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Tracks to Freedom
The only way you’ll leave Auschwitz is through the chimney.
The words still rang in Agnes Markx’s head as she left the Judenramp and the hive of activity around the train behind. As a nurse assigned to Block 10, she realizes the stories of the horrors transpiring here weren’t exaggerated. Now an unwilling accomplice in the Nazi doctors’ medical experiments, she vows to save as many women under her care as possible.
Electrician Joel Kozak has access to all areas of the gargantuan camp. When the underground camp resistance reaches out to him one day, he discovers his appointment wasn’t by accident.
As a stoker in Birkenau’s crematoria, Samson Tarski witnesses more death in an hour than most people in a lifetime. The thought of stepping into the gas chambers and ending his struggle is always on his mind. But when one of his friends shares a bold plan to rise up and destroy the buildings of death, he finds a renewed sense of purpose.
These three strangers are now part of an attempt to achieve the impossible without knowing each other.
To rise up, destroy the Auschwitz-Birkenau death factory, and escape to tell the world about it.
Based on actual events, Tracks to Freedom is a story of bravery and the battle to retain one’s humanity in a place where there is none.
The words still rang in Agnes Markx’s head as she left the Judenramp and the hive of activity around the train behind. As a nurse assigned to Block 10, she realizes the stories of the horrors transpiring here weren’t exaggerated. Now an unwilling accomplice in the Nazi doctors’ medical experiments, she vows to save as many women under her care as possible.
Electrician Joel Kozak has access to all areas of the gargantuan camp. When the underground camp resistance reaches out to him one day, he discovers his appointment wasn’t by accident.
As a stoker in Birkenau’s crematoria, Samson Tarski witnesses more death in an hour than most people in a lifetime. The thought of stepping into the gas chambers and ending his struggle is always on his mind. But when one of his friends shares a bold plan to rise up and destroy the buildings of death, he finds a renewed sense of purpose.
These three strangers are now part of an attempt to achieve the impossible without knowing each other.
To rise up, destroy the Auschwitz-Birkenau death factory, and escape to tell the world about it.
Based on actual events, Tracks to Freedom is a story of bravery and the battle to retain one’s humanity in a place where there is none.
610 pages, Paperback
First published December 8, 2022
641 people are currently reading
2168 people want to read
About the author
Michael Reit
13 books390 followersMichael Reit writes page-turning historical fiction. His books focus on lesser-known events and people in World War II Europe.
Born in the Netherlands, he now lives in beautiful Vienna, Austria, with his partner Esther and daughter Bibi. You can connect through michaelreit.com or Facebook (Michael Reit Author).
Born in the Netherlands, he now lives in beautiful Vienna, Austria, with his partner Esther and daughter Bibi. You can connect through michaelreit.com or Facebook (Michael Reit Author).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
December 6, 2022
Tracks to Freedom by Michael Reit was a very difficult book to read. Michael Reit was able to depict very realistic images of the numerous atrocities the Nazis inflicted on the Jewish prisoners of Auschwitz/Birkenau in his newest book, Tracks to Freedom. It was gripping and gut wrenching at times. I have read all of the books Michael Reit has written. In all of his books, Michael Reit, wrote about aspects of World War II that were not widely known. In Tracks to Freedom, Michael Reit, masterfully researched and wrote about the little known horrific surgical experiments that Jewish doctors and nurses were forced to perform on young female prisoners that were housed in Block 10. He also brilliantly depicted the feelings, struggles, fear and hate the Jewish male prisoners carried with them each and every day as they were forced to operate and perform all the jobs at the crematoria. He portrayed the constant feeling of hunger and starvation the prisoners experienced as well as the rampant disease and death that plagued the prisoners and the constant fear, humiliation, and despair that they felt.
There were three main characters in Tracks to Freedom. Agnes Markx had been a nursing student in Amsterdam when the Nazis invaded her country. She and her sister were transported to Westerbork and then to Auschwitz. Since Agnes had some training as a nurse she was assigned to Block 10. At the time, Agnes had no idea what was going to be expected of her and what atrocities she would have to witness. Joel Kozak was deported from Ciechanow and also arrived on the platform of Auschwitz/Birkenau. At first, Joel was forced to go through all the luggage of the Jewish men and women that arrived at the camp. Joel and the others assigned to this work separated all the possessions the Jewish prisoners brought with them into distinct categories for the Reich to use. Later, Joel worked as an electrician and mechanic. This job gave Joel access to all parts of the camp. Joel soon became part of the camp resistance group and delivered and took messages to crucial members of the resistance. Samuel Tarski was deported from Krakow to Auschwitz/Birkenau. Since Samuel was big and strong, he was selected to work as a stoker in Birkenau’s crematoria. It was Samuel’s worst nightmare. The vivid descriptions of the jobs performed at the Crematoria were extremely hard to read. The men assigned there knew they could just as easily end up in one of the ovens if they showed any weakness or didn’t do the jobs they were forced to do. Samson played a major role in the Sonderkommando revolt. All three characters, Agnes, Joel and Samson were eventually brought together, as were many secondary characters, as Michael Reit was able to weave this incredible story based on real events that took place within the hellish confines of Auschwitz/Birkenau.
Tracks to Freedom by Michael Reit was the sequel to Beyond the Tracks but it can be read as a stand-alone book. Once again, Michael Reit’s research for Tracks to Freedom was impeccable. Many of the people and occurrences were real. As I mentioned, this was a hard book to read in parts. I cried a lot at certain parts and had to take breaks here and there. It is so important though to remind all that these horrific things happened so they will never be repeated. I applaud Michael Reit for bringing these little known facts about World War II and the Holocaust to all of us so we can be better educated and driven to never let them happen again. With the current rise in anti-Semitism, as hard as these books are to read, they are even more powerful and important now to read. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Book Whisperer for allowing me to read Tracks to Freedom by Michael Reit through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Publication is set for December 8, 2022.
There were three main characters in Tracks to Freedom. Agnes Markx had been a nursing student in Amsterdam when the Nazis invaded her country. She and her sister were transported to Westerbork and then to Auschwitz. Since Agnes had some training as a nurse she was assigned to Block 10. At the time, Agnes had no idea what was going to be expected of her and what atrocities she would have to witness. Joel Kozak was deported from Ciechanow and also arrived on the platform of Auschwitz/Birkenau. At first, Joel was forced to go through all the luggage of the Jewish men and women that arrived at the camp. Joel and the others assigned to this work separated all the possessions the Jewish prisoners brought with them into distinct categories for the Reich to use. Later, Joel worked as an electrician and mechanic. This job gave Joel access to all parts of the camp. Joel soon became part of the camp resistance group and delivered and took messages to crucial members of the resistance. Samuel Tarski was deported from Krakow to Auschwitz/Birkenau. Since Samuel was big and strong, he was selected to work as a stoker in Birkenau’s crematoria. It was Samuel’s worst nightmare. The vivid descriptions of the jobs performed at the Crematoria were extremely hard to read. The men assigned there knew they could just as easily end up in one of the ovens if they showed any weakness or didn’t do the jobs they were forced to do. Samson played a major role in the Sonderkommando revolt. All three characters, Agnes, Joel and Samson were eventually brought together, as were many secondary characters, as Michael Reit was able to weave this incredible story based on real events that took place within the hellish confines of Auschwitz/Birkenau.
Tracks to Freedom by Michael Reit was the sequel to Beyond the Tracks but it can be read as a stand-alone book. Once again, Michael Reit’s research for Tracks to Freedom was impeccable. Many of the people and occurrences were real. As I mentioned, this was a hard book to read in parts. I cried a lot at certain parts and had to take breaks here and there. It is so important though to remind all that these horrific things happened so they will never be repeated. I applaud Michael Reit for bringing these little known facts about World War II and the Holocaust to all of us so we can be better educated and driven to never let them happen again. With the current rise in anti-Semitism, as hard as these books are to read, they are even more powerful and important now to read. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Book Whisperer for allowing me to read Tracks to Freedom by Michael Reit through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Publication is set for December 8, 2022.
December 6, 2022
The World Must Know
A tragic and heartbreaking story of those unfortunate souls that were transported to a place of disrespect, hatred and horror. Their only crime was existing as a Jewish human being. They were taken from their loving homes to watch their whole families perish in the chimneys at the death camp of Auschwitz at the hands of the Nazi’s.
Yet even as they were persecuted and threatened with death every minute they lived in this horrible place they managed to find ways to fight back. They resisted even when they had everything taken from them.
They found ways to be compassionate toward other prisoners and help them any way they could even though to do so might and in many cases did mean their lives.
A few brave and courageous found romance and friendship in the camp only to often have to watch the Nazi’s torture or murder their beloved in front of their eyes.
They story shows the good, the bad and the ugly within the camp, the prisoners and the Nazi’s. It is interesting on a historical level, sad on a personal level and intriguing in how they were able to resist in such evil conditions.
The characters were fitting for the parts they played and rang true to life. I especially liked the characters of Joel and Agnes and Roza and Samson. It was a sad but an interesting read about the revolt of the workers at the chimney's and how they managed it. I was horrified at the work of the doctor's where Dr. Brewda worked especially Dr. Claubberg although I did think Dr. Simon was trying to help. The book was well written and one that I won’t forget for a while. The one thing that stays with me is that something so vile and so evil was taking place and no one outside the camps would believe it was happening. The outside world was like ostriches with their heads in the sand.
I am glad I read this book. I liked reading about some of the characters from an earlier book and what happened to them. I liked reading about the courage and fortitude they showed. I would definitely recommend this book.
Thanks to Michael Reit for writing another great story, to The Book Whisperer for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.
December 10, 2022
This book broke my heart and was hard to digest, but in the best way possible. The book is riveting and will keep the reader engaged the entire time.
The story follows different Jews throughout their journey during World War 2. It shows them all briefly before they were sentenced to concentration camps and follows them through their journey in the camp. The book focuses on untold stories of the inner camp resistance, hospital care, and crematorium workers in Auschwitz. There were many difficult things to read in the story, but it helps the reader to understand the lives of these prisoners. Too many books that cover the topic of concentration camps skim over the more gruesome details while this book embraced some of them. It's definitely one of the best fictional world War 2 books I have read. I highly recommend to all readers, especially readers of history focusing on World War 2.
The story follows different Jews throughout their journey during World War 2. It shows them all briefly before they were sentenced to concentration camps and follows them through their journey in the camp. The book focuses on untold stories of the inner camp resistance, hospital care, and crematorium workers in Auschwitz. There were many difficult things to read in the story, but it helps the reader to understand the lives of these prisoners. Too many books that cover the topic of concentration camps skim over the more gruesome details while this book embraced some of them. It's definitely one of the best fictional world War 2 books I have read. I highly recommend to all readers, especially readers of history focusing on World War 2.
January 16, 2023
Whew! …………wow……….. no words right now. Review coming up after thinking over this novel. *crying*
November 25, 2022
Tracks to Freedom takes place mainly in Auschwitz-Birkenau during WWII and is absolutely crushing in every way. Oh, how my heart ached reading it! Humankind can be impossibly brutal and cruel but it can also be indescribably merciful. The anguish suffered by the characters in this story and those around them is hellish. Death usually came after prisoners served their purpose. Most were too destroyed mentally and physically to rise up but a few who managed to survive resisted in their own ways...and every way counted from standing up to Sonderkommandos to smuggling medication and morsels of food to treating corpses with dignity to miraculously obtaining and hiding firearms.
The main characters were forced to perform in horrendous conditions, including Samson Tarski who was tasked with crematoria work. For him working with the dead was marginally better than working with living corpses. What he lived is incomprehensible. But the Nazis made it impossible to oppose...not only were the prisoners' lives constantly on the line (death was rampant) but others would get punished for one's disobedience in deplorable ways. Agnes Marx and her sister faced the selection upon arrival at Auschwitz. As a nurse Agnes worked in the terrifying Block 10 where she was forced to help doctors with experimenting on women. She risked her life to show compassion and to stockpile and administer medications taken from luggage and clothing of the dead. As an engineer Joel Kozak used his skills and ability to work in any department in the camps to help where he could, hiding tools and obtaining information, bravely fighting. All three of the main characters showed spirit and kindness though they faced moral dilemmas in working where they did.
This gut wrenching book is perfect for Historical Fiction readers who are intrigued by WWII and the Holocaust in particular. It is unputdownable yet it was crucial for me to do so more than once to catch my breath and stop the tears. It is obvious that writing this thoroughly-researched book was almost unbearable for the author, too. The stories are excruciating and the author took great care to capture them from true accounts. His other books are all outstanding and written with the same thoughtfulness and anything he writes will be an automatic read for me.
My sincere thank you to Michael Reit and NetGalley for the absolute honour of reading this powerful and unforgettable book. My feelings about it are impossible to convey. Kudos to the author for recognizing the importance of the Resistance and horrific aspects of WWII and having the courage to write about it.
The main characters were forced to perform in horrendous conditions, including Samson Tarski who was tasked with crematoria work. For him working with the dead was marginally better than working with living corpses. What he lived is incomprehensible. But the Nazis made it impossible to oppose...not only were the prisoners' lives constantly on the line (death was rampant) but others would get punished for one's disobedience in deplorable ways. Agnes Marx and her sister faced the selection upon arrival at Auschwitz. As a nurse Agnes worked in the terrifying Block 10 where she was forced to help doctors with experimenting on women. She risked her life to show compassion and to stockpile and administer medications taken from luggage and clothing of the dead. As an engineer Joel Kozak used his skills and ability to work in any department in the camps to help where he could, hiding tools and obtaining information, bravely fighting. All three of the main characters showed spirit and kindness though they faced moral dilemmas in working where they did.
This gut wrenching book is perfect for Historical Fiction readers who are intrigued by WWII and the Holocaust in particular. It is unputdownable yet it was crucial for me to do so more than once to catch my breath and stop the tears. It is obvious that writing this thoroughly-researched book was almost unbearable for the author, too. The stories are excruciating and the author took great care to capture them from true accounts. His other books are all outstanding and written with the same thoughtfulness and anything he writes will be an automatic read for me.
My sincere thank you to Michael Reit and NetGalley for the absolute honour of reading this powerful and unforgettable book. My feelings about it are impossible to convey. Kudos to the author for recognizing the importance of the Resistance and horrific aspects of WWII and having the courage to write about it.
January 10, 2023
Brilliant yet heart-wrenching- the best of Reit's works to date!
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Michael Reit's books. However, hands down, this was his best historical fiction thus far. Despite the heart-wrenching and emotionally raw content, Reit brought light to darkness. I developed such an attachment to some of the characters in this book that it felt as though I were a part of their journey.
If you are looking for an extremely well-written account of some of the darkest, most sinister parts of the holocaust that are not often covered, look no further. I can't wait for Reit's next book to be released!
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Michael Reit's books. However, hands down, this was his best historical fiction thus far. Despite the heart-wrenching and emotionally raw content, Reit brought light to darkness. I developed such an attachment to some of the characters in this book that it felt as though I were a part of their journey.
If you are looking for an extremely well-written account of some of the darkest, most sinister parts of the holocaust that are not often covered, look no further. I can't wait for Reit's next book to be released!
November 27, 2022
disclaimer: Ik heb dit boek gekregen via #bookfunnel en #netgalley in ruil voor een eerlijk review. De woorden hieronder zijn geheel en al van mij.
Hoewel dit een fictief verhaal is veel gebaseerd op ware feiten.
Het verhaal speelt zich voornamelijk af in Auchwitz/Birkenau in de Tweede Wereldoorlog.
De hoofdpersonen moesten werken onder de meest verschrikkelijke omstandigheden, waarin de dood een vast onderdeel was. Samuel Tarksi werkte in het crematorium. Voor hem was het werken met de doden een dagelijks gedwongen arbeid. Samen met vele anderen vormde hij het SK{{SonderKommando]] dat verantwoordelijk was voor de onderhoud van de crematoria
Agnes Marx en haar zuster maakten de selctie bij de ingang van het kamp mee. Daar werden ze van elkaar gescheiden. Agnes mocht blijven leven, haar zuster verdween echter. Agnes werkte vooral in Blok 10, een barak in het concentratiekamp waar mannen en vrouwen werden gebruikt als proefpersoon door de nazi-artsen. Zij werd gedwongen om mee te helpen met de experimenten. Zij riskeerde haar leven met het smokkelen van medicijnen naar het hospitaal vanuit de gigantische loodsen op het kampterrein.
Joel Kozak gebruikte zijn kennis om te helpen waar hij kon. Hij verborg wapens, bracht berichten over naar zijn contacten binnen het kamp.
Alle drie hadden het moeilijk met de dillema's waar zij mee te maken kregen.
Het is duidelijk dat de schrijver onderzoek heeft gedaan naar de omstandigheden in de kampen, de verhalen die hij brengt zijn
Hoewel dit een fictief verhaal is veel gebaseerd op ware feiten.
Het verhaal speelt zich voornamelijk af in Auchwitz/Birkenau in de Tweede Wereldoorlog.
De hoofdpersonen moesten werken onder de meest verschrikkelijke omstandigheden, waarin de dood een vast onderdeel was. Samuel Tarksi werkte in het crematorium. Voor hem was het werken met de doden een dagelijks gedwongen arbeid. Samen met vele anderen vormde hij het SK{{SonderKommando]] dat verantwoordelijk was voor de onderhoud van de crematoria
Agnes Marx en haar zuster maakten de selctie bij de ingang van het kamp mee. Daar werden ze van elkaar gescheiden. Agnes mocht blijven leven, haar zuster verdween echter. Agnes werkte vooral in Blok 10, een barak in het concentratiekamp waar mannen en vrouwen werden gebruikt als proefpersoon door de nazi-artsen. Zij werd gedwongen om mee te helpen met de experimenten. Zij riskeerde haar leven met het smokkelen van medicijnen naar het hospitaal vanuit de gigantische loodsen op het kampterrein.
Joel Kozak gebruikte zijn kennis om te helpen waar hij kon. Hij verborg wapens, bracht berichten over naar zijn contacten binnen het kamp.
Alle drie hadden het moeilijk met de dillema's waar zij mee te maken kregen.
Het is duidelijk dat de schrijver onderzoek heeft gedaan naar de omstandigheden in de kampen, de verhalen die hij brengt zijn
November 19, 2022
Auschwitz/ Birkenau
This gut-wrenching and gripping WW11 historical novel is the sequel to “Beyond the Tracks” follows Agnes Markx, a nurse assigned to Block 10 where she became an unwilling accomplice to the Nazi doctor’s medical experiments. The horrors there aren’t exaggerated...We also see what electrician Joel Kozak faced in the gargantuan camp while Samson Tarski, a stoker in the crematoria witnessed more death each hour. These three strangers needed to survive the horrors in order to tell the world about it....
Based on actual events and people, this novel recreates in a vivid language the lives of prisoners incarcerated at one of the most dangerous place to be held during the 1940’s. Mr. Reit acknowledges he took some liberties to bring his story to our ears.
I have read multiple stories during this terrible time Auschwitz is one of the most notorious camp and through recent years people have voiced their experiences. I never get tired of listening or reading what they went through. Their story is one of bravery and highlights the battle to retain one’s humanity. The author did excellent recreation of the terror, the suffering, the hunger, the fear the prisoners faced each day...To situate us better we have quite a bit of backstory in the lives of these three characters till ½ through they met...and their join effort to survive crisscrossed.
There are a few more people that crossed the pages especially when the underground camp resistance reached out and shared a bold plan to rise and destroy the crematoria.....as a reader I wanted so much for all involved to come out in one piece....not to be as we well know...
“Tracks to Freedom” is well-written: lively and interesting.
Well-said, well-done.
I received this ARC from the author via Netgalley/The Book Whisperer for my thoughts.
This gut-wrenching and gripping WW11 historical novel is the sequel to “Beyond the Tracks” follows Agnes Markx, a nurse assigned to Block 10 where she became an unwilling accomplice to the Nazi doctor’s medical experiments. The horrors there aren’t exaggerated...We also see what electrician Joel Kozak faced in the gargantuan camp while Samson Tarski, a stoker in the crematoria witnessed more death each hour. These three strangers needed to survive the horrors in order to tell the world about it....
Based on actual events and people, this novel recreates in a vivid language the lives of prisoners incarcerated at one of the most dangerous place to be held during the 1940’s. Mr. Reit acknowledges he took some liberties to bring his story to our ears.
I have read multiple stories during this terrible time Auschwitz is one of the most notorious camp and through recent years people have voiced their experiences. I never get tired of listening or reading what they went through. Their story is one of bravery and highlights the battle to retain one’s humanity. The author did excellent recreation of the terror, the suffering, the hunger, the fear the prisoners faced each day...To situate us better we have quite a bit of backstory in the lives of these three characters till ½ through they met...and their join effort to survive crisscrossed.
There are a few more people that crossed the pages especially when the underground camp resistance reached out and shared a bold plan to rise and destroy the crematoria.....as a reader I wanted so much for all involved to come out in one piece....not to be as we well know...
“Tracks to Freedom” is well-written: lively and interesting.
Well-said, well-done.
I received this ARC from the author via Netgalley/The Book Whisperer for my thoughts.
December 28, 2022
Tracks to Freedom by Michael Reit is a heartbreaking story about the holocaust. Many things experienced in this story actually happened. The doctors, Dr. Samuel, Dr. Brewda, and Dr. Fejkiel were doctors that tried to help the people. Two survived and testified in the trials. Some of the main characters also were real. From the first page to the end, you will not want to put the book down. The main characters suffer so many hardships and it starts in Poland in 1942. The author has done his research and the story is fascinating.
I was given an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher and I have given an honest review.
I was given an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher and I have given an honest review.
January 1, 2023
Heartbreaking
One of the most sad, tragic books I’ve read on the holocaust, and I’ve read many. I think every heart-rending detail and event of that tragedy is included here, bringing it to life and wounding your soul.
One of the most sad, tragic books I’ve read on the holocaust, and I’ve read many. I think every heart-rending detail and event of that tragedy is included here, bringing it to life and wounding your soul.
November 28, 2023
It's always tough to read a book about the holocaust. I like how all the story viewpoints cross at some point. The revolt went about as well as you would think.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2024
This book was heartbreaking but wonderfully done!
January 8, 2023
Tracks to Freedom: Beyond the Tracks by Michael Reit: I appreciated it even through the gut-wrenching pain and horrors. The world must hear these stories over and over again, lest we forget. We must never forget. Recommended
March 26, 2024
What an amazing book following his debut "Beyond the Tracks". I had the honor to listening to the audiobook narriated by John Maddaloni who does a wonderful job giving life to the three main characters Agnes Markx, Joel Kozak, Samson Tarski in this unbelievable book. These three characters will come together and try to destroy the death machines, and try an escape. They will see the unimaginable and partake in the impossible. You'll experience so many emotions throughout your reading. This is a 5 ⭐ powerfully told story of the horror which happened and the strength of many that endured.
I was pleased that Michael Reit has an author's note also in this book. I got to hear his voice explaining what was factual and which was fictional. The third book "The Botanist's Tracks" in this trilogy will be released on March 14, 2024. I'm looking forward to reading & seeing where the author will take us to next. These books can be read as stand alone. Enjoy ❤️.
I was pleased that Michael Reit has an author's note also in this book. I got to hear his voice explaining what was factual and which was fictional. The third book "The Botanist's Tracks" in this trilogy will be released on March 14, 2024. I'm looking forward to reading & seeing where the author will take us to next. These books can be read as stand alone. Enjoy ❤️.
October 24, 2023
3.5 stars
After finishing Beyond the Tracks I went straight on to the sequel so that tells you something about the novel and Reit's skill as storyteller. Though this book works as a standalone I recommend you read the first book beforehand, for background historical and fictional.
Reit follows what happened to one of the earlier book's characters, Nurse Agnes, after she and sick sister Yvette left Westerbork camp in the Netherlands for Auschwitz Birkenau. Around Agnes Reit weaves a compelling account of life, and fate, in the notorious camps, focusing on the Nazis' medical experimentation programme carried out by Dr Josef Mengele and others, and the experiences of those selected for the Sonderkommando, Jewish prisoners who did the actual work involved to implement Hitler's Final Solution.
Displaying the results of serious research Reit takes the reader into Auschwitz Birkenau. I've read a lot of non fiction about all aspects of WWII, from various perspectives on all sides, so there wasn't much I didn't know already but reading factual history while informative doesn't engage the emotions in the way fiction does. I can compare the impact of reading this book to watching the harrowing film Son of Saul which details the Sonderkommando revolt depicted in Reit's novel. He refrains from black & white characterisation to show the moral and philosophical dilemmas of men chosen to work in the crematoria in exchange for slightly better living conditions and chance of survival. Some were brutes and collaborators in service to their SS masters while others somehow held onto their humanity and decency. A few were brave, or desperate, enough to resist. Much of what seems to stretch credulity actually turns out to be factual, based on real life events/people.
The question is often asked why did more concentration camp prisoners not fight back, before being taken on the cattle trains, on arrival at the ramps, carrying out routines of life behind the barbed wire? Reits novel provides some insight as to why revolt was not usual. Most prisoners simply did their best to survive, some just gave up, a few were lucky and made it through to expose the horrors, though disbelief was too often the response. Reit doesn't spare readers from graphic depictions of conditions, violence, torture. This is not an easy read.
As for Agnes, the character those of us who read the first book most want to know about, I won't give spoilers but her story is resolved in a way that satisfies and feels realistic.
Reit knows how to create suspense and narrative momentum. These books would make a good mini-series. Now more than ever we need to expose to younger generations what happened under Hitler's regime, to understand and learn lessons we sadly seem incapable of learning. 'Never again' is easy to say however our recent history shows only too clearly how easy the slide to populism, authoritarianism, fascism, xenophobia, demonisation of 'others' used by the far right to gain power.
After finishing Beyond the Tracks I went straight on to the sequel so that tells you something about the novel and Reit's skill as storyteller. Though this book works as a standalone I recommend you read the first book beforehand, for background historical and fictional.
Reit follows what happened to one of the earlier book's characters, Nurse Agnes, after she and sick sister Yvette left Westerbork camp in the Netherlands for Auschwitz Birkenau. Around Agnes Reit weaves a compelling account of life, and fate, in the notorious camps, focusing on the Nazis' medical experimentation programme carried out by Dr Josef Mengele and others, and the experiences of those selected for the Sonderkommando, Jewish prisoners who did the actual work involved to implement Hitler's Final Solution.
Displaying the results of serious research Reit takes the reader into Auschwitz Birkenau. I've read a lot of non fiction about all aspects of WWII, from various perspectives on all sides, so there wasn't much I didn't know already but reading factual history while informative doesn't engage the emotions in the way fiction does. I can compare the impact of reading this book to watching the harrowing film Son of Saul which details the Sonderkommando revolt depicted in Reit's novel. He refrains from black & white characterisation to show the moral and philosophical dilemmas of men chosen to work in the crematoria in exchange for slightly better living conditions and chance of survival. Some were brutes and collaborators in service to their SS masters while others somehow held onto their humanity and decency. A few were brave, or desperate, enough to resist. Much of what seems to stretch credulity actually turns out to be factual, based on real life events/people.
The question is often asked why did more concentration camp prisoners not fight back, before being taken on the cattle trains, on arrival at the ramps, carrying out routines of life behind the barbed wire? Reits novel provides some insight as to why revolt was not usual. Most prisoners simply did their best to survive, some just gave up, a few were lucky and made it through to expose the horrors, though disbelief was too often the response. Reit doesn't spare readers from graphic depictions of conditions, violence, torture. This is not an easy read.
As for Agnes, the character those of us who read the first book most want to know about, I won't give spoilers but her story is resolved in a way that satisfies and feels realistic.
Reit knows how to create suspense and narrative momentum. These books would make a good mini-series. Now more than ever we need to expose to younger generations what happened under Hitler's regime, to understand and learn lessons we sadly seem incapable of learning. 'Never again' is easy to say however our recent history shows only too clearly how easy the slide to populism, authoritarianism, fascism, xenophobia, demonisation of 'others' used by the far right to gain power.
July 13, 2025
Tracks to Freedom is a gripping historical novel by Michael Reit that plunges readers into the heart of Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II. With a deft hand, Reit brings to life the courage, sacrifice, and humanity that often go unnoticed in the shadows of war.
The story centers on a group of brave individuals connected through the Dutch resistance and their efforts to help Jewish refugees escape the horrors of the Holocaust. At its core, Tracks to Freedom is a powerful tribute to the real-life escape lines that smuggled people to safety, particularly through the perilous routes of France and Spain.
What makes this book so compelling is its emotional depth and historical accuracy. Reit’s meticulous research is evident in the authentic details woven throughout the narrative — from the chilling risks of betrayal to the constant danger of discovery by the Gestapo. The characters, though fictionalized, are inspired by true stories, and they feel heartbreakingly real. Each one is fleshed out with purpose, their motivations clear, their bravery palpable.
The pacing is taut without being rushed. Reit balances the action and tension with quiet, reflective moments that allow the reader to connect deeply with the people behind the resistance. It's not just a war novel; it's a human story — about resilience, hope, and the moral choices people are forced to make under unimaginable pressure.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction like The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, Tracks to Freedom is a must-read. It’s a haunting, beautifully written reminder of the price of freedom and the power of ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
The story centers on a group of brave individuals connected through the Dutch resistance and their efforts to help Jewish refugees escape the horrors of the Holocaust. At its core, Tracks to Freedom is a powerful tribute to the real-life escape lines that smuggled people to safety, particularly through the perilous routes of France and Spain.
What makes this book so compelling is its emotional depth and historical accuracy. Reit’s meticulous research is evident in the authentic details woven throughout the narrative — from the chilling risks of betrayal to the constant danger of discovery by the Gestapo. The characters, though fictionalized, are inspired by true stories, and they feel heartbreakingly real. Each one is fleshed out with purpose, their motivations clear, their bravery palpable.
The pacing is taut without being rushed. Reit balances the action and tension with quiet, reflective moments that allow the reader to connect deeply with the people behind the resistance. It's not just a war novel; it's a human story — about resilience, hope, and the moral choices people are forced to make under unimaginable pressure.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction like The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, Tracks to Freedom is a must-read. It’s a haunting, beautifully written reminder of the price of freedom and the power of ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
December 1, 2022
Tracks to freedom follows three different prisoners that ultimately are given positions in the interment camp to position them to help their fellow Jews. Agnes is a nurse that cannot stand to see the horrible experiments the doctors put her fellow juice through and risks her life to help them. Joel was in present after being ratted out by a fellow Jew. He was made a mechanic and hates knowing how he contributes to the deaths in the camp and then there’s Sampson, he was falsely accused of missing mandatory work days and when the garden showed him such a lack of respect he could no longer take it he beat him over the head with the zone night stick. He to worse in the prison. They all feel guilty having positions that help hurt or killed their fellow Jews unlike other Jews who want to prove to the Nazis how much they agree with them they willingly hurt in strong-arm their own brother in. This was a good book but I do fine it’s so hard to take reading about the atrocities visited on undeserving people. I know this has been a trend through history but it is one thing to talk about it in the abstract and I told another to read about it in the book. I think the author did a great job bringing you to the deepest lows and then the greatest highs. I couldn’t wait to see how it ended and I totally and thoroughly enjoyed it. I received this book from NetGalley and a publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
March 22, 2023
Set during the Holocaust, this was a different feel to this historical book for me.
Focusing mostly on the occupations of the prisoners, it was a different thing that most of us think about when we envision the horrors of the Holocaust. Yes, the trains arrived daily with loads of prisoners that did not depart with the same passengers that mostly were killed. But I personally never thought of the prisoners that were not killed except from the hard work at the gravel pits and mines. Nurses were in high demand and forced to assist with experimental surgeries. Others worked in maintenance. Everyone walked on tippy toes not knowing what might happen when their bosses just might be in a bad mood.
Starting with lockdowns in the Jewish neighborhoods the storyline follows about 6-8 main characters as they navigate their new jobs and the frustration that went with it. I felt as if i really was emotionally invested in the main characters and rooted for them and felt devastation over a period of time. Several were able to find friends from their old neighborhoods and reconnect. But there were new friendships formed as well. I didn't realize that so many of the actual prisoners were forced to build barracks and crematoriums too.
Even though it's very much a historical work of fiction, it just didn't feel as if it was quite real. I did enjoy the storyline and maybe I've just been hardened to the genre because I have read so many different books. Well worth reading for sure. I can't say much more without letting too much of the plot out. It took me awhile longer to read because it was heavier content than most novels, but was worth the time spent.
I received a preview ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.
Focusing mostly on the occupations of the prisoners, it was a different thing that most of us think about when we envision the horrors of the Holocaust. Yes, the trains arrived daily with loads of prisoners that did not depart with the same passengers that mostly were killed. But I personally never thought of the prisoners that were not killed except from the hard work at the gravel pits and mines. Nurses were in high demand and forced to assist with experimental surgeries. Others worked in maintenance. Everyone walked on tippy toes not knowing what might happen when their bosses just might be in a bad mood.
Starting with lockdowns in the Jewish neighborhoods the storyline follows about 6-8 main characters as they navigate their new jobs and the frustration that went with it. I felt as if i really was emotionally invested in the main characters and rooted for them and felt devastation over a period of time. Several were able to find friends from their old neighborhoods and reconnect. But there were new friendships formed as well. I didn't realize that so many of the actual prisoners were forced to build barracks and crematoriums too.
Even though it's very much a historical work of fiction, it just didn't feel as if it was quite real. I did enjoy the storyline and maybe I've just been hardened to the genre because I have read so many different books. Well worth reading for sure. I can't say much more without letting too much of the plot out. It took me awhile longer to read because it was heavier content than most novels, but was worth the time spent.
I received a preview ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in return for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.
December 22, 2022
Tracks to Freedom is the second book on a series but can be read as a standalone.
If you have ever read a book by Michael Reit, you know that he delivers stories that are as heart wrenching as accurate as characters in a historical fiction stories can be. This book isn't the exception.
With an extraordinary amount of research Mr. Reit tell us the story of Auschwitz-Birkenau thru the eyes of three main characters and a lot of secondary ones, some who are actual persons and some based on the stories told by survivors.
Agnes is a nurse that tries to help her fellow jewish prisoners in the hospital and in the infamous Block 10, Joel, who was always handy with her hands is working as a handyman in the repair crew and Samson who ends up working as a Sonderkommando in the crematoriums, What all of them have in common is that they all, in their own way, work with the resistance. The book is their stories with the background of all the horrors perpetrated by the Nazis in the infamous extermination camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
This is a very hard book to read but one that is important to read, because if people don't learn the history of this period it will be easier to be repeat it, as history tends to repeat itself. But the more we know the more tools we have to prevent horrors like this to ever happen again.
If you have ever read a book by Michael Reit, you know that he delivers stories that are as heart wrenching as accurate as characters in a historical fiction stories can be. This book isn't the exception.
With an extraordinary amount of research Mr. Reit tell us the story of Auschwitz-Birkenau thru the eyes of three main characters and a lot of secondary ones, some who are actual persons and some based on the stories told by survivors.
Agnes is a nurse that tries to help her fellow jewish prisoners in the hospital and in the infamous Block 10, Joel, who was always handy with her hands is working as a handyman in the repair crew and Samson who ends up working as a Sonderkommando in the crematoriums, What all of them have in common is that they all, in their own way, work with the resistance. The book is their stories with the background of all the horrors perpetrated by the Nazis in the infamous extermination camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
This is a very hard book to read but one that is important to read, because if people don't learn the history of this period it will be easier to be repeat it, as history tends to repeat itself. But the more we know the more tools we have to prevent horrors like this to ever happen again.
January 8, 2023
Having just finished reading Beyond The Tracks by the same author I decided to carry on and read the next book.
Both are fiction but feature real people and events from the second world war.
Tracks To Freedom was harder to read, in that, it took you right to the heart of Nazi atrocities in Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
We read about three main characters, Agnes who came with her sister from Westerbork transit camp, in Holland, Joel Kozac and Samson.
Agnes was training to be a nurse, so found herself in building 10 where she realises that the horrors she has heard of are indeed true. Jewish doctors and nurses are forced to perform medical procedures on young female prisoners.
Joel is separated from his mother on the ramp and ends up working in the crematoria alongside Samson.
Samson struggles with the number of prisoners passing through the crematoria each and every day and has considered ending it all and joining them in the gas chambers.
However, he finds a new role in the Sonderkommando, helping to organise an uprising against their captors.
All three characters come together along with the many minor characters to make a harrowing yet life affirming story. These people show the good side of humanity. They show that even in the most dire of circumstances, the will to live and the indomitable human spirit cannot be extinguished.
Both are fiction but feature real people and events from the second world war.
Tracks To Freedom was harder to read, in that, it took you right to the heart of Nazi atrocities in Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
We read about three main characters, Agnes who came with her sister from Westerbork transit camp, in Holland, Joel Kozac and Samson.
Agnes was training to be a nurse, so found herself in building 10 where she realises that the horrors she has heard of are indeed true. Jewish doctors and nurses are forced to perform medical procedures on young female prisoners.
Joel is separated from his mother on the ramp and ends up working in the crematoria alongside Samson.
Samson struggles with the number of prisoners passing through the crematoria each and every day and has considered ending it all and joining them in the gas chambers.
However, he finds a new role in the Sonderkommando, helping to organise an uprising against their captors.
All three characters come together along with the many minor characters to make a harrowing yet life affirming story. These people show the good side of humanity. They show that even in the most dire of circumstances, the will to live and the indomitable human spirit cannot be extinguished.
January 17, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Michael Reit for an advanced copy of Tracks to Freedom, written by Michael Reit. This is a sequel to Beyond the Tracks, but I did not know that. It did not matter the story stands on its own very nicely. This is a story about the horrors of Auschwitz, depicting the darkest parts of Auschwitz, including medical experimentation and the inner workings of the crematoria. The author did a great job of depicting the horrors without too much explicit gore. I enjoyed how the author weaved historical facts into a novel that told an interesting story, rather than a history lesson.
What I did not enjoy was the number of characters. When you start a book, you do not know which characters are important and which ones are not. Because the author weaved so many historical facts together, there were a lot of characters, some of which did not add anything to the story (although it is possible some were from Beyond the Tracks, but because I did not read it, I did not know them). I did eventually figure out the main characters and was able to follow the storylines, but it took a long time for me, past halfway.
I enjoyed the book and will read the author’s other books.
What I did not enjoy was the number of characters. When you start a book, you do not know which characters are important and which ones are not. Because the author weaved so many historical facts together, there were a lot of characters, some of which did not add anything to the story (although it is possible some were from Beyond the Tracks, but because I did not read it, I did not know them). I did eventually figure out the main characters and was able to follow the storylines, but it took a long time for me, past halfway.
I enjoyed the book and will read the author’s other books.
April 30, 2025
Tracks to freedom is a sequel to Beyond the Tracks by Michael Reit, but can be read on its own.
Agnes is a nursing student who is taken to Westerbork and from there to Auschwitz. You may remember her from Beyond the Tracks. In this book we find out what happens to her after her boyfriend Jacob sees her board the train to the East. And it’s a lot to process.
Samson is assigned to Auschwitz’s Sonderkommando, the group of prisoners working in the crematoria. This means he is fed and treated slightly better, but if you think he is lucky to be working there, think again.
Joel is an electrician and one of the few prisoners who is able to travel between all the camps and sub-camps of Auschwitz. This makes him the ideal recruit for the resistance, but this is dangerous work.
The lives of these three are intertwined as they try to undermine the German authorities. The constant danger doesn’t stop their belief they have to do everything in their power to survive whilst helping others.
This book highlights different aspects of Auschwitz camp life, telling stories of real people through the eyes of the fictional.
The author has woven an amazing tale and I cannot applaud the book enough. I read it in one day. A million stars is what it deserves.
Agnes is a nursing student who is taken to Westerbork and from there to Auschwitz. You may remember her from Beyond the Tracks. In this book we find out what happens to her after her boyfriend Jacob sees her board the train to the East. And it’s a lot to process.
Samson is assigned to Auschwitz’s Sonderkommando, the group of prisoners working in the crematoria. This means he is fed and treated slightly better, but if you think he is lucky to be working there, think again.
Joel is an electrician and one of the few prisoners who is able to travel between all the camps and sub-camps of Auschwitz. This makes him the ideal recruit for the resistance, but this is dangerous work.
The lives of these three are intertwined as they try to undermine the German authorities. The constant danger doesn’t stop their belief they have to do everything in their power to survive whilst helping others.
This book highlights different aspects of Auschwitz camp life, telling stories of real people through the eyes of the fictional.
The author has woven an amazing tale and I cannot applaud the book enough. I read it in one day. A million stars is what it deserves.
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December 5, 2022Let Their Voices Live On!
If you are a fan of WW2, historical fiction, then the name Michael Reit comes to mind, and this novel should grab your attention! Tracks To Freedom grips its feet tightly into the overwhelming realities of WW2. We witness the relentless and tearful years of the holocaust.
The reader begins their journey in Poland, and the year is 1942. Everything is disappearing: hopes, dreams, and loved ones.
The most amazing feature of this novel is that the author’s research allowed him to integrate real events that occurred, and some of the people who actually experienced and survived the holocaust. Priceless.. This novel allows their story to be told, and their voices to live on!
Tracks to Freedom holds the reader captive throughout a whirlwind ride from first page to the ending. Best-selling author, Michael Reit divulges this account of Auschwitz with a captivating flair, and the reader gains unique perspectives of soldiers, tradesman, families, physicians, and nurses. The characters are appealing, and the plot will grasp you without release!
Thanks extended to Michael Reit and BookFunnel for this Advance Review Copy.
If you are a fan of WW2, historical fiction, then the name Michael Reit comes to mind, and this novel should grab your attention! Tracks To Freedom grips its feet tightly into the overwhelming realities of WW2. We witness the relentless and tearful years of the holocaust.
The reader begins their journey in Poland, and the year is 1942. Everything is disappearing: hopes, dreams, and loved ones.
The most amazing feature of this novel is that the author’s research allowed him to integrate real events that occurred, and some of the people who actually experienced and survived the holocaust. Priceless.. This novel allows their story to be told, and their voices to live on!
Tracks to Freedom holds the reader captive throughout a whirlwind ride from first page to the ending. Best-selling author, Michael Reit divulges this account of Auschwitz with a captivating flair, and the reader gains unique perspectives of soldiers, tradesman, families, physicians, and nurses. The characters are appealing, and the plot will grasp you without release!
Thanks extended to Michael Reit and BookFunnel for this Advance Review Copy.
November 12, 2022
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“Tracks to Freedom” is a WWII historical fiction book by Michael Reit. This is the second book in a series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. What I liked was Mr. Reit’s historical research - just when you might think you know the majority of stories about Auschwitz, there is always another one to discover. Mr. Reit does acknowledge, in his afterward, where he took liberties. There is a lot of back story for all three characters - at times a bit too much (the characters’ stories don’t start intertwining until about the 50% mark), but do continue on. I found the build up to the plan tense and rather liked the abruptness of the ending - and it makes me wonder if there will be another book written with these characters. I do have the first book Beyond the Tracks on my TBR and this book has made me nudge the first book up a bit.
“Tracks to Freedom” is a WWII historical fiction book by Michael Reit. This is the second book in a series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. What I liked was Mr. Reit’s historical research - just when you might think you know the majority of stories about Auschwitz, there is always another one to discover. Mr. Reit does acknowledge, in his afterward, where he took liberties. There is a lot of back story for all three characters - at times a bit too much (the characters’ stories don’t start intertwining until about the 50% mark), but do continue on. I found the build up to the plan tense and rather liked the abruptness of the ending - and it makes me wonder if there will be another book written with these characters. I do have the first book Beyond the Tracks on my TBR and this book has made me nudge the first book up a bit.
September 11, 2024
Wow--Michael Reit nails it on telling the story of the atrocities performed in WWII. The story revolves around the medical experiments that the Nazis performed on young girls and women in the guise of doing research. Consequently, the victims were left with a life without children and lots of emotional handicaps. Agnes was a nurse in this block and witnesses the daily horrors. Another character was Joel, an electrician, that had a little more freedom even if he was a prisoner. He works with the underground resistance. Samson is a stoker and a witness in the crematoriums. He suffers with daily struggles to keep himself alive as he witnesses the sick way the Nazis try to hide their crimes. All three characters try to destroy the Auschwitz death factory and be witnesses to the most egregious crime in history. Michael Reit's books are informative, descriptive and make you feel like you are in the moment.
May 14, 2025
Sigh. I feel like I’ve been baited and switched.
I saw an advertisement for this book from the author with many promises about the nurses experience with medical experiments from the nazis on block 10. As a nurse myself, and a lover of WW2 history, I was excited (and horrified) to see what that would entail.
The answer? Nothing.
The medical experiments wasn’t even 10% of the book. In fact, after reading this book, I’m still not even sure I knew what they were actually doing to these woman as nothing was explained. When I finally got 75% of the way through I started to realize it had little to do with the medical side of things and I skimmed the rest.
Even with the skimming , it took me 2 weeks to get through it because I was never inspired to pick it back up. (I usually finish books in 3-5 days)
This was definitely more of a covert group uprising to stick it to the nazis vs an exploration of Block 10 history.
I saw an advertisement for this book from the author with many promises about the nurses experience with medical experiments from the nazis on block 10. As a nurse myself, and a lover of WW2 history, I was excited (and horrified) to see what that would entail.
The answer? Nothing.
The medical experiments wasn’t even 10% of the book. In fact, after reading this book, I’m still not even sure I knew what they were actually doing to these woman as nothing was explained. When I finally got 75% of the way through I started to realize it had little to do with the medical side of things and I skimmed the rest.
Even with the skimming , it took me 2 weeks to get through it because I was never inspired to pick it back up. (I usually finish books in 3-5 days)
This was definitely more of a covert group uprising to stick it to the nazis vs an exploration of Block 10 history.
December 13, 2022
This is not a normal read for me. That said, I found it an incredible story of bravery, compassion, and faith. Twenty+ years ago I visited Auschwitz. The horrors revealed through the efforts to maintain this museum as a reminder for the world was a moving experience. Reading this book has brought back those memories while also recreating what life was for those prisoners. This should be required reading at the high school level to share the history so that we may never repeat it. I stood in the courtyard in front of the executions wall in silent prayer and when that location as with other mentions in the book of the showers and crematoriums were revealed I could reflect on the sadness I felt witnessing first hand what it looked like to those prisoners. My prayers continue for the victims and families of the Jewish people.
January 9, 2023
Tracks to Freedom is terrifying and riveting historical fiction set in the concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. Based on true events, and including both fictional and real characters, it clearly shows the atrocious events of World War II. There are several protagonists, all of whom are amazing and inspiring characters: Agnes, who is a nurse in the camp; Joel, who is an electrician; and Samson, who works in the crematorium, alongside other strong side characters. They all fight in different ways to survive and work for their futures.
This is extremely well written and so, so painful to read. It's impossible to look back into this period of history and not cry. The characters in this historical fiction novel really pull you in. Absolutely worth the read for those interested in World War II history.
This is extremely well written and so, so painful to read. It's impossible to look back into this period of history and not cry. The characters in this historical fiction novel really pull you in. Absolutely worth the read for those interested in World War II history.
December 3, 2022
Tracks to Freedom by Michael Reit is the follow up book to Beyond the Tracks but can be read on its own. It is based on events of survivors and victims of the Holocaust in the Auschwitz and Birkenau death camps. Told from three different prisoners, Agnes who was a nurse in Block 10, Joel was an electrician and Samson was working in the crematorium, we see the horrific events these prisoners had to go through on a daily basis and the choices that had to make in order to attempt to survive.
The book was well researched extremely well written and I couldn't put it down. Michael Reit has become an auto read author for me and I'm already looking forward to reading his next novel. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
The book was well researched extremely well written and I couldn't put it down. Michael Reit has become an auto read author for me and I'm already looking forward to reading his next novel. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 6, 2022
I received an ARC from NetGalley in return for a review.
A tough read, not for the faint of heart.
Just a small peek into the lives of the prisoners of Auschwitz.
Michael Reit conveys the horrors of the prison camps of WWII but somehow manages to do it in such a way that the reader does not become numb to the atrocities. Each new revelation tears at the heart - the staggering numbers, the brutality, the abject desolation and loss of hope, the guilt. The means to which one will go in order to survive. But he also weaves in the moments that kept them going, when all else seemed lost. One can't help but root for each soul involved and become vested in their will to live.
This one may make the reader stop and reevaluate their own lives.
A tough read, not for the faint of heart.
Just a small peek into the lives of the prisoners of Auschwitz.
Michael Reit conveys the horrors of the prison camps of WWII but somehow manages to do it in such a way that the reader does not become numb to the atrocities. Each new revelation tears at the heart - the staggering numbers, the brutality, the abject desolation and loss of hope, the guilt. The means to which one will go in order to survive. But he also weaves in the moments that kept them going, when all else seemed lost. One can't help but root for each soul involved and become vested in their will to live.
This one may make the reader stop and reevaluate their own lives.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews