The Escape Artist

The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World

By: Jonathan Freedland

Narrated by: Jonathan Freedland

Length: 11 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Winner of the National Jewish Book Award · New York Times Bestseller

"A brilliant and heart-wrenching book, with universal and timely lessons about the power of information—and misinformation. Is it possible to stop mass murder by telling the truth?" — Yuval Noah Harari, bestselling author of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind and Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow

A complex hero. A forgotten story. The first witness to reveal the full truth of the Holocaust . . .

Award-winning journalist and bestselling novelist Jonathan Freedland tells the astonishing true story of Rudolf Vrba, the man who broke out of Auschwitz to warn the world of a truth too few were willing to hear.

In April 1944, Rudolf Vrba became one of the very first Jews to escape from Auschwitz and make his way to freedom—among only a tiny handful who ever pulled off that near-impossible feat. He did it to reveal the truth of the death camp to the world—and to warn the last Jews of Europe what fate awaited them. Against all odds, Vrba and his fellow escapee, Fred Wetzler, climbed mountains, crossed rivers, and narrowly missed German bullets until they had smuggled out the first full account of Auschwitz the world had ever seen—a forensically detailed report that eventually reached Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and the Pope.

And yet too few heeded the warning that Vrba had risked everything to deliver. Though Vrba helped save two hundred thousand Jewish lives, he never stopped believing it could have been so many more.

This is the story of a brilliant yet troubled man—a gifted “escape artist” who, even as a teenager, understood that the difference between truth and lies can be the difference between life and death. Rudolf Vrba deserves to take his place alongside Anne Frank, Oskar Schindler, and Primo Levi as one of the handful of individuals whose stories define our understanding of the Holocaust.

©2022 Jonathan Freedland (P)2022 HarperAudio

Incredible story

The Escape Artist describes in great detail the life of Rudolf Vrba. What he experienced - and later became known to the world - is beyond comprehension. For me, as someone who has read and viewed many accounts of the Holocaust, the most impactful moment of this story took place during a conversation Vrba had later in life with a man who had heeded his warning. That man explained - from his own experience - why so many Jews did not resist even when they had the information that Vrba had brought to the world. His teaching about the responsibilities and investments of adults resonates deeply with me. It not only helps me to relate all the more with the victims - which include my own family members - but also serves as a warning and motivation in the unpredictable times in which I live.

Heroic survivor that always spoke the truth

Wow. I’m sad that it has taken so long for Piechowski’s account to come to my attention. His heroism is unquestionable but it’s how the world receives him and his unpolished account and opinions that is most profound. Don’t listen to the naysayers- it’s a story of despair and rage at people who don’t like things perfectly neat and tidy. In other words, most human beings.

Amazing

In my opinion, of the great stories of all time.
Very well represented. Flows very well.

Amazing and heartbreaking

I learned so much that I didn’t know before and it was a so well read.

Heartbreaking

An incredible tale of courage and strength in the worst of circumstances imaginable. I’m still trying to decide what part of the experience was worse..being a prisoner in Auschwitz or the aftermath once they escaped.

A harrowing story and an essential read for all you wish to deepen their understanding the Holocaust

A harrowing story and an essential read for all who wish to deepen their understanding of the Holocaust and the world’s reluctance to interfere in the most horrendous crime of history

Excellent

This is an extremely interesting history that all students of the Holocaust should know. Congratulations to Jonathan Freedland for being the story of Dr, Vrba to light.

The Man Who Escaped from Auschwitz Vic

Survival against all odds by a brilliant young Jewish man is the subject of this book. It explains how the holocaust happened and why the Jews didn’t fight back. The horror was actually, literally unbelievable to them, so much so that they were in complete denial. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the Holocaust and in the survival of the spirit. The Holocaust should never be forgotten so that history never repeats itself. I believe there are truly evil people in the world like Vladimir Putin and the 45th president of the United States who stop at nothing to gain power and wealth.

Well researched and engaging work

Absolutely recommend, but I think that the political and personal travails after the war might have been better off as a more abbreviated afterward.

What a story!

The author did his research and has woven a story that is a must read. This is a book that will remain in my thoughts and my heart forever. Rudy is a true hero and I am glad the author told Rudy's story. The author is the narrator (which I usually don't like), and he did an excellent job. I was immediately engaged in this non-fiction book that reads like a novel. There were no parts that were difficult to get through. I highly recommend "The Escape Artist".