Imagine being forced to enter an unfamiliar place where you are stripped of not only your clothes, but your humanity. Imagine having your family taken away from you and only finding hope by grasping onto the memories you once shared with your loved ones. Imagine being trapped in a place where you are treated like nothing and pushed to the ground every day simply because of how you worship God. This is what life was like for Jews during World War II, where they were forced to take the punishment for all the failures of Germans. The compelling novel, Born Survivors by Wendy Holden, leaves the reader with the hope that three mothers and their unborn babies can conquer the impossible and survive the atrocious concentration camps of Hitler's regime.
Holden introduces Priska, Rachel, and Anka— three pregnant women who conceal their secrets behind the fences of Auschwitz II- Birkenau. These women continue to defy the odds while they are starved and worked almost to death with a baby on the way. They have courage and remain faithful, while they are continuously humiliated by Nazi guards and pushed to their breaking points. Hana, Mark, and Eva, the “miracle babies,” are proof that even in the worst situations, beautiful outcomes can occur with just a little hope. Holden connects with the readers on a personal level, even though most readers may not have been directly affected by the Holocaust. She draws you into the real and true accounts of these three inspiring women who become your family. I found myself desiring a positive outcome even though it was revealed from the beginning. I felt an urge to follow the heart-wrenching story to discover each step they experienced during the miraculous liberation of these women and their children.
How can you have hope and courage when all the odds are against you? This question is what I continuously asked myself while reading this inspirational and moving piece of nonfiction. Priska, Rachel, and Anka taught me that holding onto just a glimpse of faith can save your life. Although the three women never met while they were present at the concentration camp, the “miracle babies” connected as adults and were able to relate to each other’s hardships. If you love captivating stories of individuals fighting against all odds, then this is the perfect book for you.
Holden introduces Priska, Rachel, and Anka— three pregnant women who conceal their secrets behind the fences of Auschwitz II- Birkenau. These women continue to defy the odds while they are starved and worked almost to death with a baby on the way. They have courage and remain faithful, while they are continuously humiliated by Nazi guards and pushed to their breaking points. Hana, Mark, and Eva, the “miracle babies,” are proof that even in the worst situations, beautiful outcomes can occur with just a little hope.
Holden connects with the readers on a personal level, even though most readers may not have been directly affected by the Holocaust. She draws you into the real and true accounts of these three inspiring women who become your family. I found myself desiring a positive outcome even though it was revealed from the beginning. I felt an urge to follow the heart-wrenching story to discover each step they experienced during the miraculous liberation of these women and their children.
How can you have hope and courage when all the odds are against you? This question is what I continuously asked myself while reading this inspirational and moving piece of nonfiction. Priska, Rachel, and Anka taught me that holding onto just a glimpse of faith can save your life. Although the three women never met while they were present at the concentration camp, the “miracle babies” connected as adults and were able to relate to each other’s hardships. If you love captivating stories of individuals fighting against all odds, then this is the perfect book for you.