THE LIBRARIAN OF AUSCHWITZ by Antonio G. Iturbe

THE LIBRARIAN OF AUSCHWITZ by Antonio G. Iturbe **** - Based on the experience of true historical figure Dita Kraus, The Librarian of Auschwitz follows the story of a girl who was tasked with the honored job of keeping the few books in Auschwitz safe and secret. Dita chronicles her journey as a Czechoslovakian Jew, taken at first to a ghetto in Terezin, and eventually to Auschwitz. As she experiences the horror that is the holocaust, she somehow manages to maintain her hope and courage.

This book was sobering, inspirational, and raw. I have read an army of books based in World War II, and a handful of books detailing the lives of those imprisoned in concentration camps. However, this story reminded me of the very real horror and tragic reality that was Hitler’s final solution. This story felt much more personal and real - probably because of the host of true characters. What I loved about this book: I found it incredibly inspirational, especially considering it was based on a true story (of a living woman!). I had to put the book down and really think multiple times during the course of reading this one. Each chapter ended with a sobering fact that really put the events into context and reminded you that this is not a story, it’s history. I loved that most of the characters in this book were based on real people - and I especially loved that the book ended with a historical description of “where are they now” and “what was real, what was dramatized.” Only the best historical fiction novels will do that. Read this now! But have some tissues on hand!