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The Secret Holocaust Diaries  By  cover art

The Secret Holocaust Diaries

By: Nonna Bannister, Denise George, Carolyn Tomlin
Narrated by: Rebecca Gallagher
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Publisher's summary

For half a century, a terrible secret lay hidden, locked in a trunk in an attic... photos, official documents, and scraps of a diary written by a young girl. "The time has come when I must share my life story... some facts from the past that could make a contribution, however small it may be, to the history of mankind."

The Secret Holocaust Diaries is a haunting eyewitness account of Nonna Lisowskaja Bannister, a remarkable Russian-American woman who saw and survived unspeakable evils as a young girl.

For half a century, she kept her story secret while living a normal American life. She locked all her photos, documents, diaries, and dark memories from World War II in a trunk. Late in life, she unlocked the trunk, first for herself, then for her husband, and now for the rest of the world. Nonna's story is one of suffering, torture, and death - but also of incredible acts of kindness that show the ultimate triumph of faith and love over despair and evil.

The Secret Holocaust Diaries is in part a tragedy, yet it's also an unforgettable true story about forgiveness, courage, and hope.

©2009 Nonna Bannister (P)2009 Oasis

What listeners say about The Secret Holocaust Diaries

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Fascinating Story

Highly recommended, and I really appreciated hearing Nona's true voice at the end of the book.

My only critique is that I found the narrator's slight midwestern accent distracting and unauthentic to Nona's story.

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UNSPEAKABLE

It is the unspeakable things of Nonna Bannister's eyewitness account that speak the loudest to those with perception.

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overall

Definitely a story worth reading but the number of editor notes was unnecessary, distracting and maddening. Please edit your editor notes!

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Thank you Nonna!

Nonna’s journey was heartbreaking and incredible. I am in awe of the strength that she had within herself to survive physically and mentally from this horrible experience. I am so glad that she chose to share her story and that her loving and supportive family made that happen for her. The audio recordings of Nonna, that her family shared at the end of the book, are a true gift.

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Very encouraging

The part about how her father never complaining when he was in pain. How she never let anything stop her. Her faith in God. Convicts me to live a better life

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Unforgettable

Everyone should read this book, especially considering the times we live in. Those who are ignorant of history are doomed to repeat it.

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very informative

Overall I enjoyed the book. it is interesting to hear people's accounts of historical events, but I found the editors notes to be somewhat distracting and not usually necessary.

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Excellent

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is an excellent, if not sobering book regarding someone who lived through the Holocaust. It is especially good, as this comes from someone who lived in Russia

What other book might you compare The Secret Holocaust Diaries to and why?

Anne Frank's Diary or The Hiding Place

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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it! Especially the end with the family.

Was really nice to hear the family come at the end of the book. I'm so glad that she shared this with her family and with all of us.

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Amazing But Sad Story

this is an absolutely amazing book! such sad stories out of that era. but I do believe that it all needs to be said! so thay history wont repeat itself.

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