When Time Stopped

A Memoir of My Father's War and What Remains

By: Ariana Neumann

Narrated by: Rebecca Lowman

In this astonishing story that “reads like a thriller and is so, so timely” (BuzzFeed) Ariana Neumann dives into the secrets of her father’s past: “Like Anne Frank’s diary, it offers a story that needs to be told and heard” (Booklist, starred review).

In 1941, the first Neumann family member was taken by the Nazis, arrested in German-occupied Czechoslovakia for bathing in a stretch of river forbidden to Jews. He was transported to Auschwitz. Eighteen days later his prisoner number was entered into the morgue book.

Of thirty-four Neumann family members, twenty-five were murdered by the Nazis. One of the survivors was Hans Neumann, who, to escape the German death net, traveled to Berlin and hid in plain sight under the Gestapo’s eyes. What Hans experienced was so unspeakable that, when he built an industrial empire in Venezuela, he couldn’t bring himself to talk about it. All his daughter Ariana knew was that something terrible had happened.

When Hans died, he left Ariana a small box filled with letters, diary entries, and other memorabilia. Ten years later Ariana finally summoned the courage to have the letters translated, and she began reading. What she discovered launched her on a worldwide search that would deliver indelible portraits of a family loving, finding meaning, and trying to survive amid the worst that can be imagined.

A “beautifully told story of personal discovery” (John le Carré), When Time Stopped is an unputdownable detective story and an epic family memoir, spanning nearly ninety years and crossing oceans. Neumann brings each relative to vivid life, and this “gripping, expertly researched narrative will inspire those looking to uncover their own family histories” (Publishers Weekly).

Critic reviews

"This audiobook about journeys is made even better by narrator Rebecca Lowman's captivating performance. Author Ariana Neumann describes how she discovered her father's secrets. The story describes her father's life in Nazi-ruled Czechoslovakia and Germany, as well as his journey to Venezuela, where he became a successful businessman whose past was never mentioned. Through it all, there is an optimism uncommon in most Holocaust-era biographies. Lowman's style is ideal. She conveys passion and empathy that make even the saddest moments feel warm and somehow optimistic. But it is Neumann's growing awareness of her father's experiences that provides the most memorable passages. Lowman captures every emotional nuance and conveys these moments with caring and warmth."

Narrator was too Detached. Needed More Emotion.

my main issue with listening to this book is the narrator. she was frankly too well spoken. she showed zero emotion as she read story. I would say she was too professional for my taste. her tone and intonation gave nothing away as to the significance or lack of significance of what she was reading and saying.

an incredible story

the story is well written,with details of life in the times past described very well,to accurate details as well as the overall recounting of the time during the war.my father,like the author’s fahrer,was born in 1921.he was drafted to berlin to work for the reich.just like the author’s father,my dad je er spoke of those times.
i knew all the stories from his mom,my grandma.those we awful,terrible times.
i am glad i found this story.

An excellent novel, beautifully written and narrated.

An excellent novel, beautifully written and narrated.
I could barely tear myself away from listening to this novel.

Outstanding

Beautiful, haunting. Thank you Ariana Neumann for crafting such a loving tribute to your very special father and his family.

When Time Stopped

Es una historia terrible y de gran carga emocional, narrada de una manera magistral y humana.