ,in love.
He saved her life & did numerous good deeds for her & others,but he was a Nazi n every sense of the word.
Yes, Adriana finally escaped Auschwitz, but came face to face with this man ,thirty yrs.later,when he was discovered & tried for his past war crimes.
This book was almost 600 pages & it was so graphic,at times it was painful to read.
I have read hundreds of books about the Holocaust, but this one,will always stick out in my mind.
The participants in this true read are simply unforgettable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2024
Auschwitz....horrors and love....
I have read many books about what horrors people have suffered during this horrible time, but I have not read one as amazing as this. To say that it is a love story diminishes this unbelievable woman's story of strength and bravery....it must be read to teach as many as possible about the monstrous atrocities that occurred in these death camps....I cried, but could not put this book down. An absolute must read!
I have read many books about what horrors people have suffered during this horrible time, but I have not read one as amazing as this. To say that it is a love story diminishes this unbelievable woman's story of strength and bravery....it must be read to teach as many as possible about the monstrous atrocities that occurred in these death camps....I cried, but could not put this book down. An absolute must read!
November 8, 2024
Life that dared to live.
This story has taken me to a place that no person should ever have gone to. A life that was determined to live and then tell their story so this world will never forget what horrific things the Germans did to people who had everyday lives. This book tells you the details that no one talks about will be able to talk about due to the people who are aging out of life and their stories need to be told.
This story has taken me to a place that no person should ever have gone to. A life that was determined to live and then tell their story so this world will never forget what horrific things the Germans did to people who had everyday lives. This book tells you the details that no one talks about will be able to talk about due to the people who are aging out of life and their stories need to be told.
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June 13, 2021Very sobering and graphic book
I had never heard the story and found it fascinating.
If you have a keen interest in the Holocaust, this is a book you must read. Be prepared to be shocked and disgusted at what went on. Hard to fathom what happened.
I had never heard the story and found it fascinating.
If you have a keen interest in the Holocaust, this is a book you must read. Be prepared to be shocked and disgusted at what went on. Hard to fathom what happened.
January 12, 2023
Auschwitz Rose: Inspired by the True Story of Helena Citrovnova and Franz Wunsch is by Father Edward B Gabriel. Although a novel, the basic story is true. Franz did indeed fall in love with Helena at Auschwitz. He was instrumental in keeping her alive from 1942 until 1945 when the war ended. He was tried for war crimes in the 1970’s and then vanished. It was learned he settled in Austria and died in 2009 just before his 87th birthday. He never spoke about his past nor told his side of the story. Helena moved to Israel where she died when in her 80’s. She raised a large and loving family. Their story is told in this book.
The book is horrifying to read as it takes Adriana (Helena) from the ghetto in Czechoslovakia where she lived with her parents and her younger brother Aaron to the Hell of Auschwitz. Her sister. Tatiyana had married and had two young children; but had moved to another town to live with her husband so she was not in the ghetto with them. They were taken from their apartment one night as the Nazis did. The trucks pulled up outside and the Nazis rushed the house. Her father tried to bribe them; but the jewels he had were worthless to the Nazis. He and his wife were roughly taken from the apartment. Adriana was kept back by two men who then proceeded to try to rape her. However, her little brother Aaron came home from having slipped out to try to find the family cat. He jumped on the man trying to rape Adriana and managed to get him off her. However, he ultimately was thrown off the man’s back and shot right in front of Adriana. Aaron did manage, by his sacrifice, to keep her from being raped. She was thrown into the truck with her parents and taken to another town where they were placed, separately, in the cattle cars to be taken to Auschwitz. Separated in the chaos of the loading of the train, she was separated from her parents and that was the last she saw of them. By the time she arrived at Auschwitz, she was filthy, covered in feces and urine, and almost dead. It was in the boxcar where Traugott first sees her and drags her from the boxcar.
From there, the story takes us for a rough time traversing her time through Auschwitz. The descriptions are horrific and yet are pretty close to events that I have heard from survivor memoirs and interviews. The harsh treatment by the guards and kapos to the hardships of the work details, we glimpse what it was like in the camp. We can never know what it was like since we were not there; but from the various descriptions, we get a very slight view. We can only imagine how horrifying it was.
I strongly recommend this book with its unlikely, but true, storyline.
The book is horrifying to read as it takes Adriana (Helena) from the ghetto in Czechoslovakia where she lived with her parents and her younger brother Aaron to the Hell of Auschwitz. Her sister. Tatiyana had married and had two young children; but had moved to another town to live with her husband so she was not in the ghetto with them. They were taken from their apartment one night as the Nazis did. The trucks pulled up outside and the Nazis rushed the house. Her father tried to bribe them; but the jewels he had were worthless to the Nazis. He and his wife were roughly taken from the apartment. Adriana was kept back by two men who then proceeded to try to rape her. However, her little brother Aaron came home from having slipped out to try to find the family cat. He jumped on the man trying to rape Adriana and managed to get him off her. However, he ultimately was thrown off the man’s back and shot right in front of Adriana. Aaron did manage, by his sacrifice, to keep her from being raped. She was thrown into the truck with her parents and taken to another town where they were placed, separately, in the cattle cars to be taken to Auschwitz. Separated in the chaos of the loading of the train, she was separated from her parents and that was the last she saw of them. By the time she arrived at Auschwitz, she was filthy, covered in feces and urine, and almost dead. It was in the boxcar where Traugott first sees her and drags her from the boxcar.
From there, the story takes us for a rough time traversing her time through Auschwitz. The descriptions are horrific and yet are pretty close to events that I have heard from survivor memoirs and interviews. The harsh treatment by the guards and kapos to the hardships of the work details, we glimpse what it was like in the camp. We can never know what it was like since we were not there; but from the various descriptions, we get a very slight view. We can only imagine how horrifying it was.
I strongly recommend this book with its unlikely, but true, storyline.
August 24, 2025
This isn’t about romance—it’s about staying alive.
One of the many differences between the novel and the true story lies in what Helena Citrónová says in Auschwitz: The Nazis and "The Final Solution"(2005): 'Honestly, in the end I loved him, but it could not be realistic.'
She’s speaking about Franz Wunsch, and her words reflect a deep awareness that, no matter the sincere emotions involved, love could not bridge the brutal reality of their situation—he was a Nazi officer; she was a Jewish prisoner. The immense power imbalance, the surrounding horrors, his complicity, and the moral divide made any real future together impossible, and dangerous.
Helena’s honesty is a powerful reminder that survivors must be allowed to speak for themselves—even when what they say challenges our expectations or comfort.
In contrast, the novel presents a very different dynamic. Adriana Zöbel thoroughly despises Mattias Traugott in the end. So did I—I found myself wishing for his death in every scene.
One of the many differences between the novel and the true story lies in what Helena Citrónová says in Auschwitz: The Nazis and "The Final Solution"(2005): 'Honestly, in the end I loved him, but it could not be realistic.'
She’s speaking about Franz Wunsch, and her words reflect a deep awareness that, no matter the sincere emotions involved, love could not bridge the brutal reality of their situation—he was a Nazi officer; she was a Jewish prisoner. The immense power imbalance, the surrounding horrors, his complicity, and the moral divide made any real future together impossible, and dangerous.
Helena’s honesty is a powerful reminder that survivors must be allowed to speak for themselves—even when what they say challenges our expectations or comfort.
In contrast, the novel presents a very different dynamic. Adriana Zöbel thoroughly despises Mattias Traugott in the end. So did I—I found myself wishing for his death in every scene.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2021
Powerful book
This book told of a strong woman's will to survive. And to do whatever it took to do so. Mattius was a picture of many who I think was in the wrong place at the wrong time, being brain washed into the Nazi ideas and then to see them in reality was two different things. I hope there were more like him. But, sadly due to the brainwashing, hatred, alchol, drugs there were not many. This is a gut-wreching story like many others that came out the other side of the holocaust. It is definitely worth your read.
This book told of a strong woman's will to survive. And to do whatever it took to do so. Mattius was a picture of many who I think was in the wrong place at the wrong time, being brain washed into the Nazi ideas and then to see them in reality was two different things. I hope there were more like him. But, sadly due to the brainwashing, hatred, alchol, drugs there were not many. This is a gut-wreching story like many others that came out the other side of the holocaust. It is definitely worth your read.
December 8, 2024
I have read 40 books thus far in 2024 per my Kindle app and this one is thus far the best book I have read by far. Heartbreaking, enthralling. I was so invested in each character and felt like I was standing in the room watching everything happen…that’s how descriptive and true to life this author was. I have read other books about this time period and the Holocaust in particular, but none have touched me as much as this one did. From the first chapter to the very, very end where we know what happens years later. Well worth the read and even a reread.
August 4, 2021
Very good story…
This was a very good story, however, it was long and rambling. The manuscript needed to be proof read before and spelling corrected. The story was compelling and I really could put myself in Adriana’s shoes. She was a fighter! I would have liked to know more about her life, who she married, etc.
This was a very good story, however, it was long and rambling. The manuscript needed to be proof read before and spelling corrected. The story was compelling and I really could put myself in Adriana’s shoes. She was a fighter! I would have liked to know more about her life, who she married, etc.
June 2, 2024
Powerful!
This book tells a powerful and spellbinding tale. It motivated me to look up the real people who inspired the story. Auschwitz -- indeed, all concentration camps and what was done to the Jews and others the Nazis deemed "undesirable" -- should never be forgotten lest history repeat itself.
This book tells a powerful and spellbinding tale. It motivated me to look up the real people who inspired the story. Auschwitz -- indeed, all concentration camps and what was done to the Jews and others the Nazis deemed "undesirable" -- should never be forgotten lest history repeat itself.
October 29, 2025
AUSCHWITZ !!
A great story of the atrocities that took place during Hitler's reign of terror . You wonder today if these things could happen again. Can a leader convince a whole nation too hate another just because of his color of skin or his religion, ?
Books like this one make you think , than go a hug your neighbor,
A great story of the atrocities that took place during Hitler's reign of terror . You wonder today if these things could happen again. Can a leader convince a whole nation too hate another just because of his color of skin or his religion, ?
Books like this one make you think , than go a hug your neighbor,
September 25, 2022
Best Holocaust Book Ever
I have read over 100 books written about and during the years the Nazi rose to power in WWII. This story exposed events that other books leave you to your imagination "we're things actually worse than what is written?".
I have read over 100 books written about and during the years the Nazi rose to power in WWII. This story exposed events that other books leave you to your imagination "we're things actually worse than what is written?".
October 5, 2022
best book ever
This is a book that is better than most historical books I have read. My family is passing it around. Many twist and turns but is true. I hope to fine more books about these two. It’s a must read book.
This is a book that is better than most historical books I have read. My family is passing it around. Many twist and turns but is true. I hope to fine more books about these two. It’s a must read book.
December 29, 2022
I loved this book
Felt like I was a fly on the wall-this story was one of those books that makes you feel like you are “right there” watching the story play out. Learned so much by reading this woman’s amazing survival story.
Felt like I was a fly on the wall-this story was one of those books that makes you feel like you are “right there” watching the story play out. Learned so much by reading this woman’s amazing survival story.
October 26, 2023
Breathtaking book... one of the best I’ve ever read. I would recommend it to anyone.
I say again that this spellbinding work is among the best I’ve read over a long life of reading. It is worthy for anyone and especially as we see the spectre of antisemitism rising.
I say again that this spellbinding work is among the best I’ve read over a long life of reading. It is worthy for anyone and especially as we see the spectre of antisemitism rising.
April 17, 2025
Affective
This book cut deeply into the soul of a Jewish girl born after WW2. I always wanted to know what happened, and now I do. The author wrote a very effective and true tale. It awakened in me my Jewishness. I was truly and certainly moved.
This book cut deeply into the soul of a Jewish girl born after WW2. I always wanted to know what happened, and now I do. The author wrote a very effective and true tale. It awakened in me my Jewishness. I was truly and certainly moved.
August 22, 2025
Holocaust love story
This book was gripping from the very beginning about 2 humans on opposite sides, of a horrific human extermination.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants insight into this Holocaust experience.
This book was gripping from the very beginning about 2 humans on opposite sides, of a horrific human extermination.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants insight into this Holocaust experience.
September 19, 2025
what a story!
I am learning so much from these stories about the atrocities committed against the Jewish race, and also the German people. It is so hard to believe that is whystories about real survivors are so important .
I am learning so much from these stories about the atrocities committed against the Jewish race, and also the German people. It is so hard to believe that is whystories about real survivors are so important .
December 22, 2021
Very interesting book!
April 30, 2022
wow
Wow wow. Wow I wish I had known Helena. Wow what she aw through. Wow this was a must read
Wow wow. Wow I wish I had known Helena. Wow what she aw through. Wow this was a must read
June 6, 2022
emotional story of bravery!!
Another story of courage, sadness and bravery of the Jewish people.
I highly recommend it.. I could not put it down
Another story of courage, sadness and bravery of the Jewish people.
I highly recommend it.. I could not put it down
June 9, 2022
Wow
Very good! A little confusing the way it jumps around but I couldn't put it down! Great book and I liked that I was a lot longer than most books
Very good! A little confusing the way it jumps around but I couldn't put it down! Great book and I liked that I was a lot longer than most books
February 11, 2023
Heartbreaking
A very hard book to put down. Very well written. I finished it with tears and a hurt in my heart
A very hard book to put down. Very well written. I finished it with tears and a hurt in my heart
April 16, 2023
touching
A very well written book. It captures the heart and sole of some of the most horrific events in history.
I Highly recommend this book.
A very well written book. It captures the heart and sole of some of the most horrific events in history.
I Highly recommend this book.
June 1, 2023
Auschwitz Rose
This book gave me something to think about. They were all pawns painting a different picture. I highly recommend this book.
This book gave me something to think about. They were all pawns painting a different picture. I highly recommend this book.
December 9, 2023
Amazing and unputdownable...
This book is incredible...I have read much about the Holocaust, but was taught a lot by Auschwitz Rose..recommended thoroughly...5star...must read!
This book is incredible...I have read much about the Holocaust, but was taught a lot by Auschwitz Rose..recommended thoroughly...5star...must read!
March 5, 2024
I have read numerous books on the holocaust. I could not wait to get through this one. I found most of it to be fictional and would like to know the true story
April 9, 2024
Riveting
Content robust. Sometimes mired down. But ending was surprisingly strong. Enjoyed very much overall. Historical values strong and factually significant.
Content robust. Sometimes mired down. But ending was surprisingly strong. Enjoyed very much overall. Historical values strong and factually significant.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews