Story of a Secret State: My Report to the World

By: Jan Karski

Narrated by: Janusz Guttner

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of Story of a Secret State: My Report to the World by Jan Karski, read by Janusz Guttner.

Resistance fighter, prisoner of war, escapee, secret witness, hero - Story of a Secret State: My Report to the World is the incredible eyewitness account of Jan Karski. This is the unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition read by Janusz Guttner.

'I do not pretend to have given an exhaustive picture of the Polish Underground, its organization and its activities. Because of our methods, I believe that there is no one today who could give an all-embracing recital...This book is a purely personal story, my story.'

Jan Karski's 1944 war memoir is a heroic act of witness: the courageous testimony of a man who risked everything for his country. At times overwhelming in the details it reveals of the suffering of ordinary people, it is an unforgettable and deeply affecting record of brutality, courage, and survival under conditions of extreme bleakness. During the first four years of World War II, Karski worked as a messenger for the underground, risking his life in secret missions. He was captured, tortured, rescued, smuggled through a tunnel into the Warsaw ghetto and, finally, disguised himself as a guard to infiltrate a Nazi death camp. Then, travelling across occupied Europe to England, with his eye-witness report smuggled on microfilm in the handle of a razor, he became the first man to tell the Allies about the Holocaust - only to be ignored.

Critic reviews

Jan Karski's Story of a Secret State stands in the absolute first rank of books about the resistance in World War II. If you wish to read about a man more courageous and honorable than Jan Karski I would have no idea who to recommend. Yes, it's that good. (Alan Furst)

It deserves its status as a Penguin Classic, not only because it is a great historic document, but also because it's a cracking good read: Karski's adventures are worthy of the wildest spy thriller (Nigel Jones)

His account of his missions is an electrifying tale of false identities, near captures, spies and secret film capsules ... in human terms, Karski's account is invaluable

The bravery of the man who risked all to tell the world about the Holocaust is truly staggering ... an extraordinary testament to Man's inhumanity to Man, and the even more remarkable courage required to resist it (Ben McIntyre)

gripping and educational

what a totally amazing story of courage and resistance in occupied Poland. so Inspiring .

Amazing look at the Polish Underground during WWII

The author takes you from start to finish during his time in the Polish Underground with detail and passion. Amazing story!

Outstanding

What a story ! The author was certainly a hero and deserved all the recognition given to him.
I would hope that this book will be listened to by many.
Highly recommended.The authors' modesty, courage,loyalty and dedication shine throughout the book.How proud I would be to have known him.
Excellent narration,the fact that the narrator has a mid-European accent to his English added flavour and reality,as though the author himself were relating his testimony from those dark days.Lest we forget.

History will always repeat itself!

I loved this narrative. The truth and the atrocities of the Nazi regime should always be remembered never forgotten. this is a first-hand account of the Polish underground during World War II. a strong godly people not willing to be crushed,

Excellent.

Exciting and gripping as well has heart breaking. I enjoyed the narrator as his Polish accent gave an extra level of authenticity when listening.