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The Escape Artist

The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World

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The Escape Artist

By: Jonathan Freedland
Narrated by: Jonathan Freedland
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About this listen

The astonishing, forgotten story of the hero who escaped from Auschwitz to reveal the truth of the Holocaust.

In April 1944, a teenager named Rudolf Vrba was planning a daring and unprecedented escape from Auschwitz. After hiding in a pile of timber planks for three days while 3,000 SS men and their bloodhounds searched for him, Vrba and his fellow escapee Fred Wetzler would eventually cross Nazi-occupied Poland on foot, as penniless fugitives. Their mission: to tell the world the truth of the Final Solution.

Vrba would produce from memory a breathtaking report of more than thirty pages revealing the true nature and scale of Auschwitz—a report that would find its way to Roosevelt, Churchill and the Pope, eventually saving over 200,000 Jewish lives.

A thrilling history with enormous historical implications, The Escape Artist is the extraordinary story of a complex man who would seek escape again and again: first from Auschwitz, then from his past, even from his own name. In telling his story, Jonathan Freedland—the journalist, broadcaster and acclaimed, multi-million copy selling author of the Sam Bourne novels—ensures that Rudolf Vrba's heroic mission will also escape oblivion.

©2022 Jonathan Freedland (P)2022 Hodder & Stoughton Limited 20th Century Military Modern Heartfelt Inspiring Scary Thought-Provoking War Holocaust
All stars
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Eye opening, heart wrenching telling account of the horror of life in Auschwitz by escapee Rudolf Vrba.
I could not stop listening. I had no idea how long authorities/Prime Ministers/The Pope (god damn it) knew, the incredible mind and memory of Rudolf to remember in detail all that he witnessed. Thank you Mr Freedland, much respect.

Extraordinary

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Wow! What a roller coaster of a read. Walter/Rudolf’s story was gripping and I’d recommend that anyone and everyone give this book a read. My only annoyance is that Walter/Rudi was not actually the first Jew to escape Auschwitz. Saying he was (unnecessarily) immediately makes one question whether some of the events outlined as facts/events in the story are totally accurate. That being said, it is a brilliant story that is wonderfully narrated and a sobering reminder of the cruelty we are capable of.

Fantastic But Not 100% Accurate

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An amazing story expertly told and beautifully read by Jonathan. Could not put it down.
The attention to accuracy and detail while contextualising the narrative delivers a thoughtful account of a challenging subject.

if there was a 6th Star I would give it......

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A must read for all.

A modern day Jewish prophet by default, warning Jews of the mass murder they will face at Auswich, but like the prophets of old, his warning was not believed or even covered up.

Suitable for teens and above. One mention of the word sex, much mention of murder and violence so not suitable for younger listeners.

Not religious.

Shocking, maddening yet inspiring

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I knew this book would provide a great insight into a man’s escape from Auschwitz, but the surprise message of this story is mankind’s incredible capacity to do nothing in the face of evil.

What a journey

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This was, for me, the most detailed account yet of a survivor. It gives me pause to better understand how the Holocaust was sustained.

A most remarkable, important history and biography

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Think I had listened to a similar story about the 2 men. It was sad and confronting as to what happened during this time. showed the determination and courage of these men. . Really worth a listen. Great narration.

Heartbreaking

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Loved the book. Saddened by the truth and crimes that took place. Hope this book is never forgotten.

good read

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One of the greatest accounts I've ever heard! Told incredible well. Very recommended. Download it now.

Incredible!!! A must listen!!

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informative, well researched, balance reporting of what happened to the Verba Report. I am the child of Holocaust survivors, my father from Auschwitz and have grown up with stories of what happened and yet I learned so much. it also gave me tremendous insight into the post Holocaust behaviour of many survivors, my parents and their contemporaries. it really added to my understanding of this period in History and I'm so glad I read a newspaper review about it because the title alone would not have drawn me.
the fact that it was read by the author was the icing on the cake for me.

A very important book about the Holocaust

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