“We should never forget”
“We shall never forget”
A well written historical fiction about living in Paris at the start of WWII.
A emotionally charged story with heartbreaking moments and heartwarming moments.
The Storyteller of Auschwitz is a well written and researched story about the Holocaust.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

This book by far was the best book I have read in years. Its gripping story about Etty and her journey during WWII was chilling and haunting. From the moment I started this book until I finished it I was hooked. Tears streamed down my face through most of this story as we learned about Danielle, Tomasz and many others and their tales. I feel as though this book is a must read for everyone! It sickens me to think that this was a reality for many. The author expertly wove in memorable stories of faith, hope and spark in an expert way. I have found myself sitting back and reflecting often when reading this story. If it was up to me I would give every person a copy of this story! Thank you, thank you netgalley and publisher for the advanced read. I can’t wait to share this story with my students, friends, family and beyond. This book I know will stay in my heart forever. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. Run to grab your copy!

First, I want to thank Bookouture, Netgalley and Siobhan Curham for providing me with the Advanced Readers Copy of this beautifully written but heartbreaking book. I have always found myself being drawn to reading about the holocaust and WW2 so when I saw this book, I knew I needed to read it and I am so glad I did.
This was not just a story about the death, loss, grief and inhumanity but also about love, faith. hope and the finding the strength each day surrounded by so much to death to live. One of the things I loved about this book is how the main character uses her stories to encourage those around her to hold on and not let their hopes and dreams be snatched away from them by the evil that surrounds them each day. These stories not only played a vital part to the other characters and their survival but also to the reader as well because it shifts the mood from one of sadness and despair to one of hope as found myself smiling and laughing along with the Etty as she told her stories to her friends and Danielle. I think this is what separates this book the from others, these stories and how it transports us from the horrors of Auschwitz to the places that these tales are taking place.
One of my favorite quotes from this book was " I had to live to tell the world what happened here to stop it from ever happening again." I will continue to read and educate myself on The Holocaust because it must never be forgotten and thanks to books like this it never will be.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the characters from it will stay with me for a very long time. The character development of Etty was a captivating and wholesome journey to experience, and I cannot wait for the release of this book that everyone can enjoy this absolutely beautiful story of The Storyteller of Auschwitz and how she impacted the lives of those around her with her tales of love, joy and faith at the darkest time of their lives.

Just when I think Siobhan Curham’s books cannot get any better, she goes and tops the previous again! What an original story The Storyteller of Auschwitz is! It not only shows us the power and transformational ability of story-telling but also how it can aid the human spirit to survive through the most horrendous of events, like the Holocaust. In that way, stories become ‘an act of resistance, inspiration and remembrance.’

I am not sure where to begin to praise this novel as the effects are so far reaching. It transported me to a time of terror in World War II but also when great courage and endurance prevailed. The Nazis tried to strip hope from the souls of every Jew they captured. To humiliate and destroy their lives. But people like Etty held on to tiny threads of optimism. Jewels of light were released from her heart through the stories she shared and carried inside her. Some were from her own well of creativity but also from a reservoir of stories collected from a special bookstore owner she adored. But she did not keep all these wonderful gems to herself for she used these small pearls from the imagination to buoy others through the hopelessness and despair that surrounded them. These stories became a lifeline for many. For they offered promise, faith and encouragement and kept the love trickling into all of their lives. What a gift!

Before the Germans took over, Etty was a successful author with four books. When she handed the fifth instalment over to her publisher, he gave her the sad news. He was no longer allowed to publish her works. Because she was a Jew. This broke her heart but little did she know the path ahead that waited her. How she would take that ability out into the world to help so many once the Jews were rounded up and sent to camps. Stories became everything – their sole source of comfort, when stripped of all essentials of living. I don’t think I will ever forget the descriptions of these poor victims and the trials they endured but I will also remember the special bonds of friendship that grew between them. How they worked together and took comfort in each other. And how Etty tried desperately to encourage their faltering spirits, to inspire hope and to keep the fires burning in their hearts to survive.

This novel addresses many things: including a victim’s response to an evil oppressor. How easily such violence could breed hate. But there were some like Solly who reminded Etty and us that hate will only injure and make us sick. It really does not hurt the offender. We are responsible for what remains in our hearts after the attacks. Will we allow bitterness to take root or choose love? It is truly a hard task as a normal human response would be to retaliate. It is much easier to lash out than to respond in kindness. And forgive? Well, that is another whole level of courage.

The Storyteller of Auschwitz grabbed my heart from the first page and never let go. Tears flooded my eyes and an ache throbbed inside my heart for those who went through such awful torture. This novel moved me deeply with its probing insight, gut-wrenching images, memorable characters and amazing stories. I loved the full cast but Etty and Solly were my favourites. Solly called himself the Guardian of the Books, Keeper of the Stories, the Host of the Poems. His stories were pure gold, spun from ancient wisdom, truth and love. The healing and valuable spiritual guidance they offered Etty was priceless and she in turn, like a good steward, passed them on. A precious gift that kept giving.

I must not forget Tomasz the boxer who really connected Etty to her childhood faith and was determined to prevent the Germans from erasing Jewish identity. He gave her hope, encouragement and new direction to follow her writing talent through the gates of war. And yes, there are brief moments of romance between them that carry her through the darkness. Yet their relationship, like any, is a little bumpy as his mysteriousness and certain comments lead her to some misunderstanding. But in the end, all becomes clear.

This novel speaks volumes on the power of stories: how they teach and remind us of the good things, offer hope, encouragement, light and joy. Even in the face of evil. And The Storyteller of Auschwitz is a potent reminder to never forget the Holocaust so that we can prevent it from ever happening again. Siobhan Curham has done a magnificent job in delivering this message through the power of her own imagination. I am sure she has woven many pieces of herself into this novel, as her expert knowledge of writing comes through beautifully and what it means to be an author. The Storyteller of Auschwitz is the star on her tree of novels as it shines with such brilliance and light, it leaves me breathless, mesmerised and inspired. This is a profound story drenched in unforgettable love and remembrance. And worth far more than 5 Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️*

Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my review copy.

A well-written historical fiction, giving us not only an interesting glimpse of historical Paris, but an insightful glimpse into the main character. Would recommend

Thank you to Siobhan Curham, NetGalley and Bookouture for the arc of this book.

I received a complimentary ARC of this excellent historical novel from Netgalley, author Siobhan Curham, and publisher Bookouture. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read The Storyteller of Auschwitz of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I am pleased to add Siobhan Curham to my favorite author list and to recommend her work to friends and family. She writes a heartfelt tale that keeps you reading long into the night.

And this book touches you where you live, making the trials and tribulations suffered by beleaguered Europeans during the Second World War personal no matter where in the world you live. It is a story that keeps us aware of the sacrifices and depredations suffered by the people of many nations in an effort to keep that sort of abuse from happening again. We definitely need to avoid this sort of injustice from happening, again. One can only hope reading the story will keep alive our human need for justice and equality. And awaken in us all the sense of compassion and empathy necessary to establish a world where fairness rules.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am not a historical fiction lover but this book might change my opinion. This is an emotional , teary and moving story of Etty Weil a Jewish author and Danielle (a young girl in the camp) who through words share their story. The story shows the human spirit (it's resilience, cruelty and strength), the power of story telling and friendship It's an emotional book that will break you , check you and encourage you to be a better human.. We all need to read this book.

Actual rating: 4.25

Thanks netgalley for giving me a early copy of this amazing story teller her name is Claudette and just loved her.
My favourite character in the whole book was Saul I loved his strories by the prophets in the bible and being Jewish i Understood where he was coming from.
Claudette weaved beautiful tales and this book was an very emotional read.
It’s hard to describe how you feel reading a book like this, but alli can tell anyone read it and see what you think.
Thanks again for letting me read this story
I

A beautifully written book with such a wonderful tale of how we are totally in control of our imagination and thoughts even if we cannot control anything else around us. The story is full of horror as the author does not sugar coat the atrocities of Auschwitz. This just adds to the authenticity of the book.

Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. I love HF books and this one is set during WWII/Holocaust which is my favorite time to read about. It tells the story of Etty, a writer in Paris just as Germans have occupied the city.. She is worried as being Jewish she can no longer write, but it turns out her problems are bigger than that, and she realizes she must document the horrors of this war. Eventually Etty is put in Aushwitz and writes all that happens to her and those she loves. This was a well researched, thoughtful and moving story of a horrible time. I felt like the war wrapped up very quickly and the book was given a "happy" ending, but overall this is a great story for HF fans.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I found this book hard to put down. I think this is
Siobhan Curham best so far.

It had you hooked, it’s a heartbreaking story that will make you cry reading of the atrocities that took place, as well as laughing when the stories told.

I loved Etsy, and her enthusiasm won many hearts.

I highly recommend this book.

Oh wow! What a read! This was very well written. It had me smiling and crying at the same time. My heart was breaking and I was living in hope along side the characters. A must read and I will be recommending this book a lot.

Sometimes you are lucky enough to read a book that will stay with you for a long time after the last page. This book will be one of those for me.

While the start was slow (and to be honest almost lost me) the second two thirds of the book was so heart wrenching that I couldn't function until I found out what happened to Etty and her friends.

Based on the slow start it was probably a 4.5 star read for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.

A beautiful story about a best-selling Author (Etty) staged in Paris during WWII. Her life changes drastically because she is Jewish. Her books won't be published and slowly the identity of her and other Jews are taken away. When she is arrested and sent to Auschwitz, the horror kicks in. The only thing she and the women in the barracks can do is tell stories. The stories give hope and an escape of the cruelties even if it is for a little moment. Etty promises the women that when this horrible war ends, their stories will not be forgotten.

This was a very powerful read. I'm a bit stunned by some comments that Etty (and other Jewish people) were naive and ignorant. I think the writer actually did a great job here. Let's not forget that when the war started, nobody actually knew what was going to happen. Things slowly moved in and the moment people became aware of what was going on, it was too late. If the Jewish community knew about the camps, they wouldn't have stayed. Before somebody bites my head off, my grandfather was in a camp and his stories always stayed with me, especially the ‘not knowing how bad it would be,’ part. This is one of the first books I have read that the characters acted like that. This book will take you on a journey of suffering, pain, and horrific events, but it's also a journey of resilience, bravery, love and the power of stories. There were plenty of moments when I had to put the book down for a second as the emotions could become pretty raw. A must-read, but be aware that it contains some graphic moments.

This is a new author for me.This starts with Etty she loves to write books as the war in Germany is getting worse for the Jews,her publisher can longer publish her newest book as she is Jewish,the restrictions are getting worse she meets new friends in the same situation,she ends up in a death camp Auschwitz with a young girl and her mother and becomes very protective of Danielle trying to stay alive she tells them stories..will she survive? A good storyline my rating is 3.5 rounded to four as abit slow for me.A great sad...survival story.

I would like to thank netgalley, and Bookoutune and the author Siobhan Curham for an early copy of this book to read.This book will be reviewed on Amazon and goodreads.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley.

In the horrifying setting of Auschwitz in 1942, Etty Weil, a Jewish author, endures the atrocities of the Nazis. Determined to survive and share the truth of the Holocaust, Etty forms a bond with a young girl named Danielle, whom she treats like a sister. Each evening, Etty tells stories to Danielle and the other women in their hut, offering them a temporary escape from their harsh reality. As Etty strives to keep her promise of preserving their stories, Danielle's rebellious nature puts both of their lives at risk. The tale explores themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring power of storytelling amidst unimaginable circumstances.

Curham skillfully portrays Etty's character, immersing the reader in her journey of resilience and suffering. Despite the overwhelming adversity she faces, Etty remains an inspirational heroine who confronts the harsh realities of life with unwavering strength. Through Curham's storytelling, the reader is able to empathize with Etty and gain a glimpse into the depths of her pain and endurance.

A beautiful, hopeful story that is set in an immensely horrific time in history.
This book slowly but surely got under my skin and made me shed some tears.
It was beautifully done. While you felt the impending dread, the author gives you a beautiful, hopeful moment that makes you think and stay with you long after you turned the page.
The characters were perfect. Solly was my favorite and I truly felt as the main character did, I loved him too.
It pulls at your heart strings since we all (should have learned by now the horrors of the holocaust) but even still, it’s hard to read knowing very well this was how millions felt.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of "The Storyteller of Auschwitz" in exchange for my honest review.

This story is amazing, beautifully written and so incredibly moving. It is not possible to read this book and not shed a few tears. It starts off with the question "can a person truly die if their story lives on?" Claudette Weil is a best-selling author and she finds that her books will no longer be published because she is Jewish. He meets a man named Tomasz Zolanvari who saves the doll that she has flung into the Seine. He tells her that when the war is over she will have to write and tell the world what happened to them.

Etty decides to help the Resistance and starts writing for their underground newspaper. Soon however she learns that someone they trusted denounced them and the members of the Resistance were all arrested.

She meets a wonderful man named Solly who owns a bookshop that he is not allowed to open. Soon they are meeting all the time and Solly is teaching her about so many things. He becomes the father or grandfather that she wishes she had. One day Solly is taken away to Drancy. When Etty goes to visit him her bike is taken away from her as Jews are no longer allowed to own bikes. Then she herself is arrested for looking at a butterfly in a park. She too ends up in Drancy where she finds not only Solly but Tomasz as well. She also befriends Marguerite and her daughter Danielle. The four of them promise to stick together no matter what happens. They are sent to Auschwitz aboard a train and they manage to stay together. When they arrive someone whispers to Danielle to say that she is 18 when they are making the selections. Solly and Marguerite and sent in one direction and Etty and Danielle in another. Etty becomes the big sister Danielle can rely on. She promised her mother that she would take care of her if they were ever separated and Etty takes this responsibility very seriously.

Etty keeps Danielle's spirits up as well as all the women in their barracks but telling stories every night. Because the one thing that can't be taken from them is their imagination and your imagination keeps you strong and sets you free.

Etty stays strong to the end, with the help of the other women in the barracks telling her how much her stories have meant to them. When they are finally liberated she remembers that she promised to write the story to tell the world what they lived through. At a book signing she receives a precious gift that she never thought she would.

A truly wonderful story, woven through with wonderful stories from Solly and Etty - filled with life lessons for everyone.

Hands down the best historical fiction WW2 book I’ve read this year, and I’ve read a few. Siobhan Curham has written an absolutely amazing, captivating novel. The storyteller of Auschwitz is a heartbreaking, moving story that will not only have you crying with the horror that took place but laughing at the stories told. I loved the main character Etty, her spirit captured the heart of so many. I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. Highly recommended read.

I would like to thank Bookouture, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this complimentary copy for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a good read which can teach us a lot about how to consider life and its ups and downs. I enjoyed this psychological/philosophical side of seeing life. Even though Etty sometimes appeared to me a bit too quick in her reactions (to some she might seem brave, but for me she was also plain reckless!), I still liked her character. A quick, emotionally laden novel which should be read.
I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.