Book Review: The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz

*I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

This story is based off historical fact and real people who were prisoners in Auschwitz during the Holocaust.  The only thing I struggled with was the amount of time it took me to get into.  The beginning was just too slow for me, although the build was essential for the plot.  Descriptions throughout this book made you feel as though you were really there witnessing the horrors for yourself, and there was more than one time reading where I felt sick to my stomach.

The romance between Mala and Edek brought about a sense of hope and every time they met up with one another, butterflies swarmed my stomach.  A third character who stood out to me was Mala's closest friend and accomplice, Zippy.  I loved her fire and resilience; same goes for Mala who stopped at nothing to save as many prisoners as she could by assigning them to specific work forces and/or literally giving them the clothes off her back.  By the end of the story, I was getting Les Mis vibes (you might pick up what I'm putting down when you read it).

Overall, this book was hauntingly beautiful, brought tears to my eyes, and made me wonder how so much of that torture was gotten away with.  Ellie Midwood did a fantastic job telling the brave story of Mala and Edek and it is one that all should read.  On that note, I think it would be a great literature circle book for high schoolers or book club pick for small groups.

The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz was released March 9, 2021.  It is available to purchase through major retailers, or my personal favorite book distributer, Bookshop.  Buy through Bookshop, support local bookstores!