The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe

If you are a book lover, like me, you will love reading this story about a real hero who saved the lives of many children by saving their beloved books.

During World War 2, when Nazi power was rising, many groups of people across Europe were attacked for their identity. Whether it be their age, religion, eye colour, race or disability, people were treated appallingly or sadly killed. Throughout the war years, "book burning" was a common event. Those in power, were terrified that if people continued to read and educate themselves, they would become more knowledgeable and able to fight back. Because of this, so many books were destroyed.

The Librarian of Auschwitz tells the story of Dita Kraus, who was challenged with the job of hiding the last surviving books in the concentration camp. Under the menacing eye of Megele, a 'doctor' who was infamous for his experimentation on twins, Dita had to navigate a tumultuous time in Auschwitz all while saving herself, the books and the children in the school. Naturally this book is a roller-coaster of emotion, at times you have this immense sense of hope followed by an immediate tumble into despair. Many characters you grow attached to are lost or suffer in many ways, a much loved person struggles with their sexuality during a time it was frowned upon, a German soldier falls in love with a prisoner girl and the horrors of the gas chambers are described in such an emotive and clear way.

I found this story, a little slow to start with. I really struggled to get motivated during the first half of the book. I think this is because you are introduced to so many people but not necessarily aware of their purpose or importance. However, when you reach the half way point, everything becomes clear and I flew through the remaining pages in a couple of days. The story is based on truth, however it is fictionalised in places for effect, which I really enjoyed because I feel like I learnt a lot more about this period of history. It is apparent that the author did lots of research and was even lucky enough to meet the real life Dita and experience her past. The book was painfully sad in places, you followed all of the characters on such a personal level and I really felt passionately when you could see them about to make the wrong move, I just wanted to yell STOP! It was a very gripping book in this way.

As I mentioned at the start, being a book lover, I found it really emotional that it was books that kept the children happy and gave people a purpose. It was also a great reminder to me, that 'living stories' those told orally by people, are also powerful and it is important to listen.

I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I would give the second half of the story an easy 5, but the first half was just so slow I had to bump it down a little. All in all, I think everyone should read this story and learn about the people involved so that heroic acts, like Dita's library are never forgotten.