• A Train Near Magdeburg

  • A Teacher's Journey into the Holocaust
  • By: Matthew Rozell
  • Narrated by: Nick Cracknell
  • Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (170 ratings)

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A Train Near Magdeburg  By  cover art

A Train Near Magdeburg

By: Matthew Rozell
Narrated by: Nick Cracknell
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Publisher's summary

It's not a novel. It's not based on a true story. It really happened, and I am a witness. You will be, too.

What do you do if you are a reluctant soldier, having been shot at, seen your friends killed, and can no longer even remember what your own mother looks like? As a combat soldier fighting your way across Europe, what is the plan when you come across a Holocaust train full of suffering humanity that shocks you to your core, even after you think you have seen it all? And what happens when you get to meet the survivors face-to-face, two generations later?

From the author of The Things Our Fathers Saw in the World War II eyewitness history series comes this book, offering the true story behind an iconic photograph taken at the liberation of a death train, deep in the heart of Nazi Germany. It's brought to life by the history teacher who discovered it and went on to reunite hundreds of Holocaust survivors with the actual American soldiers who saved them.

The Holocaust was a watershed event in history. Drawing on never-before published eyewitness accounts, survivor testimony and memoirs, wartime reports and letters, Matthew Rozell takes us on his journey to uncover the stories behind the incredible 1945 liberation photographs taken by the soldiers who were there.

He weaves together a chronology of the Holocaust as it unfolds across Europe and goes to the authentic sites of the Holocaust to retrace the steps of the survivors and the American soldiers who freed them. His mission culminates in joyful reunions in three continents, seven decades later.

Rozell offers his unique perspective on the lessons of the holocaust for future generations and the impact that one person - a teacher - can make. Features testimony from 15 American liberators and over 30 Holocaust survivors.

"After I got home I cried a lot. My parents couldn't understand why I couldn't sleep at times." (Walter "Babe" Gantz, US Army medic)

"I grew up and spent all my years being angry. This means I don't have to be angry anymore." (Paul Arato, Holocaust survivor)

"I survived because of many miracles. But for me to actually meet, shake hands, hug, and cry together with my liberators - the "angels of life" who literally gave me back my life - was just beyond imagination." (Leslie Meisels, Holocaust survivor)

"People say it cannot happen here in this country; yes, it can happen here. I was 21 years old. I was there to see it happen!" (Luca Furnari, US Army)

"It's not for my sake, it's for the sake of humanity, that you will remember." (Steve Barry, Holocaust survivor)

©2016, 2019 Matthew Rozell (P)2019 Matthew Rozell
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

What listeners say about A Train Near Magdeburg

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Great listen.

We enjoyed the book thoroughly. Tried to listen to it on a day long drive, but it got too heavy and had to take a break, finished it on the way home. We knew of the atrocities of course but to hear about them from the victims and liberators brought tears to our eyes. Their sense of humor was heartwarming, just hard to imagine the strength of these people.

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  • EE
  • 09-27-23

an important read

amazingly detailed and factual. this should be required reading in every singleAmerican high school

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Must read!

What a moving story......if you want to see the best of America and demonstrations of the best (and worst) in mankind, read this one!

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Inhumanity and humanity in one very awesome read.

Train Near Magdeburg is one of the most incredibly powerful books I have ever read. It includes the worst and best of humanity.

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Grandpa

Enjoyed this book. I like hearing Americans soldiers speak it reminds me of my Grandpa.

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A wonderful tribute to the survivors & their liberators!

A great compilation of history & the numerous stories from many of the people who lived through these events

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Great Read

I have read many of the Holocaust books and memoirs but this book made me cry to think that some people don’t believe the Holocaust happened but the Americans that was there at the camps and trains after liberation seen the true content and how inhumanly the Jews were treated. I just can’t imagine the evil they seen happen to family and friends. I know that they are in heaven now and enjoying seeing there friends and families and out of pain.

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The perspectives of WW2 Holocost

The stories of the victims, the servicemen and historical context was very humbling. I have read other books where soviets “liberated” and the outcome was so very tragic. I appreciated the kindness and humanity in this book, thank you so much for all the work that went in to researching and documenting!!

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Compelling story and interesting insights

Captivating! Important topic and a story of this cataclysmic event enlightening to many. Couldn’t stop listening.

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Brings the Holocaust to lift


I have read many books about the holocaust. What makes this book unique is it is in the direct words of the victims and those who helped them.

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