All But My Life

By: Gerda Weissmann Klein

Narrated by: Grace Conlin

Length: 9 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

A classic of Holocaust literature, Gerda Weissmann Klein's celebrated memoir tells the moving story of a young woman's 3 frightful years as a slave laborer of the Nazis and her miraculous liberation. All But My Life stands as the ultimate lesson in humanity, hope, and friendship. Klein's memoir is the basis for the HBO Academy Award-winning best documentary short, One Survivor Remembers.

©1995 by Gerda Weissmann Klein (P)1997 by Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Soul-searching and human...A moving personal testament to courage." (The New York Times)
"...as sensitive and 'disturbing' a story as The Diary of Anne Frank." (Library Journal)

Unforgettable

Excellent. This book, in my mind, seemed much longer than 10 hours. That is to say that listening to it was a deeply meaningful experience. I had dreams about it later. The narrator's voice was resonant and somber--I'm surprised that some readers didn't like it. This is an uncommon and captivating book, and its a great opportunity to be able to listen to it.

Enlightening

I always marvel at people who perserve through unspeakable horrors, yet manage to overcome, grow, and suceed. I liked the slow speed of the reader, it made me feel as if I were in the room with Mrs Klein as she was retelling her memories.

Heart wrenching yet beautiful

I am without words as I try and review this book. I was brought to tears more times than not, horrified during most of the book, and yet, couldn’t stop listening to this authors retelling of a most horrific time in history. I could see, hear, feel throughout the book what the author was experiencing. When I listened to the life she had and how she coped after her liberation, I could have just cried. This book needs to be a part of everyone’s library. I am honored to have come across it and honored that Mrs Klein shared her story with me.

Very Moving story

Ms. Weissman's experiences in WWII Poland is a moving narrative that reminds us how precious freedom is and how pernicious anti-seminism is. There were so few people she encountered that kept their humanity, but they made the difference between life and death. The narrator was excellent!

Great details. Great narrator.

Loved the writing style. I felt like I was there every step of the way. The pacing and details allows one to feel every emotion like no other book I've listened to. Grace Conlin is a new favorite narrator. I will definately be looking for more books narrated by her.

Inspirational

I’m not good at writing reviews, but as Gerda so selflessly provided this memoir and tribute, I feel I should try to say something. I didn’t cry throughout the entire book, but thinking about how it made me feel has moved me to tears. The power of a parent’s encouragement is so amazing, and the way she persevered through it all is a miracle. The story she told of her play from childhood about how to pray made me realize how I’ve been praying wrong my whole life. People always seem to say “how did this happen?!” And after reading this I know now, it was inch by inch, liberty by liberty. I readthis book at a low and lonely part of my life, and now I know that there will be good times again, I just have to be strong. Thank God for Gerda and her family.

Should be required reading in every high school

The actual recording of portions of this book is not great. The narrator’s voice is muffled & a little difficult to hear in sections. Her voice suits this book very well, however, and its contents make it absolutely worth reading/listening to!

A captivating story of courage and endurance!

This memoir, by Gerda Weissman Klein, is both unspeakably tragic and surprisingly beautiful. Her courage and incredible ability to endure such horrific atrocities is a testament to the human spirit. I was most inspired by her compassion, and her character as she encouraged and brought hope to the others despite her own grief and pain. Gerda's story is truly captivating, and definitely worth reading.

Note: The narration is not the best, and I almost stopped listening. However, I am so glad I persevered because the story is so completely compelling.

Understanding the Holocaust

This book brought so many of the “dry facts” to life n a way few other books of this genre have. I truly felt and understood what she had gone through. A wonderful read’

Excellent story, well told

A beautiful story of resilience, wonderfully told. She tells the story simply, without unnecessary wordiness. The narrator’s performance is excellent