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Jonathan Freedland

The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2022

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Escape Artist by Jonathan Freedland recounts the story of 19-year-old Rudolph Vrba and his friend Fred Wetzler as they escape from Auschwitz to inform the world about the atrocities happening there, driven by Vrba's belief that awareness would spur Allied action and prevent further Jewish deportations. The narrative follows Vrba's meticulous planning and eventual success, emphasizing his commitment to exposing the truth and saving lives.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Jonathan Freedland's The Escape Artist is widely praised for its gripping narrative and meticulous research, offering readers an exhilarating yet sobering glimpse into the Holocaust. Some critics, however, note that the pacing can be uneven. Overall, the book is lauded for its insightful and compelling portrayal of historical events.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Escape Artist?

A reader who would enjoy The Escape Artist by Jonathan Freedland appreciates historical narratives with a focus on World War II and Holocaust survival stories. Fans of Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City and Heather Morris's The Tattooist of Auschwitz would find this book compelling for its meticulous research and gripping storytelling.

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

Europe • 1940s

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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