A powerful gripping Story. Auschwitz Lullaby grabs by the lapels and takes you on a heart break journey of one mother and her family. The writing moves you. I read a few novels this past year centered on WWII and the atrocities of the Jewish experience in Europe. This was my favorite of them.

"Auschwitz Lullaby" by Mario Escobar is a historical fiction book that takes place during World War 11. It is moving and tells the story of a mother of five's story during an Auschwitz prison. She was a nurse and offered to work in the prison. She witnessed many heart breaking events. She tried to help and protect her children while she was in the prison. She could hardly protect them from the mean guards that ran the prison. She was asked to set up a nursery which was a way she could make life better for the children who suffered to survive each day. It was a good book but reminded me and showed me how terrible the prisons were at that time. I kept wondering how this all could have really happened. I appreciate netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. I will be sharing my review on Amazon, facebook, my blog, Goodreads.

Auschwitz Lullaby by Mario Escobar is a fascinating novel based on the true story of Helene Hannemann. Helene was a German woman who willingly went to Auschwitz to go with her husband and five children. As a German, Helene was given special roles in Auschwitz. This interesting, brutal novel tells her story in the form of a novel. It is a great reminder of the brutality of the concentration camps in World War II. It is also a brave love story of what a mother will sacrifice for her children. This is a great read and I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

A book of loving and caring. Helene gives up her freedom to stay with her five children. They are then deported to Auschwitz where she does everything she can to keep them fed and safe. As a professional nurse, Dr. Mengele allows her to open a day care center that allows her to feed not only her children but the other children in the camp. As always, Dr. Mengele uses this center for his own purposes though but still the children are fed.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Helene Hannemann is married to a Gypsy in Nazi Germany, and they have 5 children together. When Nazis come to their apartment one morning in 1943 to deport her husband and children, Helene insists on going with her family; she will not be left behind. As soon as they reach Auschwitz, however, Helene's husband is separated from the rest of the family, while Helene and her children are taken to the Gypsy camp. Soon after arriving, Dr. Mengele asks Helene to lead a nursery school in the Gypsy camp. Helene accepts, wanting to do what she can to bring some hope and normalcy to the children in the camp.

This was a fictionalized story of a true event; Helene really did run a nursery in the Gypsy camp of Auschwitz after refusing to let her family be taken without her. I had not heard of Helene before coming across this book, and I cannot help but admire her bravery and the lengths she went to to try to protect her family. However, I felt like I was being told the story from a distance, rather than being immersed in what happened. This book did not evoke as much emotion as Holocaust stories should and generally do.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Although I knew that the Gypsies had been targeted by the Nazis, I did not know much of their story, so this was a very informative historical fiction to read. The atrocities visited on these poor innocents is still unbelievable to me. This book focuses on the story of Helene, a German woman married to a Gypsy, and her family. She has the option not to go to the concentration camp because she is German, but she refuses to be separated from her children. Her bravery in the face of such depravity is awe-inspiring.

I am always shocked to think that this was was not that long ago in the scheme of things and that people could treat others like this.

Very well-written and thought provoking.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson--Fiction and to NetGalley for letting me read this in exchange for my honest review.
Let me say wow, this is a story that will stick with you for awhile. It was so heartbreaking yet I kept coming back and wanting more. Even more heartbreaking to find out it is a true story. This is a definite must read if you are a historical fiction lover like me but be prepared for some years.

I have always been drawn to books that focus on WWII, especially those that center on the Holocaust. Auschwitz Lullaby is based on the story of Helene Hanneman, a woman who sacrificed everything in an attempt to help save the children inside the concentration camp. Being German, Helene was not forced to go, however, her husband was a gypsy which meant that he and their children were. The diary-like feel of the writing paired with the strong emotion made this a story I kept wanting to come back to. I will caution however, the subject matter at times was difficult to read. This is a great read for fans of historical fiction.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Set in the Gypsy section of Auschwitz, this historical novel is based on a real life family and true events - many of which I knew nothing about (the nursery school, the gypsy orchestra, the soccer matches, etc.) Naturally there is a lot of death is this book and I went into it expecting a lot of tears and use of tissues, but it never came to that - somehow I found this book lacking the "je ne sais quoi" to make me emotionally attached to the characters. Also, I found the "Historical Clarifications" section at the end odd...I already knew of Mengele and his atrocities so I assumed from the outset (and Googled to clarify) that Helene and the nursery school were true as well, but of course all historical fiction authors take liberties and alter some parts to fit their narrative - so by having a section that explains exactly what they changed, I felt defeated the whole point of historical fiction. (Although perhaps I'm just bitter about the end).

4.1 - haunting, inspirational, and heartbreaking - an amazing tale of what one woman was able to accomplish despite adversity

Thankyou to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and the author, Mario Escobar, for the opportunity to read a digital copy of Auschwitz Lullaby in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
This book was heartbreaking and beautifully written. I am truly at a loss for words.
Definitely a must read.

Auschwitz Lullaby is largely based on the true story of Helene Hannemann, a German woman married to a Roma, something that became illegal under the Nazi regime. As a German citizen, she didn't have to go to this camp she refuses to leave her five children and her husband and decides to go with them. And while this is a book about concentration camps, Auschwitz in particular, it is also a book about the propaganda machine that was the Nazi regime, and how influential they were in convincing people these camps were a "good thing", despite the stories.

Helene is a warm generous person who had to learn to survive very quickly in some very difficult conditions. To say she was naive was generous and if it wasn't for the help of some of the other women, she would have died very early on in her stay. Starving and losing weight, freezing, being attacked, she really had little understanding of the real danger she was in, always demanding things she felt every citizen should receive. And I'm not really sure she fully understood the danger she was in even when whole barracks were being killed because a couple of people had typhoid. Enter Mengele (just the name gives me shivers). As a nurse Helene was recruited to work for him and had to develop a children's nursery. Considering the many works I have read about the Holocaust and about Mengele, this is the first that really focuses on the nursery. And I have to admit, my heart shrank a little bit at some of the horrors I was imagining I would read about. But it was more about Helene's efforts to give the children some comfort and some hope; it was not really a story about Mengele except in regards to Helene's interactions with him as she ran the nursery. So, while there are some horrifying things in this book, it's nowhere near as graphic as some of the other books about the Holocaust have been, when I have had to put the book down after each chapter because I just couldn't go on. Thankfully, Mengele and his graphic experiments, for the most part, are not really mentioned in here. But like I said, it is a book about Auschwitz, so there is going to be some graphic scenes, it is unavoidable.

Helene's story is definitely one that should be shared as with all other Holocaust stories, as difficult as they are to read, so that we never forget what happened. I am one who never gets tired of reading books about the Holocaust; the number of people involved means so many different stories to tell and so many different perspectives to share. And for those of us whose families have been affected by the war, it is important to learn about it. What is particularly horrible about this book is knowing what Mengele was doing just down the road while he gave movies and toys to Helene's little nursery for propaganda purposes, for the big guns to see that everything was going according to plan. Helene's interactions with Mengele were chilling, and you can feel Helene's fear of him right through the pages. Even when she learned a bit about what was happening to the children, I have to admire her bravery in facing him and asking for more food and more clothing. I would have been scared to death of him. And when she learned about the twin experiments, having twins of her own, I can't even imagine what was going through her mind. I think I would have hidden my kids.

The book sheds more light about the Romani people and what they suffered during the Holocaust. The writing is simple, but horrifying in its simplicity, leaving much to the imagination (and I can imagine plenty, thank you very much). The characters were what made this book so enjoyable; there were no pages of horrifying descriptions, just scenes as they happened, which were horrifying enough. I really liked this author's way of writing. My only flaw with the novel, which is why I gave it the rating I did, is the beginning and end. I don't want to spoil it so you'll have to see for yourself, but I don't think it was necessary. Helene's story was powerful enough.

Auschwitz Lullaby is one of those stories that grips you and makes you hope for a different ending. I think part of it is because the focus was on Helene and her desperate situation to save her five children. Because of this, she took risks, took on those in authority, all to protect not just her children, but as many children as she could. As a German citizen she was entitled to certain things but that would have meant being separated from her children and she wasn't willing to do that. I highly recommend this book to those who have an interest in reading about the Holocaust. It is definitely a worthwhile entry to the genre, and reminds us that all life is precious.

Auschwitz Lullaby by Mario Escobar is the story of Helene Hannemann and her courage in turning a Nazi propaganda exercise into a moment of hope to the children of Auschwitz. It is a story of love, evil, an impossible choice, and an inspiring courageous mother. This fictional telling of the history dilutes the history somewhat and surprising leaves an emotional distance; the history evokes the emotion not the narration.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2018/11/auschwitz-lullaby.html

Reviewed for NetGalley

A kindergarten in Auschwitz? This sounded so improbable that I was immediately interested in Auschwitz Lullaby. What a story! I can't say I loved it, because some of the subject matter was so horrible, naturally, but it was quite a story and I could hardly put it down.
Helene Hannemann and her family were arrested from their home several years into the war and taken to Auschwitz. She was German, but her husband was Romani, or Gypsy, and of course their five children were, as well. The soldiers told her to stay behind; they only wanted the Romanis—but she informed them that a mother does not leave her children, and she voluntarily went to the concentration camp with her family.
Helene caught the eye of the infamous Dr. Mengele. He needed a way to make the camp look good when inspectors came, and he needed a place to keep children until he wanted them for his experiments, so he asked Helene to run a kindergarten. She did this, and kept her little family together, caring for them the best she could under the circumstances.
I have read a lot of stories about the concentration camps, but this one stands out. It is told from the perspective of a mother protecting her children in a horrible place. It is a picture of sheer bravery, and of standing for the right no matter what the consequences are. I appreciated that, although Helene was forced to work for and with an evil man, she never compromised. She was forced to be present when people were being selected for killing—but she saved as many people as she could for as long as she could. She provided a refuge from the horrors around her for as many as she could.
This is not a book for children, or for anyone who can't handle unpleasantness. It is a book for those who appreciate true stories of extreme bravery and integrity. There are scenes that show extreme inhumanity, but Helene's example of a mother's sacrificial love shines through.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
WARNING: There is violence and torture here and there throughout the book.

I really liked this book, especially in the beginning. I like when you can really imagine a scene when you are reading because the writing is so descript. This book had that for me. The characters were lovely, and I liked how it was set up as a sort of flashback of Mengele.

I'm not really sure where the title comes from. I kept waiting for Helene's husband to play a more prominent role since he was clearly the musician of the family. The violin on the front threw me.

Also I felt that not enough time was given to the kindergarten, and the effect of Mengele experimenting on the twins. There could have been way more plot there.

I would rate this a 3.5, since I really like the premise, but I feel like it is a little lacking.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ecopy for my Kindle.
My favorite genre is historical fiction and nonfiction, especially about WWII. I have read many accounts, both fiction and non fiction, about the lives and events during WWII. This is the first book I've read about the horrendous treatment of Gypsies during this time period. "Auschwitz Lullaby" is basically a non fiction book with a little fiction thrown in. It's not an easy book to read, but it was definitely one of my all time favorites

I have a few suggestions before reading this book. You should find a quiet place, grab a blanket and something to drink. Get a pillow so you can use it to scream in. For me these were must necessities to get through this harrowing account of history that was deplorable.

Helene Hannemann was a special woman who loved her family deeply. She was of Aryan German descent while her husband was a Gypsy. The story seems relatively tame until one day when everything seemed normal, walking up the stairs to their place were SS guards. Helene's worse fear was coming true. They were there to take her husband and children away. Oh how I cried as I pictured Helene clutching her children with all the strength she had. There was no way she was staying behind while her family were going to face an unbearable future.

The author pulls no punches as the camp is described in deplorable condition. Men were separated from their family and the story focuses on Helene and her children. I have read many books about the concentration camps were Jews were sent. The book has now made me aware that other nationalities were targeted as well. The book is based on a true story and the author has done an admirable job of showing us what a mother will do to protect her children.

I was sickened when Dr. Mengele was introduced into the story. He was such a heartless and ruthless person. This is where my pillow came into play. I stopped reading half way through the book, and screamed into the pillow as long as I could. The senselessness of this man's actions made anger take me over. How can anyone send innocent women, men and children to death while smiling the whole time? The author goes into vivid details of the torture, mistreatment and inhumane actions taken on these people. I will never understand how a person can declare himself king of the world and dismiss human life with a wave of a hand.

This book is a hard one to read, but important because it gives us a glimpse inside a world where death was an odor that lingered in the air twenty-four hours a day. You could screams of agony from children who were starving and shivering from the cold. The women there with the children grew weary as one by one a life was taken . Helene was a mother who was willing to stand up for what was right, did not worry about her safety and never gave up hope.

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.

The story follows the German mother of 5 in Auschwitz and her courage and strength during such a difficult time. It was a moving book based off real people at the Holocaust camp. I can't imagine being in Helene's place seeing what she saw day after day. This book is a reminder that even in awful situations, you can still have hope for better things. Always have your cup half full instead of half empty.

I have read a lot of books on WWII but must of them have been about the Jewish persecution, I have read little about what happen to the Gypsy population. What a heartbreaking story! I sat down and read this book in a day and cried most of my way through. To learn what man can do to each other, we must never forget!

The author has recreated a beautiful but harrowing account of the interment into Auschwitz of German born, blue eyed, Helene Hannemann who as a young woman fell in love and married a man of Romani (gypsy) heritage. Helene is initially offered the chance by the Nazis to remain and not be taken as prisoner but how could a mother of five and one with a strong love for her husband stay, not ever to know the plight of her family. The Nazis did not generally discriminate when it came to mixed marriages and so called pure blood Germans found themselves taken as prisoners along with Romani, Jews, Homosexuals etc. The author takes the reader into the trains the cattle carts, overcrowded, lacking water and sanitary facilities, the heat, the cold and the death within the carts. Helene and her husband Johann with their five children survive. On arrival at their destination families are separated with young children staying with mothers and the men taken to work and to clean up for the Nazis. Helene and her children find themselves in a makeshift unfinished building living in deplorable conditions. The author’s descriptions leaves no doubt in the mind of the reader the desperate situation the prisoners found themselves in. Dr Mengele arrives at the camp where he favours Helene because of her German heritage and different appearance compared to the Romani prisoners and she is a nurse. She is able slowly to improve conditions for her family and others immediately around her. Helene emerges as a brave and strong woman who is able to create a calming presence amongst her fellow prisoners. Mengele’s personality, psychopathic madness needs little to be said, however the author gives a view that he is really drawn to Helene for which she is able to utilise for increased improvements, food etc for the children. Mengele of course lies about his actual purpose in the children’s nursery/school and in particular regarding twin children. Helene possibly because of her naive character fails to read Mengele correctly until she witnesses the physical proof of his experiments on children. When the children through hunger and fear cry, Helene sings lullabys to them to help them settle. The terrorising is building to a crescendo as the Germans begin to realise they are losing the war, starvation in the German people creates a madness in those running the camps, there is less food for prisoners and so to reduce demand the mass extermination rapidly increases. Helene’s older children have discovered a method of escape but Helene fails to act, discovery would mean being shot. Mengele offers a final exemption to Helene for her freedom but again she declines.