The Survivor

How I Made it Through Six Concentration Camps and Became a Nazi Hunter

De: Josef Lewkowicz

Narrado por: Price Waldman

“Sobering, unforgettable reading. This is a standout of its kind.” – Publishers Weekly

“A riv­et­ing, deeply mov­ing mem­oir. The writ­ing is descrip­tive and dra­mat­ic, pre­serv­ing Lewkowicz’s deep emo­tions.” – Jewish Book Council

This is the remarkable story of Josef Lewkowicz—Polish Jew and Holocaust survivor who became a Nazi hunter.

When Nazi forces entered Kraków, Poland in 1939, unexpected and unresisted, Josef Lewkowicz's life became a nightmare overnight as he and his family were rounded up and sent to concentration camps across German-occupied territory. It wasn't long before Josef found himself face-to-face with SS kommandant Amon Goeth, whose brutality was made infamous by the film Schindler's List.

As Josef struggled to survive the violence, horror, and degradations of one prison camp after another—his journey eventually spanning continents and taking him to the limits of human endurance—he was kept alive only by his faith and his profound sense of justice.

A harrowing but ultimately uplifting glimpse into a pivotal moment in history, The Survivor is the story of one man's survival and pursuit of justice against all odds. The story of resilience and tenacity, and a desire for revenge redirected as a yearning to build a better future for humanity.

"I am ninety-seven and ready to meet my God whenever He calls me. . . I have seen terrible things: ritual hangings, casual shootings, unspeakable cruelty. . . I endured hunger, beatings, and torture in six camps and managed to prevail so I could bring a monster to justice."

In this memoir, Josef Lewkowicz shares a poignant and gripping account of his life, capturing the indomitable spirit and enduring soul—the neshama—of the survivor. It is a testament of the resilience of the human spirit and a tribute to those who defied the darkest moments of our history.

Photos of the author and the events that took place in the book can be found in the audiobook companion PDF download.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2025 Josef Lewkowicz (P)2025 Harper Horizon

Detailed account

Very detailed account of author's life during the Holocaust under Nazi rule, perhaps the most detailed account I've encountered, and certainly very well done! The author also has a practice of summarizing what's happening and his feelings about it, which results in frequent repetitions, overdone, at least for me.
Narration very good!

May we never forget……

Absolutely incredible and vivid story. Heartbreaking that anyone in history ever had to experience that. And it’s terrifying at how unfortunate it is that it can happen again because we so easily forget our history in our fence.

The ability of Josef to forgive

Throughout the story as Josef moves through the concentration camps facing the everyday horrors of the Nazis, he doesn’t lose his faith.it was a riveting personal story. I thought I knew of all the atrocities from World War II from the Germans, but this book revealed some facts I had not known before.

The Survivor

I’ve read many books on the Holocaust. The author is a testament to the good in humanity. His portrayals are illuminating. They will take you down to ground level in the concentration camps and the abhorent behavior of the Nazis. For the person who has just started reading about the Nazis and WW II, this book is an excellent start. I am grateful for the author’s courage and thankful he chose to write about his experiences.

Fantastic

So well written, and so well narrated. The first-person feel that the writing gives is enhances by the excellent, believable narration. This is one of the best books I've listened to in a while.

No words for my emotions

So very moving. I just have no words to describe what the author went through. And it makes me think if I could endure what he did.

Amazing book and great narration!

What an incredible story! I feel i am a better person for having listened to it. As a Christian, my heart has always been with God’s Chosen people. I really feel this is a must-read for everyone!

Resilience

I really appreciate the sharing of such a horrific part of his life in a way that we can stand to listen. His anger and venom at the German guards did not extend to all German people was a testament to his strength of character. I will never understand why people can not embrace love and kindness.

A vital book you must read.

This is more than a personal account of the horrors of WW2. This is a preservation of time and an insight into the past and how we can stand together to make sure history is never repeated.

A hateful reality...

A first person account of a life saved by our God's grace.

Narrated by said first person, fully real and well delivered.

I caution all who venture to learn, take the time between chapters, paragraphs, or even words to accept, feel, and understand the depth of this fine gentleman's words. This reality will leave a mark upon everyone's soul.

This is not for the faint of heart, but rather for one who truly realizes the reality of Nazi hate.