I Am First a Human Being: The Prison Letters of Krystyna Wituska [Paperback]

Irene Tomaszewski (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1997

This collection of letters documents the trials of a young Polish woman who was arrested and interrogated by the Gestapo in 1942 for working as a spy for the Polish Underground, imprisoned in Berlin, and executed two years later. In the last year of her life, she wrote over 60 poignant letters that, through the kindness of a courageous prison guard, were smuggled to her parents or to the guard's daughter, who became her pen pal.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Polish

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

From a letter smuggled from Moabit Prison, Berlin 25 April 1943. Beloved parents! I will ask permission to send you all the things which I will no longer need. I am so glad that the other two girls got lighter sentences. I love them both like sisters. People on the outside imagine that someone sentenced to death must go mad from fear and anguish. In fact, it's quite the contrary. Maybe that's because it's beyond comprehension. I couldn't sleep the first night and I cried a bit, but only because of you, my best and most beloved Mummy. I didn't even consider suicide-I will not take on myself the responsibility for my death. ... You must be brave, my best Mummy, hold your head high and forgive me for putting you through this. Maybe...maybe it will still turn out all right. There is plenty of time for sadness. I am also worried about Zbyszek. Better not write to him yet about what happened. He is sad enough right now. I am sure he will not grieve too long; I was for him, at most, a beautiful dream. When we were at the Alex [prison] I prepared him for the worst and he promised me that he would not be silly. ... Spring is magnificent here. The lilacs are in bloom, as are the magnolias and the chestnut trees. I finally got to see a bit of Berlin going to the [military] war court. We drove past the Zoological Gardens. When you see everything bursting with life, it's impossible to think about death. Once again I beg of you. Hold your heads high. I think of you all the time and send kisses from the bottom of my heart. Your Tina.

Dearest, beloved Mummy, don't cry so much!

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Vehicule Press (January 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1550650955
• ISBN-13: 978-1550650952
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,233,758 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Unforgettable, April 7, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: I Am First a Human Being: The Prison Letters of Krystyna Wituska (Paperback)

This collection of letters is an unforgettable glance into the world of a girl condemned to die at the hands of the Nazi's. Sent from the various prisons she was held during World War II, this collection of letters to her friends and family bring to life the realities of her situation and are an intimate look into her pain and happiness during the last years of her short life. I found I could relate to Krystyna because I am a young woman who's family went through the horrors of being Polish during Hitler's reign. But for everyone I think what Krystyna had to say will be equally moving. Though it only took me a few hours to read, this book is no less an important literary experience. Krystyna's insights into life, friendship, religion, war and nationalism are beautiful and inspiring. Her courage and spirit are moving. Hopefully this book will inspire all those who read it to enjoy and relish all the days that we have on this earth and not waste them in ignorance, selfishness or hate. I only wish it was longer!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Significant story, December 17, 2010

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1-cali-girl-ranch (Palm Springs, CA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: I Am First a Human Being: The Prison Letters of Krystyna Wituska (Paperback)

This was a great story of one young, lost life during the holocaust. What a brave soul, she set a great example of making the best of being wrongly imprisoned, meanwhile deeply touching the others that faced the same fate. Of the one's that did manage to survive, they will surely never forget Krystna Wituska.
Very sad, but thankful someone collected her letters and put together this book.
It made me long for someone to save her. Keep your tissue box close at hand ...