Heroes of the Holocaust [Paperback]

Arnold Geier (Author)

Book Description

"...of undeniable importance, movingly described." -Elie Wiesel, Nobel Laureate A book of scope and power, Heroes of the Holocaust tells of ordinary people who confronted the brutality of the holocaust with acts of unselfish courage. Among these are: a Jewish family saved by personal intervention by a German general; a ship's captain who dumped his cargo to make room for 600 Jews; and a father, grieving over the sudden death of his only son, who gave his child's name and identity papers to a Jewish boy in order to save the child's life. These moving stories reveal points of light amidst the horror of the Holocaust, to offer tales of inspiration and hope.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-A Holocaust survivor himself, Geier collects and retells 28 uplifting accounts of those who lived because of the unselfish deeds of others. Horrific experiences are described, but the narratives create lasting impressions that affirm a belief that there is much goodness in the world. Each memoir stands alone, presenting a personal record of the Holocaust's impact, balanced by positive outcomes. A readable and moving collection.
Dottie Kraft, formerly at Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade (February 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425160297
• ISBN-13: 978-0425160299
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,042,798 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Out of the Horrors, Came Triumphant Heroes, July 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Heroes of the Holocaust (Paperback)

Before I read this book, the Holocaust suggested to me a time of darkness and suffering. These stories have showed me that the darkness was sometimes illuminated by works of mercy and the suffering occasionally alleviated by works of charity. It was uplifting to read these true accounts of human love and brotherhood.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hard to Put Down!, June 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Heroes of the Holocaust (Paperback)

This book kept me riveted to the page. I just couldn't put it down! There's been so much written about the horror of the Holocaust- it was great to see true, touching human-interest stories with happy endings, considering the historical circumstances. The writing is excellent and consistent, the book is very well-edited, and the stories are just plain moving. Some of them are amazing beyond what any Hollywood screenwriter could concoct- and these are all factual, having come from direct interviews with the survivors themselves. This book would be great for older kids, too, as it explores some valuable moral territory, without any particular religious or social agenda. These are simply stories that needed to be told, and they are well-told indeed! Great book.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Satisfying, July 7, 2000

By 

Steven Fantina (Phillipsburg, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Heroes of the Holocaust (Paperback)

An uplifting read that shows how humanity's darkest hour brought immeasurable good out of so many ordinary citizens. These courageous individuals risked everything to save the lives, in most cases, of complete strangers. Among the heroes profiled are a high-ranking nazi (at least in title if not in spirit), a guard dog, and several would-be-victims whose God-given ingenuity manifested itself at the right time and enabled them to outwit Hitler's storm troopers.

As remnants of nazism are staging a comeback--the tragic Elian Gonzales raid and kidnapping proves that it has usurped a bridgehead within the highest ranks of the U.S. federal government-- these inspirational souls will forever stand as exemplary beacons for us to assiduously strive to emulate.