Review: The Girl who Escaped from Auschwitz

This novel tells a story of bravery and resilience in the face of the unimaginable horror that was Auschwitz. this is Mala and Edwards story. She was inmate 19880, and from the moment she stepped off the cattle train she was in hell. She was an interpreter for the SS and used her position to save as many lives as she could. Edward, inmate 531, was a political prisoner who is part of the underground resistance and has an escape plan. Together they light a glimmer of hope.

I love historical fiction, and have read many that follow this subject. I found it quite difficult to get into and had to re-read parts at times and i think that this is because the plot was quite slow-paced.

however despite this the characters show incredible determination and this is an emotionally charged book. The author captures the painful and horrific reality of life during the Holocaust whilst also giving back humanity to those it was stolen from. This was moving and inspiring.

It took me a while to get into this story as the timeline initially jumped and I hadn't realised so it wasn't making much sense, plus there's lots of characters and different locations but I persevered. And I'm so glad that I did. I ended up really enjoying this book. The characters become loveable and it was nice to see their individual personalities shine through despite the horrific situation they were in. I've read a few Auschwitz books over the years and I definitely think that the characters in this one is what makes it stand out from the rest.
Overall, a really good book that I'd recommend to fans of this genre.

A gripping novel offering a poignant portrayal of bravery and resilience in the face of unimaginable horror. While the book provides valuable insights into the human spirit and historical events, sensitive readers should be aware of the intense and disturbing nature of its subject matter.

I love historical fiction, but this is one I couldn’t get into. I tried reading it multiple times, and I only got partway through each time. I didn’t love it, and I couldn’t finish it.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. This one was a bit on the slower side but it was still such a good story and so emotional.

Omg!!! Nothing compares to the raw beauty and brilliance of a Midwood novel. These days, I find myself counting down until her next release, and when the book arrives...I’m off to a quiet place to read, and ultimately, get lost, in the heart-wrenching world of her heroes & heroines. This time we’re introduced to Maya and Edward, two separate souls who share the same fate but also the same fearlessness and resiliency. Midwood has this uncanny ability to pick me up and drop me right in the story, leaving me so enmeshed and committed to what happens next, I feel like I can see what they’re seeing, breathe the same air ... and she wields words like paintbrushes, creating an atmosphere that felt so painfully realistic.

These stories are haunting and tragic because we know the reality of it all, but that’s why they’re so important. These stories must be told. Midwood writes with the passion of a poet, but her work is as well-thought-out and researched as a practiced historian. I enjoy both sides of it—the history and the deep POV that connects me so much to these people as individuals. It left me in tears, but it also filled my heart with joy and hope in the next breath ... because, despite all the darkness, love still lit the way ... and the bravery — THE BRAVERY — should inspire all of us. Hope is not a dangerous thing ... it’s a NECESSARY thing, especially in moments of unimaginable horror and pain. I just loved this story so much ... and I’ll begin counting down again for the next one!

I usually reserve 5 stars for books I would reread; however, this was really hard to read about the in-depth injustices and cruelties within these horrific concentration camps, so I do not plan to re-read. However, I'm grateful Midwood wrote this, and the details are important. To see the level where humanity can degrade other humans is despicable, and this history must be remembered lest it be forgotten. I appreciated the well-developed characters and the romances in the book.

Reading about the horrors of Auschitz is never easy, and this book was truly hard hitting. The descriptions of the horrors thousands and thousands of people had o ensure were chilling. Reading about Moll's cruelty was nausea inducing, but at the same time, reading about Mally's constant hope, kindness and goodness, warmed by heart. Mally was a ray of sunshine in this ninth circle of hell.
This is a true story, and many of the people in this book died (some survived) in Auschwitz. Their pain and suffering was depicted with true skill by Ellie Midwood.
Reading Holocaust books makes me cry every time, but it is important we read them and try to remember those events and ensure they never ever repeat themselves.

Wow, wow, wow!
To begin I did find this a bit slow and it took me a while to read but wow! I’m so glad I kept with it. Such a powerful story. The last chapter actually had me in tears.
I really do recommend anyone to read this! It’s such a powerful and unforgettable story of strength and bravery! What those people went through is absolutely harrowing.
Ellie Midwood did an incredible job in writing this and I can’t wait to read more from her.

Before I get started I just wanted to put some trigger warnings in place as there is mention of suicide and genocide throughout this book, for obvious reasons, so if this is something that may be harmful to you please do take this into consideration before reading.

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Recently I’ve been reading so many powerful non fiction books that it’s been nice to get back into a bit of fiction, particularly historical fiction which is by far one of my favourite genres.

This book follows Mala Zimetbaum, the first woman to escape Auschwitz and is based on a true story so it’s very harrowing and hard hitting. It follows her as she navigates around the camp. As an interpreter for the SS, she works her way up the ladder to become one of the Nazi leaders protégés. She spends her time trying to save as many Jewish lives as possible. This book has a dual narratives switching between Mala and Edward, an Auschwitz veteran, who is skilled in the art of combat. Edward is a member of the underground resistance and helps hatch a plan for their escape. It’s a truly tragic and beautiful love story of how hope can be found, even in the most devastating of places.

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This book is so well written, it flows really easily and you become so gripped and invested, and before you know it, you’re 300 pages in and you don’t want to put it down. I did have to research a bit into some of the aspects and positions inmates held because I didn’t know that much about it and kept getting a little confused but it was a really thought provoking. I love how close to historical fact Ellie kept this story, it makes it even more hard hitting and heartbreaking to read.

Throughout the story it invokes and portrays a lot of emotions from both the protagonists, and the readers. You can feel the pain, anguish and torment that runs deeply within the characters. The constant stare of fear, the palpable need for revenge and the anxiety of never really knowing if it they’ll make it to the next day. The protagonist Mala is a very strong and fierce woman, I really enjoyed watching her grow back into her confidence, standing up for herself often at the risk of her own life to protect other inmates. You really can’t help but root for her.

The development of the characters is very clear and well written. It’s beautiful the way that both protagonists main goals of revenge and escaping melt away as they start falling for one another and finally realise how much strength they generate by being with one another and how the hope and freedom they long for feels tantalisingly close when they are in each other’s presence.

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It’s heartbreaking reading about the conditions and treatment of Jewish people within Auschwitz, this is the first book I’ve read from the view point of actual inmates and it was deeply upsetting and harrowing to read. At the same time, the strength and power of the love and hope that flows from the two main protagonists, radiating faith between the inmates is heartwarming. It’s a truly devastating and heart wrenching story, if this didn’t move you, I don’t know what will. It’s such a tragic story of how love can breed hope and a revolution for the history books.

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Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this eARC at the end of last year, I can’t wait to go out and grab a physical copy!

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I got this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.Ellie Midwood doesn’t transport you to another time and place, she lives there and invites you to sit next to her in the death camp while she tells these stories. This book is is based on the true story of Mally Zimetbaum and Edek (Edward) Galinski and their escape attempt from Auschwitz.

This book was definitely on the slower side. I really enjoy Holocaust stories so it kept my interest however it isn’t something I would rave about. Overall it was an okay book!

Great historical novel with a realistic view on the past. I loved the respect for history and such cruel situations. It was an easy read with moments of me being emotional. On the other hand, I missed a sparkle of hope sometimes to make it a little less heavy.

Another amazing book based on a true story by this author. Mala and Edek's is a true love story with their amazing will to escape and survive from the appalling Auschwitz, a story that is obviously well researched and will stay with you long after you have finished reading it

I normally enjoy reading WWII novels but found The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood a difficult read. I have personally visited Auschwitz so I know all the awful details that happened there. However, reading about the life of this woman and what she had to endure to live People know of the deaths of the Jews in the concentration camps but many people don't realize the number of Polish, Hungarians, and gypsies and Russians that faced extermination. I believe these books are important to read so people will never forget that this happened. We need to remember so that it will never happen again.

*thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and Ellie Midwood for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*


2.5 stars rounded up.

I usually really like Auschwitz stories, particularly the true or partially true, ones. But, while this was a still an ok read, it was verging on being a little slow and it wasn't as good as others I've come across.

I don't really have much to say about it other than it was an ok read. Not amazing, but still a good story.

This book is amazing.
The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz is a must read the next time you're in the mood for a historical fiction novel.. Obviously set in WWII, the author manages to create a realistic and emotional tale. It's inspirational and powerful for sure.

Books about auschwitz fascinate me.
I cannot say that I enjoy them because what these people went through is just absolutely horrific. But I do have any interest in reading their stories and educating myself what actually happened.
This book, like most on this topic, is a fascinating read, thought provoking, and sad.
The book will stay with me

Another jewel of a book from author Ellie Midwood, who also wrote The Violinist of Auschwitz, among other well written novels. This novel does not disappoint, in the romance of Mal and Edek, prisoners in the infamous camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, and their plans and intents of escape. Their will to survive and to be together is inspiring and touching in this well written historical novel.

Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres. Once again Ellie Midwood did not disappoint. She can tell you a story and make you feel as if you are living it. Wonderful book.