The Girl Who Survived Auschwitz: A remarkable and compelling memoir of love, loss and hope during World War II

By Sara Leibovits and Eti Elboim.

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"I heard their last cry. They did not die and were not buried, Instead, they were poisoned and strangled. I did not bury my loved ones, I did not mourn, did not cry".

The Girl Who Survived Auschwitz is a compelling and heartbreaking account of survival, loss and resilience.

Sara Leibovits’ story is one of unimaginable suffering, yet her strength and courage shine through every page. Her experience in Auschwitz is harrowing, but what makes this memoir even more impactful is the inclusion of her daughter Eti’s perspective, offering insight into how the trauma of the Holocaust extends beyond the survivors themselves.

I found it particularly moving to read about Eti’s understanding of her mother’s moods, secrecy and the absence of extended family.

This added a deeply personal layer to the book, showing how the impact of such horrors carries through generations. With so few Holocaust survivors left, their stories must continue to be shared, whether through their own words or the voices of their children.

The writing is powerful, though at times I found it slightly repetitive, which affected the flow of the narrative. However, this does not take away from the importance of the story being told. The cruelty, hatred and antisemitism experienced during the Holocaust must never be forgotten, and books like this ensure that future generations continue to learn about the atrocities committed.

A difficult but necessary read, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit.

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