Auschwitz Lullaby

By: Mario Escobar

Narrated by: Hayley Cresswell

Length: 6 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's Summary

Based on the true story of a brave German nurse tasked with caring for Auschwitz's youngest prisoners, Auschwitz Lullaby brings to life the story of Helene Hannemann - a woman who sacrificed everything for family and fought furiously for the children she hoped to save.

On an otherwise ordinary morning in 1943, Helene Hannemann is preparing her five children for the day when the German police arrive at her home. Helene's worst fears come true when the police, under strict orders from the SS, demand that her children and husband, all of Romani heritage, be taken into custody. Though Helene is German and safe from the forces invading her home, she refuses to leave her family - sealing her fate in a way she never could have imagined. After a terrifying trek across the continent, Helene and her family arrive at Auschwitz and are thrown into the chaos of the camp. Her husband, Johann, is separated from them, but Helene remains fiercely protective of her children and those around her. 

When the powers-that-be discover that Helene is not only a German but also a trained nurse, she is forced into service at the camp hospital, which is overseen by the notorious Dr. Mengele himself. Helene is under no illusions in terms of Dr. Mengele's intentions, but she agrees to cooperate when he asks her to organize a day care and school for the Romani children in the camp. Though physically and emotionally brutalized by the conditions at Auschwitz, Helene musters the strength to protect the children in her care at any cost. Through sheer force of will, Helene provides a haven for the children of Auschwitz - an act of kindness and selflessness so great that it illuminates the darkest night of human history.  

Based on a true story, Mario Escobar's Auschwitz Lullaby demonstrates the power of sacrifice and the strength of human dignity - even when all hope seems lost.

"Auschwitz Lullaby grabbed my heart and drew me in. A great choice for readers of historical fiction." (Irma Joubert, author of The Girl from the Train)

An international best seller

Full-length World War II historical novel

A finalist for 2019's Empik Award for Literature

Includes discussion questions for book clubs, research notes from the author, and a historical timeline

©2018 Mario Escobar (P)2018 Thomas Nelson

Amazing book

This book was heart wrenching and wonderful at the same time. I love reading books like this. So informative and based on a true story.

Helene Hanneman is most lovely and courageous

I wish to meet this blessed mother and wonderful lady in the heavens above one day. A story of love and courage despite the horror of the devils in Auschwitz.

good story bad delivery

this book was a good outline of one families struggle to survive the camp.
the natrator however did not have the engaging presence you would expect with a book that has so much passion in the text
accents were not emphasized so it was harder to be able to feel the story. the children cried out in horror is the text but there was no fear in the narrators voice.

wonderful book

The book was very well written, a sad but moving story and the narrator is very good as well.

Heroism At It’s best

It is my privilege to add this brave woman and her children to the list of those that tried to make it better for others in such a horrible place as Auschwitz. I was disappointed in liberties that were taken with the historical record but it was a good read. And important in the history of the camp.

beautiful narration

this was my first experience with the audiobooks. and I am glad I picked this one. The narration is beautifully delivered.

this books is as amazing as I have heard about it. though I had no idea what the end is going to bring. it broke my heart to pieces.

incredible courage of one woman

the courage of one women in a concentration camp to take care of her 5 children.

auschwitz. lullaby

it is a true story, it did happen. no matter how sad or. what happened it needs to be told.

Suffers by comparison... the Nightengale is better

Its a day by day diary for the most part. Way too much detail description, not as good of a storyline as many other WWII books.

Wrong Narrator

This true story was a wonderful testament of loving kindness and mindful living even in hell. The narrator’s voice did not reflect that struggle. Most of the time, her near monotone voice had all the range of a soccer mom ordering a skinny latte.

Two Stars

Not sure If I'd recommend this It was very lame In aware I have probably exhausted this genre There is no comparison to The Tattoist of Aushwitzvand other better novels Can't deny the audio was ok but the American accent was not appropriate even the account of the Nazi brutality was not very convincing or her account of events

Auschwitz lullaby

Good story on the whole. However i felt it spoilt by American accent , story had been well researched and bits which were fictional explained in the prologue

Shame about the narration

Listened to this following a trip to Auschwitz. Really heart wrenching story ruined by the unemotive narrator. Such a shame!

another good read

finished book and really enjoyed it.
well written and easy to understand.
would recommend this.