Etty Hillesum: A Life Transformed

by Patrick Woodhouse

On 8 March 1941, a 27-year-old Jewish Dutch student living in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam made the first entry in a diary that was to become one of the most remarkable documents to emerge from the Nazi Holocaust. Over the course of the next two and a half years, an insecure, chaotic and troubled young woman was transformed into someone who inspired those with whom she shared the suffering of the transit camp at Westerbork and with whom she eventually perished at Auschwitz. Through her diary and letters, she continues to inspire those whose lives she has touched since. She was an extraordinarily alive and vivid young woman who shaped and lived a spirituality of hope in the darkest period of the twentieth century. This book explores Etty Hillesum's life and writings, seeking to understand what it was about her that was so remarkable, how her journey developed, how her spirituality was shaped, and what her profound reflections on the roots of violence and the nature of evil can teach us today.

Genres: History, Biography, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Holocaust, War, Religion

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 29, 2009

Reviews

[Jack Kooyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more than the story of a bright, passionate, courageous, and young adult Jewish woman's spiritual life and journey during WW II in the Netherlands. It is that and yet so much more. For me, the story of Etty's life was a much needed story of inspiration and hope...especially during these challenging and often frightening times. I hope many people will read about and learn from Etty's life, her spiritual journey, and the faith which led her to a tranformed life of loving and serving God by her sacrificial and unselfish service to others. It was because of this transformation that she could see others, even those who hated her because she was a Jew, as fellow image bearers of God's in need of God's love and grace. It truly amazed and astounded me that she was able to live such a very full and beautiful life in the midst of so much death, hatred, and despair.

After reading this book, I wondered why I had just heard about her and I also wanted to learn more about her life. This book served as an excellent primer for me on the life and writings of Etty Hillesum. It definitely left me with a desire to learn more about her by reading the diaries and letters she had written in the final years of her relatively short but incredibly inspiring life.

[Philip Swan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a moving and inspirational life -transformed- Etty Hillesum. Her discovery of prayer and posture in prayer. Her capacity to listen and pay attention. Her generosity of spirit. An invitation to see. An ecumenical inclusion. Not allowing hatred to take root but facing truth and reality. Cultivating space within to counter hatred. ‘Yes we carry everything within us, God and Heaven and He’ll and Earth and Death and all of history’.
If we just care enough God is in safe hands with us despite everything.......

[Joe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Her life is compelling, but reading the diaries directly would have been better. This is like reading a book report about an interesting book. He makes statements about her motivations, intentions and state of mind that are difficult to believe he can know. Perhaps he is summarizing bits of her diary.

[Stephen K. Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was a privilege to read this

To witness a young woman, sensuous, intellectual, and Jewish, transform herself through a relentless pursuit of the truth into something I would call a saint or sage. Though she did not come from a religious family she reached out to many great spiritual traditions, and with the help of her mentor and her friends created a unique theology. She refused hatred and fear, and chose to die with her people. Even in the camp, she could cry tears of gratitude for the beauty of the world. Just to know her even at this great remove is to be humbled and inspired.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiration and Challenge from the trenches

This book wants to be read in a silent corner, just you and no one else around. But it must be read aloud in a community of seekers, friends, adversaries as well. Hillesum's words are enough; Woodhouse masterfully amplifies them and only rarely gets in their way.
I am humbled, saddened, deeply troubled, inspired, profoundly challenged. Would that everyone read this book! We would work harder, complain less, and love each other better. Please read it - and share it with others.

[Carol Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Etty’s metanoia, even during the darkest times in our history. She is a chronicler if this bleak period, and bears witness that God lived even in these times.This book is taken from her letters and diaries where she faced death straight in the eye yet finds her life is extraordinarily enriched and not in the least diminished! She found freedom over the power of death by radical acceptance. A testimony to detachment and courage.

[macywright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Existing from our Divinity within

Etty's behaviors and perceptions displayed an integration of ego with our Divine spark. In the most direst of circumstance she manifested love's triumph over hate and death.

[Joyce Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly inspirational read

This book is beautifully written and gives an inspirational account of an inspirational life well lived in horrendous circumstances. It helps us consider difficult questions about humanity, suffering and God. Everyone should read this book!

[Margaret Wehrung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transformative

Never having heard of Etty Hillersun, I was awed by her groaning for belief and her journals not only expose her growth but stir within me an understanding that continues to feed me.

[Minnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So interesting and inspiring. It was quite readable and quick. My one complaint was that I felt that the author/narrator didn't let us hear from Etty Hillesum's own words enough. I guess I should move on to read the diaries themselves.

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Etty Hillesum is amazing. I wasn't always a fan of Woodhouse's framing or writing, but no matter how you tell it, Etty has an incredible story that shines through. Looking forward to reading her diaries straight-up next.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books...her life is very inspiring

[Collette BP · Rating 4 out of 5]

A profound insight into this inspirational lady's life....

[Lucy McCoskey · Rating 3 out of 5]

the true story of a Jew, sent to Auschwitz, who chose love not hate in the midst of hatred and cruelty

[Rick Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspiring

This is an incredible story of a young woman in a deep search for the truth. And the truth she found was God and the spark of God that is in each of us.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A transformative book

The writing of this young woman reveals how the best attributes of being human can shine through the ugliest of times. It is a beautiful book.

[Liz]

Read about Etty in the highly sensitive book. Curious to learn more about her.

[Lee F. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3rd book about Etty - but this one synthesized it all. Her spiritual life is her meaning and the path through horror...we are so blessed to have her insight - especially now

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the first 200 pages to be very tedious. However, her thoughts about God and death were very interesting and inspirational toward the latter part of the book. This book includes letters she wrote to friends "back home" and those were very interesting.

[Brian Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating!... a don't want to put down. Inspiring, sad, and challenging. A timeless message of the refusal to surrender to hate; a warning about the potential to become hate by hating those who hate. A tome instructive of the dangers, also, of fascist ideology and leaders. A good read to prepare to dive into the lengthy book of Etty's letters and diaries, An Interrupted Life.