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The Man Who Broke Into Auschwitz: A True Story of World War II Audiobook
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(3.02) - 1,143 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
The Man Who Broke into Auschwitz is the extraordinary true story of a British soldier who marched willingly into the notorious concentration camp, Buna-Monowitz, known as Auschwitz III.
In the summer of 1944, Denis Avey was being held in a British POW labor camp, E715, near the site of Auschwitz III. He had heard of the brutality meted out to the prisoners there and he was determined to witness what he could.
He hatched a plan to swap places with a Jewish inmate and smuggled himself into his sector of the camp. He spent the night there on two occasions and experienced firsthand the cruelty of a place where slave workers had been sentenced to death through labor.
Astonishingly, he survived to witness the aftermath of the Death March in which thousands of prisoners were murdered by the Nazis as the Soviet Army advanced. After his own long trek across central Europe, he was repatriated to Britain.
For decades he couldn't bring himself to revisit the past that haunted his dreams, but now Denis Avey feels able to tell the full story—a tale as gripping as it is moving—which offers us unique insight into the mind of an ordinary man whose moral and physical courage are almost beyond belief.
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"This story covers to parts of this man's experience in WWII. First is in Africa & then in Poland. He is a courageous, determined, and honorable man. I am grateful that he finally chose to tell his story of being a POW & what he witnessed. Great memoir. Take the time to read this one."
— Sara (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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This is a most important book, and a timely reminder of the dangers that face any society once intolerance and racism take hold.
— Sir Martin Gilbert -
“An important and profound book.”
— Washington Times -
“A plainspoken, moving story…a unique war story from a brave man.”
— Kirkus Reviews
The Man Who Broke Into Auschwitz Listener Reviews
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" fascinating read, and a very moving one, about a very courageous man. "
— Tania, 2/18/2014 -
" Interesting book but I didnt finish reading it. The book has been subject to some enquiries as to whether the accounts within it are true. Sometimes all of the instances that are mentioned seem a little like too many things happening to the one person. If the accounts are all true and did happen, then it would truly be an amazing account. "
— Sonja, 2/17/2014 -
" Totally amazing book. Really moving. "
— Ella, 2/14/2014 -
" I loved this book. To think that this story remained untold for as long as it did testifies to the great power of evil people experienced in Auschwitz. Harrowing but worth the effort. Reminded me a bit of "The boy in striped pajamas" which is a must read. "
— Richard, 2/5/2014 -
" Heart wrenching true story of a man who wanted to make a difference in people's lives. I'd love to meet this man and just sit and have coffee with him. "
— Shawnee, 2/5/2014 -
" It's rare that you read a book that you immediately feel should be required reading for schools. This book really gives a look at the Greatest Generation, a look at the best and worst of the human spirit, and vividly describes what it's like to live with PTSD. "
— Oren, 2/3/2014 -
" I've never felt so uncomfortable reading a book in my life. But not in a bad way. Really recommend it if you really want to know what happened in Auschwitz, you won't get more truthful than this. "
— Amyd, 1/5/2014 -
" A true story about a man who broke into Auschwitz and what he learned while in there. Definitely worth reading. "
— Valerie, 12/25/2013 -
" It is a difficult read, but I felt it was important to grasp what really happened to all those people. It is far too great of a tragedy to let go by the wayside. "
— Kristinemcelligott, 12/22/2013 -
" A memoir of a true nightmare, 'lest we forget'. "
— Nicola, 12/14/2013 -
" Unbelievable story. Very gripping. At first I thought the author was a bit arrogant somehow. but he proved me wrong. Glad he has managed to put this/his whole history on paper. Interesting he says it can easily happen again, it does not take much. Well done Avey. "
— Thijs, 12/10/2013 -
" Everyone should read this book. Denis Avey is a courageous man who survived WW2 atrocities with dignity. He tells his story with the same dignity. "
— Nik, 12/7/2013 -
" Brilliant inside account of Auschwitz... "
— Sarah, 8/22/2013 -
" A wonderful true story of one man and his struggle before during and after the war. His horrific ordeal under the Nazis and the miricles that came for his meetings with people within the camp, stories that took a lifetime to be told. "
— Emma, 5/27/2013 -
" A heroic and precious part of history at a time when humanity was almost lost - must never be forgotten! "
— Emily, 12/4/2012 -
" Very heartwrentching! A book everyone should read. We need to remember the horrors of WWII! "
— Kaylee, 10/5/2011 -
" Honestly the most amazing book to have stumbled across. its hard to use words like fantastic when its such a tragic story, and obviously about the holocaust; but truly brilliant and honest story. "
— Richard, 6/17/2011 -
" A real insight into the mood and conditions in the camps and an inspiring story and will and goodness "
— Katcops, 6/5/2011
About the Authors
Denis Avey is a British Army World War II veteran living in Derbyshire, England.
About James Langton
James Langton, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, trained as an actor at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and later as a musician at the Guildhall School in London. He has worked in radio, film, and television, also appearing in theater in England and on Broadway. He is also a professional musician who led the internationally renowned Pasadena Roof Orchestra from 1996 to 2002.