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  • The Happiest Man on Earth

  • By: Eddie Jaku
  • Narrated by: Jacek Koman
  • Length: 4 hrs and 54 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (7,077 ratings)

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The Happiest Man on Earth

By: Eddie Jaku
Narrated by: Jacek Koman
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Publisher's Summary

WINNER OF THE ABIA BIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR 2021

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.

Because he survived, Eddie made the vow to smile every day. He pays tribute to those who were lost by telling his story, sharing his wisdom and living his best possible life. He now believes he is the 'happiest man on earth'.

Published as Eddie turns 100, this is a powerful, heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful memoir of how happiness can be found even in the darkest of times.

Now featuring an inspiring new Afterword

SHORTLISTED FOR THE ABA NIELSEN BOOK BOOKSELLERS' CHOICE - ADULT NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR 2021
SHORTLISTED FOR THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS FOR NON-FICTION 2021
LONGLISTED FOR MATT RICHELL AWARD FOR NEW WRITER OF THE YEAR 2021

©2020 Eddie Jaku (P)2020 Macmillan Australia Audio

Critic Reviews

"This simple, moving account of a remarkable life offers plenty to think about and reflect on...Highly recommended." (Canberra Weekly)

"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." (Daily Telegraph

"A reminder of the power of love, kindness and hope...A life-affirming story, beautifully told." (Sydney Morning Herald)

What listeners say about The Happiest Man on Earth

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Inspiring | Sad | Inspiring | Life Changing

This bought me so many emotions some of which I was not aware of. This book is the best book I have ever listened to by far and I have listened and read a lot of books. It has changed my life and my perspective on so many levels.

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36 people found this helpful

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This is a must read!

This is an amazing book, although Eddie and his family endured such terrible things, Eddie is such an inspiring man and honestly put a lot into perspective as to how lucky we are, even in this troubling year of 2020
Thank you Eddie for sharing your story. I want to hug you!

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18 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A wonderful book

This was a wonderful book. Simple, honest and full of hope. It really brought me back to the things that matter the most. I Highly recommend it.

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14 people found this helpful

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Just.. wow! Life Changing! An IncrEDDIEble Story!

A masterpiece. When I read Man's Search for Meaning it changed me. Now Eddie has moved me further, and his story is even richer and more relatable. His constant drive to help others and his resilience are a wake up call to us all. A truly beautiful man who has had a remarkable impact. Thank you, Eddie, from a new friend.

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14 people found this helpful

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oh my heart

loved it, at times I found myself talking back to Eddie...his story is astounding! This book should read in schools so that we never repeat what was done to Eddie and his people.

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11 people found this helpful

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This audio book changed my outlook on life

Eddies story is a hard to take in and it unbelievable what he went through and what he endured to survive in a Nazi concentration camp

He teaches amazing lessons of friendship, giving, kindness, forgiveness, courage, family and education just to name a few.

I was humbled listening to Eddie’s story. I have changed my outlook on life and doing my best to show more kindness to everyone I interact with.

This is definitely one of the best stories I have heard.

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10 people found this helpful

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Emotionally challenging

I enjoyed this story but it wasn’t a happy one and not one to listen to when you want something light and breezy and uplifting. It’s not as uplifting as the author wants it to be. It’s quite frightening in some ways, in terms of what we are capable of. It made me feel a bit flat for a few days while I was reading it.

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7 people found this helpful

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The happiest man on earth....

.... is a must read. Heartbreaking, inspiring, deeply moving. The true story of a courageous and loving man. It will change you forever.

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7 people found this helpful

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Everyone should read this book!

What an incredibly moving and inspiring. I started it and finished it in one go. If anyone needs a little bit of a perspective adjustment I urge you to get it into your ears. Heartbreaking, but joyful.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Amazing

Eddy, your story it's truly humbling. thank you so much for taking the time to share it.

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4 people found this helpful

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.