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The Happiest Man on Earth

The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor

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The Happiest Man on Earth

By: Eddie Jaku
Narrated by: Jacek Koman
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About this listen

'Eddie looked evil in the eye and met it with joy and kindness . . . [his] philosophy is life-affirming' – Daily Express

Holocaust survivor Eddie Jaku made a vow to smile every day and now believes he is the ‘happiest man on earth’. In his inspirational memoir, he pays tribute to those who were lost by telling his story and sharing his wisdom.

Life can be beautiful if you make it beautiful. It is up to you.

Eddie Jaku always considered himself a German first, a Jew second. He was proud of his country. But all of that changed in November 1938, when he was beaten, arrested and taken to a concentration camp.

Over the next seven years, Eddie faced unimaginable horrors every day, first in Buchenwald, then in Auschwitz, then on a Nazi death march. He lost family, friends, his country.

The Happiest Man on Earth is a powerful, heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful memoir of how happiness can be found even in the darkest of times.

'Australia's answer to Captain Tom . . . a memoir that extols the power of hope, love and mutual support' – The Times

 20th Century Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Historical Military Modern Survival Holocaust

Critic Reviews

I have never met Eddie Jaku, but having read his book I feel like I have made a new friend . . . This is a beautiful book by a truly amazing man
Eddie looked evil in the eye and met it with joy and kindness . . . [his] philosophy is life-affirming
A reminder of the power of love, kindness and hope . . . A life-affirming story, beautifully told
His tale is compelling and particularly pertinent as we struggle to make sense of challenging times
Jaku’s memoir can be our private celebration of evil that was ultimately vanquished
This simple, moving account of a remarkable life offers plenty to think about and reflect on . . . Highly recommended
Australia's answer to Captain Tom . . . a memoir that extols the power of hope, love and mutual support
Resilience, generosity of spirit and a belief, despite everything, in the fundamental goodness of humanity shine through this outstanding memoir (Daily Mail)
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