Try free for 30 days

  • The Happiest Man on Earth

  • By: Eddie Jaku
  • Narrated by: Jacek Koman
  • Length: 4 hrs and 54 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (7,107 ratings)

1 credit a month to use on any title, yours to keep (you’ll use your first credit on this title).
Stream or download thousands of included titles.
Access to exclusive deals and discounts.
$16.45 a month after 30 day trial. Cancel anytime.
The Happiest Man on Earth cover art

The Happiest Man on Earth

By: Eddie Jaku
Narrated by: Jacek Koman
Try for $0.00

$16.45 per month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $17.00

Buy Now for $17.00

Pay using voucher balance (if applicable) then card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions Of Use and Privacy Notice and authorise Audible to charge your designated credit card or another available credit card on file.

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

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    6,787
  • 4 Stars
    281
  • 3 Stars
    30
  • 2 Stars
    6
  • 1 Stars
    3
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    5,973
  • 4 Stars
    234
  • 3 Stars
    26
  • 2 Stars
    3
  • 1 Stars
    2
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    6,005
  • 4 Stars
    193
  • 3 Stars
    19
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    1

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing

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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A very humbling historical truth to hear.

Well done for sharing your exceptional story, Eddie. Absolutely remarkable in every sense. May we never have to bear witness to this piece of history repeating itself.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Sorrow and Happiness

My new dear friend Eddie. I now find happiness and smile everyday. I am blessed to have met you through your book and thought provoking words. You are truly an inspiration.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing

Iv heard all about this book and managed to finish it in a day and a half. Hearing about the horrors that Eddie and his fellow jews went through was nothing short of horrific, but his courage, his story and the lessons that he learnt were admirable and I'm truly happy that he wrote this book.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A must read for all

A fabulously written book which evokes emotion on every page.
An important book to ensure that the atrocities of the Holocaust are never forgotten but also for those who for, whatever reason, struggle to find hope.
Happiness is indeed a choice, kindness is too and this book is a great reminder that the world would be a much better place if we could all live by Eddie’s advice,

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

intense story gently told.

A heart tearing story of terrible times beautifully narrated. Should be read by everyone.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Highly recommend

Highly recommend this book ~ thought provoking, heartbreaking & hopeful. We can all learn so much from Eddie

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant

What an amazing man with an inspiring life story. It is only fitting he out lives all those that did him wrong.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Joyful and tragic at the same time

An amazing true story, narrated beautifully. Highly recommended. This should be compulsory school reading. This book is life-changing.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Moving & Inspiring

Easily one of the most powerful audiobooks I have ever listened too. Thank you Eddie.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

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.