The Happiest Man on Earth

The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor

By: Eddie Jaku

Narrated by: Jacek Koman

Length: 4 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

Holocaust survivor Eddie Jaku made a vow to smile every day and now believes he is the ‘happiest man on earth’. In his inspirational memoir, he pays tribute to those who were lost by telling his story and sharing his wisdom.

Life can be beautiful if you make it beautiful. It is up to you.

Eddie Jaku always considered himself a German first, a Jew second. He was proud of his country. But all of that changed in November 1938, when he was beaten, arrested and taken to a concentration camp.

Over the next seven years, Eddie faced unimaginable horrors every day, first in Buchenwald, then in Auschwitz, then on a Nazi death march. He lost family, friends, his country.

The Happiest Man on Earth is a powerful, heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful memoir of how happiness can be found even in the darkest of times.

©2020 Eddie Jaku (P)2020 Macmillan Australia Audio

Critic reviews

"Eddie looked evil in the eye and met it with joy and kindness...[his] philosophy is life-affirming." (Daily Express)

"Australia's answer to Captain Tom...a memoir that extols the power of hope, love and mutual support." (The Times)

memorable read

loved it! much perspective gained on many things in life taken for granted daily

Awesome and inspiring.

One of the most amazing Holocaust stories I have ever read. A must for young and old.

Inspiring Story of an Auschwitz survivor

It was very well written, a great format of 15 life lessons for being happy. This was my first Auschwitz related book, as before I was perhaps a little worried about the content being to too disturbing to read, but I can say as a sensitive reader this book was good in that regard. I did carry a heaviness during the book, but it ends well. I give the story 4 stars because as much as this man has overcome, I found the book itself to lack great substance, however that fits well in the short novella that it is. It is good for a quick read, and while I wouldn’t read it again, I would probably recommend it.

What a wonderful book

This story needed to be told and remember for generations to come. The biggest sin of mankind ever. Cruelty unimaginable.

Everyone should listen to this book

Makes you incredibly grateful for our lives we lead today, and the ultimate sacrifices people have made for us……

A story that needs to be told

It is a story that brought a tear to my eye more than once. Eddie's drive to survive and succeed with kindness in the face of hate is incredible. Definitely a must read/listen especially for every young people.

must read

Narrator has done fabulous job. thank you for sharing powerful message Mr Jaku. thank you

A wonderful life story!

Eddie has truly lived life to the fullest by overcoming so many difficulties. A wonderful life story!

The world in perspective

Dear Mr Eddie,
Thank you for this beautiful story, your story. May the world keep this in mind when they are interacting with each other, that they love and do with love and kindness. This shows the danger of people being silent and not speaking up. Turning a blind eye.