Survival [Paperback]

Magda Herzberger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 12, 2005

The Autobiography of a Young Woman Who Survived the Horrors of the Nazi Death Camps. Survival is an autobiography in which the author relates her experiences and her struggle to survive during her captivity as a young, 18-year-old girl in the three German concentration camps: Auschwitz, Bremen, and Bergen Belsen. Being of Jewish descent she had been deported with her family and in the camps encountered the danger and the probability of being killed one way or another on a daily basis. She also depicts the senseless deaths of her fellow prisoners. The book gives an insight into the author's childhood and adolescent years, where the concept of anything like this happening was beyond belief. The reader finds out about her family background and the historical events that took place in her native city in Romania during that time. The political changes which occurred during World War II played a crucial role in her destiny and the fate of the Jewish people. Magda also conveys how she coped with the grief and pain of losing so many members of her family, including her father, in the Holocaust. Then she speaks about her gradual recovery from the wounds of the Holocaust and her ultimate reunion with her mother. Magda's poetry is included in the book.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

We're a small publisher in Austin, Texas that has been blessed by this book. We believe that "Survival" is the finest personal story ever written of life at three of the Nazi death camps: Auschwitz, Bremen, and Bergen Belsen.

Magda came to us two and a half years ago wanting to do a book on surviving difficult times. When we read the stories and poems that she had written to support her concept, we knew immediately that she needed to write her autobiography. This is "Survival," her autobiography of the time from her birth to her liberation from Bergen-Belsen by the British.

This book speaks to us and our time as few others do. When you're finished reading it, you will want to pass it on ... or, purchase additional copies for friends and relatives.

We need you! We're too small to get this book the visibility that it truly deserves; please, if you agree that this book is worthy of national attention, tell others, especially those who might have influence. We are dependent on word-of-mouth advertising ... please help.

About the Author

Magda Herzberger was born and raised in the city of Cluj, Romania. Being of Jewish faith, she and her family were deported to the German concentration camps in 1944 when the Nazi's occupied her native city. She is a survivor of three death camps: Auschwitz, Bremen, and Bergen Belsen. Most of her family members were killed by the Nazis. Her mother survived until 1994, passing away at the age of 93.

Magda is a poet, lecturer, and composer. She is also the author of four previously published books: The Waltz of the Shadows (an autobiography in poetry form), Eyewitness to Holocaust (an autobiographical essay consisting of prose and poetry), Will You Still Love Me? (a collection of love poems dedicated to her husband), and Songs of Life (a poetry book with a variety of subjects). Even though out-of-print, all four of these books are available in limited quantities from 1st World Library. When requested, Magda will autograph each book sold with a special message.

For the past 31 years Magda has been lecturing about the Holocaust and reading her poetry in schools, universities, church organizations, nursing homes, literary organizations, etc. She has also participated in many TV and radio programs.

Magda was a marathon runner, skier, and mountain climber. She and her husband, Dr. Eugene Herzberger, a retired neurosurgeon, reside in Fountain Hills, Arizona. They have a daughter, Monica; a son, Henry; and two grandchildren.

Survival is her "Magnum Opus."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 392 pages
• Publisher: Groundbreaking Press (April 12, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976582112
• ISBN-13: 978-0976582113
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,739,310 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SURVIVAL by Magda Herzberger, June 6, 2005

By 

Gloria Graham (Phoenix,Arizona,USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Survival (Paperback)

"Survival" is chilling! The contents give grizly details of three Nazi prison camps.But Magda Herzberger's superb ability to pen her thoughts takes the reader throuh her journey of awe and wonderment that led to her hell-hole of nearly unsurvivable torture.And then she brings us back to the real world.
When I read about Magda's background [ off a well connected family with above average attitudes to make a positive difference in their community],I mentally engaged in that same strength.The when I read how she was shoved into the brink of near insanity,I felt her deep dark pain,and at the same time,I appreciated her tender-hearted goodness throughout the book.I applaud the author's courage to spill her gut-wrenching experiences onto the printed page and show the reader how she maintained her God-loving dignity.
Magda does not give a world-involved view of the war;she writes her daily account from the frame of a teenager.She places the reader within her,so we experience the pain of her flesh and the light of her soul.Her prose throughout the book captures additional heart-felt thoughts that give support to her storyline.
I recommend his book for teenagers as well as adults.We can learn from Magda Herzberger;she doesn't live in a prison of unforgiveness;instead,she looks for life and lives it.I suggest we all take a thankful attitude for the air we breathe.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing testimony, May 27, 2005

By 

Gregory N. Shrader (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Survival (Paperback)

Mrs. Herzberger's very powerful story bears eloquent witness to the innumerable atrocities of the Holocaust and her remarkable resilency and tenacity. It is a testament to her abilities as a writer that we walk through her journey alongside her, all senses and emotions fully engaged. While displays of the worst results of dehumanization occur all around her, Magda retains her dignity and humanity, giving great honor to the memories of those who did not survive. More than a story of survival, her book is a profound spiritual experience about life and living. As groups of people continue to be marginalized, scapegoated and discriminated against today, SURVIVAL reminds us of the ultimate result of such folly. It should be required reading for all political leaders, teachers and students. I greatly admire Mrs. Herzberger for writing this book.

Gregory N. Shrader, Ph.D.
Psychologist

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for anyone who cares about the human spirit., May 20, 2005

By 

Frank Ragan, the photo & book guy (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Survival (Paperback)

This is not just another book about a Holocaust surviver. It is a book that tears deep to your soul with the facts, feelings and emotions of one that is a true surviver in what many would consider a hopeless strugle. It is a must read for anyone from any ideology. Dr. Moshe Carmilly-Weinberger said it best when he stated that this book needed to be written. And, I would add, it needs to be read.