My Brother's Voice: How a Young Hungarian Boy Survived the Holocaust, a True Story

by Stephen Nasser, Sherry Rosenthal

Stephen Nasser somehow dug deep within his soul to survive the brutal and inhumane treatement his captors inflicted on the Jews. He was the only one of his family to survive--but the memory of his brother's dying words compelled him to live. Stephen's account of the Holocaust, told in the refreshingly direct and optimistic language of a young boy, appeals to both younger audiences and his contemporaries. Written in a straightforward, narrative style, Nasser avoids the cloying or maudlin language that characterizes some stories of the Holocaust. Perhaps it's for that reason readers will find his book one they won't forget--and one they recommend to others as a "must read."

Genres: Holocaust, Nonfiction, History, World War II, Memoir, War, Adult

229 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2003

Reviews

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book, a great read. I learned many new vocabulary words, lessons, truths, and had was inspired. The vocabulary is great for someone wanting to learn new words and is still easily understandable. There was also a part in the book where Pista said he had been weakened physically, mentally, and emotionally. I have also thought mentally and emotionally were the same thing, but now that he said that I think the difference is that mentally is when you think and emotionally is when you feel. He was strained in having to think and was caused pain and grief because of much loss. I learned truths such as the evil humans can be capable of. I'm not sure I would even call the SS humans. How could any human pick up a helpless baby and smash them, destroying everything they could have been? How could any human starve, beat, and overwork people who did nothing wrong? How could people think that being Jewish was wrong? This opened my eyes to how evil humans can be, but also opened my eyes to the good. There were many people that had thought what was going on was inhuman and completely immoral and helped in any way they could, and that is what keeps the hope for humanity alive. People like that. Pista is very strong and is alive because of his strength, but also because of the love of his brother Andris. Andris would not let Pista die, he did not let Pista die. He helped his younger brother to make it out of that hell hole alive and helped him to go on with life. Pista was never alone though, and is never alone. Ever since Andris died in his arms Andris has always been watching over Pista, along with his other family members, but for some reason Andris's and Pista's bond is much stronger, and Andris is always with Pista, guiding him such as when he had to leave Vera. Pista's encounter with bullies because of his religion reminds me of one encounter with bullies who called me something I'd rather not say and were going to harm me for prejudice reasons. There is no excuse for prejudice and the Holocaust shows prejudice at its worst. On another note, Pista has inspired me in my education. I am starting high school soon and don't want a Standard Diploma, but I have been unsure on whether to settle for an advanced diploma or go for the Honors Diploma, which requires much college level work. I have decided that if Pista could complete two school years at a very prestigious school in one year then I could go for the Honors Diploma, no matter how much studying and work it will take. This book has inspired me in many ways, and shown me also that if you love someone sometimes you have to let them go. It has also shown me that if you have a strong enough bond with someone, such as Pista and Andris had, even death cannot separate you.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen Nasser came to the middle school I teach at to tell his story to the students. It was an emotional experience even for "tough" middle school boys. Before he left I bought a copy of the book signed by him.

His story is beautiful and I enjoyed reading it. He is not a writer by profession, so it doesn't flow like most books do. But that makes it even more real to me because he is just a guy telling his story.

[A.L. Sowards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t read a lot of books about the Holocaust, because they’re so heartbreaking. But this one was balanced with a good mix of hope and humanity. A friend gifted me this audiobook and it was really good. The story, and the narration. It’s not a narrator I would necessarily seek out to listen to for other books, but he nailed the teenage version of the author. Life is hard for a lot of people, and bad things happen. But in the long run, family and kindness are stronger than evil and cruelty, and I think that message is one of the reasons this book is so good.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just saw Stephen Nasser speak live. What an absolute thrill. To meet a survivor of the Halocaust!is a memory I will never forget! We must all NEVER FORGET! This book, like most of the books, movies, etc. about that horrible period in Human history was tough to read, but absolutely heart rending and worth the time. I would highly recommend it.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The haunting and harrowing true story of one boy's fight for survival in a Nazi concentration camp. I read this book with a lump in the throat and tears in my eyes. Another great memoir of history's darkest chapter.

[Kimberly O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

My book review would be about the book "My Brother's Voice" the author for this book is Stephen Nasser, and the genre of this book is Historical Fiction.

The overall Main of this book is Stephen Nasser, the time was back in world war 2 during the 1940's in germany.
The problem that the character had encounter was that he and his family had been captured by the Nazi's and he needs to have the encouragement and strength to survive. I can not relate to this character, mostly because in this book he had been through a lot, and i couldn't image losing so much during this time in history and to not give up hope.
My favorite part is when he felt like he was going to die, but he kept hearing the voice of his older brother basically telling him to not give up hope, that soon every thing will turn around for the best. My least favorite part is when someone had died, probably the worst way you can image (not saying who and how, you must read the book to find out yourself).
I would most definitely recommend this book to people who love historical fiction, heart warming, and heart breaking books.
I had rated this book 4 stars because even though it was a good book, there were mistakes that i thought that were made, such as not understanding just a couple sentences.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, this was the best book I have ever read. Honestly. This was about what happened to Jews in I think the 1900s. Its basically about this boy(Stephan Nasser) who has witnesses this tragidy. Stephan(otherwise known as Pista) and his family was sent to concentration camps by the Nazis. There was 21 members of his family, and he was the only one to survive. Some were killed or died of sickness. But mostly killed. Over 300 million Jews were killed during that. All because of those stupid Nazis! They were bullies; cowards; and jerks! I never knew how bad it was until I read this book. I have read something similar to this, but if anything this was sad and cruel. Even more than that. I seriously cried and felt very bad for what happened. No Jew should have gone through that! They didnt do anything wrong. That was totally unfair for the Jews that had to go through that. If you are reading this and you havent read this, I would recomend that you'd read it.

[Cactuskid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very interesting story about a young Hungarian Boy that survived a German concentration camp during WWII. He and his brother were taken from their mother and even though his older brother was the stronger one, he died in the camp. Pista was 14 when he was freed but he was very smart and figured out all kinds of ways to help him survive for over a year doing hard labor. He managed to get back to his home in Hungary but things had been destroyed. He found and aunt and uncle and lived with them until he was 17 and getting his education but they finally found his dear mother had died in another camp. That's when he finally decided to take advantage of Canada's offer to orphan children to immigrate to Canada. What an amazing life he had.

[Carol Wagers · Rating 1 out of 5]

while I agree that Nasser's story is interesting, I felt his writing was pedestrian at best. He spoke at my church, many ywars ago so I got his book. I was very disappointed by tge trite and cliched language. there are so many well written books about the Holocausr, it seems a shame to put this one in the same company. urch

[Ann Schaffer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe it's a sign I've read too many memoirs and novels on the Holocaust, but this just wasn't my favorite book. I feel bad saying this, but parts of the book just didn't feel right to me. I couldn't help but wonder if the author embellished his experience.

[Brittany Pickard · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so hard for me to believe any of this is real. I cried so many times. Stephen Nasser will always be in my thoughts! wishing all the best to him and his family! A must read! Great Great Great novel!!!!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very engrossing, very brutal, vivid. Incredible perseverance in unimaginable circumstances. It was hard to put the book down. It probably would've been even better if he'd written it closer to the events (and/or had his diary).

[Patty Dwyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could tell that this book was written many years ago and by European writer.
The reason I picked up this book was because I am in the play- Not Yet, Pista. Reading this autobiography gave me such insight that helped me to appreciate my small roles that I was cast for. For the first time, I allowed myself to shed more tears as I was reading about his brother at his end. I tried being stoic like I usually am when reading sad stories, but I couldn't with this one.
Stephen didn't make the story more dramatic- he wrote with simple honesty and pureness. How at such young age he kept on going with innocent vigor and outlook. The author was so kind enough to wait years later to write this book to spare his beloved uncle died from much sorrow to learn the truth about his wife and baby. Toward the end, Vera's decision in not keeping in touch nor to accept long-distance friendship was sad. I wanted to know what happened to her after she was trapped in communism. I also wished Stephen had shared how he met his wife and a bit of his life in Canada/US. This author KEPT his PROMISE to his brother to tell the story to the world. I thank him for that. A very good book to read.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was in a youth group when I was around 12 or 13 years old. I had the opportunity to have Mr. Nasser come and tell his story. He shared a few major events and even made us laugh. That even though it was a horrific experience he was able to point to at least one memory to smile about. Mr. Nasser finished by talking about how he doesn't hate Germans like other survivors do and about how he has been able to maintain his faith and live a long and happy life.

As soon as I was able, I got the book and read it. The story was more profound to me than any other because I was able to say that I know that young boy, even though I met him after he became a man. I shook his hand, and I heard his story. A very impactful story and I'm grateful that Mr. Stephen Nasser was willing to share and inspire.

[Sandra Fuentes · Rating 2 out of 5]

I give up. I'd have to agree with a lot of people on how this book was not well written. It was as if he just learned about metaphors and similes and was trying to squeeze them in every time he remembered he should use them. Maybe it came out this way because English is not his first language, perhaps written in Hungarian and then translated might make it better? Honestly, couldn't get myself to finish it. I feel like a bad person for it, but I can't keep reading it. That being said, I don't think it's right for people to question the validity of his story. Traumatic experiences can affect the way something is remembered, obviously is not the only factor in how well he remembers something. I certainly don't remember a lot of details of when I was 14 and I'm only 25.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my grandfather and I remember reading it when it was still a manuscript tucked between two yellow pieces of a cardboard cover. I was 13 the first time I read it and read it again when it was published. Seeing this book published was a joyous moment for him and it made me proud of my heritage, knowing the world would get to read what he went through. I have read it many times over the years and it still catches me off guard with the weight of sorrow, pain, strength, and survival lacing every word.

If you are interested in Holocaust literature, I would highly recommend adding this to your collection.

[Linda Harsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story is important and it is worth remembering the horrors that were endured during the holocaust. I'm okay with the writing flaws because I understand that he learned English as a second language. It is inexcusable that there are a few sentences that don't make any sense, are incomplete, or have huge formatting problems. The publisher should have an editor to fix that. The flaws took away from the author's message. I really wish I hadn't read this book even though I am glad that I now understand his story.

[Ty Nahinu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because it had a lot of thrilling adventures in pista's life. One of my favorite scenes that expressed lots drama and action was when he was stripped out of his bed and whipped because he sneezed. This shows that the Nazis did not care for this little Jewish boy. It makes you feel more thankful that you live in america and how you great it is to not be judges or abused because of the religion you live in.

[Jennifer Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Humans

Every time I read a book about the holocaust I can’t believe all that was endured. What amazing human beings these Jewish people are that endured so much and continued to fight for their life and freedom. I’m always just so amazed by their bravery. They deserve an extra level in heaven for all they overcame.

[Gayle Wojnar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heart-wrenching story of immense sorrow and brutality as told by a young Jewish boy during the Holocaust. Yet his wonderful spirit and indomitable will to survive (despite all odds) is what drives this story, which is also sprinkled with bits of sunshine, humanity and hope. This is a must-read for any student of the Holocaust.

[Brielle Braegger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING! it’s crazy to hear about such tragic events written from a young boys perspective. I have so much more I would love to say about this book but I legitimately cannot find the words. I think everyone should read this book. 20/10

[Mindy Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Graphic. Definitely hard parts to read. Would have rated it 5 stars, but it's not for everyone. As always, in a book like, I am amazed at the unconquerable human spirit. What it can take, and what it can bounce back from. Beautiful.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is simply told, and the writing style is not fantastic. But it is a good story and one I would like my boys to read...hopefully they will see how brothers can be good for each other.

[Donna Fredericks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will touch your heart and soul . . . I am deeply humbled by the experience of Mr. Nasser. God Bless.

[Caleb Matthew C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried until I had no more tears. I still cry every time I even think about this book.

[Sarah Taylor]

So good!!!

[Dasia Olivares · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book several times over my life and it is one that will live in my memory forever.

[Bridget Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

true holocaust story writte after his uncles death so he wouldnt know his son was cruely murdered along side his wife.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After hearing Stephen speak at my school (Denise Fry booked him), I had to read his books. They are as amazing as he is.

[Kellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

saw this is the book room so grabbed it.....