Crucible of Terror: A Story of Survival Through the Nazi Storm

by Max Liebster

On September 11, 1939, Max Liebster, a young German Jew, learned firsthand what it meant to be an enemy of the Nazi State. After his arrest, followed by four months of solitary confinement in a Nazi prison, Liebster plummets headlong into the nightmare o

Genres: Memoir, History, Biography, Nonfiction

154 pages, Hardcover

First published January 27, 2003

Reviews

[Alex C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sobering and powerful account of Max's upbringing and life through into his 90's. From being a young Jewish boy, to a married man as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. This book was so beautiful in the way he reflected on his past experiences and recounted the turmoil that he went through, right into the camps. Although, obviously, any recounting of the horrendous things that occurred at that time will be emotional to read about; Max tells his history in such a way that you feel built up by the story, rather than torn down emotionally. It gives us hope. Hope that in the future, determination, zeal and love for God will keep us standing strong and remaining calm under difficult times. Would definitely recommend this book. So, so interesting, and moving. Wish I had read it earlier.

One of my favourite quotes:
"But my companion kept up a strong pace, determination lining his face. Hope was chained to despair."

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, this book shows the burdens men place on themselves, and it is so faith strengthening to see that Jehovah knows our hearts and he will always make sure his sheep are found. Bro. Liebster was a Jew who kept getting put in the wrong place always with brothers and he ended up getting the truth in the camps it is an amazing story.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The girls needed to read on the holocost so I read this after Skylar was finished. I had read his wife's book so this was a nice addition. Scary but inspiring, it is interesting to see how just the calm demeanor of God's people drew him in.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! I loved the cultural viewpoint he wrote about while being sent to the camps as a Jew, but then meeting the witnesses and seeing the joy and orderliness they had even under extreme duress.

[James Strawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Difficult to read at times, of course, but really positive and upbuilding overall. Great story of true courage over a lifetime. Unfortunately it's not available in print unless you want to spend > $800. I borrowed a friend's hard copy so I can't speak about the kindle or other ebook versions.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Endurance. Faith. Hope.

[Shelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book!
It shows that just Love and Kindness from fellow people can help someone thru an agonizing experience. Anyone will enjoy this book, Jehovah's Witness or not. And even though Max Liebster passed away in death, his story is still encouraging people today and for many more years to come!

I recommend this to Book Clubs, you can talk for hours about just one chapter! And his lovely wife is still a faithful Sister, she will volunteer interviews if she has time via Skype. :)

[Joomi Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is too short. I would love to read the most unabridged version possible in both English and German.

[Jason Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short book. 130 pages, read in one evening.

This is the story of a Jewish boy/young man during Nazi Germany. One of the camps he survived was Auschwitz. Though this book does not go into much depth, there are still hard parts to read. The story mainly focuses on how a group of prisoners with purple triangles, the Bibelforcher or Jehovah's Witnesses, who could have signed a document and left the camps at any time, gave him the strength and faith to survive his experiences under the persecution of the Nazis. Once liberated, Max became a baptised Jehovah's Witness and married Simone, which I reviewed her book Facing the Lion: Memoirs of a Young Girl in Nazi Europe last month.

The last three sentences of the book sums everything up.

The murder of millions of Jews cannot be forgotten. I will not permit the voices of those who would deny or rewrite the past win out. The story of the purple triangles must also be told so that it may sustain and strengthen those who face desperate situation of their own.

Then the quote "May others take courage in the knowledge that hope can conquer despair."

EDIT
I forgot to add, the victims of Nazi Germany that survived, only seemed to with help. Help from family, neighbors, strangers, and even some German soldiers. This story is no different. It amazes me the risk people took to offer a helping hand with nothing in return.

[Rebekah Barney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very eye-opening to read a first hand account of history.

[Joomi Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to read the abridged version in English again. I have never yet read the unabridged version. I would like to read this in German as well both abridged and unabridged.

[Heidi Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sad. There is a part in the book that matches up with a part in the book NIGHT by Elie Wiesel. It's hard to believe that humans can be this inhuman.

[Joomi Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to own this in both English and German. The book I read was too short for me.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Max Liebster and his terrifying experiences at the hands of the Nazis in Germany during WWII. Scary, sad, and triumphant.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute MUST READ!! Along with his wife's book Facing the Lion