Auschwitz Lullaby: A Novel

(Paperback)

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Based on the true story of a brave German nurse tasked with caring for Auschwitzs youngest prisoners,Auschwitz Lullabybrings to life the story of Helene Hannemanna 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. Helenes 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 familysealing 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. Mengeles 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 Auschwitzan act of kindness and selflessness so great that it illuminates the darkest night of human history.

Based on a true story, Mario EscobarsAuschwitz Lullabydemonstrates the power of sacrifice and the strength of human dignityeven when all hope seems lost.

Praise for Auschwitz Lullaby:

"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 bestseller
• Full-length World War II historical novel
• A finalist for 2019s Empik Award for Literature
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs, research notes from the author, and a historical timeline

Reviews

'Through it all, Helene struggles not to lose hope or her humanity. This fictional rendering of Hannemann's life provides another lens through which to view the Holocaust' * Booklist *
'Based on historical events, Auschwitz Lullaby is a deeply moving and harrowing story of love and commitment.' * Historical Novels Review *

Author Bio

Mario Escobar has a master's degree in modern history and has written numerous books and articles that delve into the depths of church history, the struggle of sectarian groups, and the discovery and colonization of the Americas. Escobar, who makes his home in Madrid, Spain, is passionate about history and its mysteries.