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

Unbelievable...

Very memorable. One not to forget. Unbelievable but true. For this to have happened, must never happen again.

Excellent narrator about afearless woman and mothe

Excellent narrator of true story of a fearless woman, mother, nurse who helped many children

Incredible : strong. heartbreaking. unforgettable

Puts you in the life and the heart of a mother and her children struggling to survive in Auschwitz. She risked everything to maintain a school for the young children of the Gypsy camp.

heartbreaking

At this time in American history this story should be read to open eyes. We could so easily be headed down this path. I love the strength of the main character. The one thing that bothered me was the narration was done with no German accent. The voice was to sweet sounding for this character. Any time spent in Germany let's you know that most Germans come across as gruff. Overall it is well written.

Really???

The story itself was interesting. I did not know anything about the Romani’s treatment during WWII. However, there were so many things I simply didn’t buy. Balloons and presents at Christmas
? Helena’s bold challenges to Mengele were difficult to believe given all we know about this monster. But it was the narration that really got to me. No German accent and a truly unbelievably upbeat voice. Her voice did not match the severity of the situation.

narrator ruins it.

the novel's description drew me to purchasing the novel. but once the voice of the narrator started, it was difficult for me to enjoy the book. the narrator comes across as a teenager talking in a whispery voice telling a secret. as first generation Polish, who is very familiar of the horrid situation of the occupation, I would prefer to hear this novel by someone who could project the magnitude of that time.

worth the read

the narration was beautiful. what a sad sorrowful story. definitely worth the read. my heart ached while reading.

Beautiful Storyline

“Auschwitz Lullaby” was a good listen. I especially appreciate the recap of dates and factually events, helping to understand the reality of such a terrible space in history. What I struggled with in this production is the narration. Her timbre and tone was far too “happy” for the storyline. I would enjoy listening to her narration with a different topic. But her voice did not fit Auschwitz at all.

Good book but the “reader” is too chipper

Good story but the reader sounds too happy or upbeat. She’d be a good reader for a romance or such. The story is too sad and it just seems odd with her voice.

A difficult book to listen to for sure

I have a great interest in this period of history and sincerely hope we never make the same mistake again. It is well written an stunning in the detail of the story. A very courageous read.