I have always loved reading books about Holocaust having a family history effected during this time. When I discovered Ellie Midwood and The Girl Who Escaped Auschwitz, I knew it was a must read.
This is a book based on true events but with some liberties taken for the story.It is beautifully written, but tells a sad story of lost lives and heartbreak in one of the worlds horrific events.
Midwood tells the true story of Mala, an inmate of Auschwitz-Birkenau and Edek, an underground resistance fighter. Together they vow to escape. Their story is a love story in a time of heartbreaking sadness.
Reading the courage and heroism of Mala and Edek is inspiring to read. Midwood’ s words and descriptions makes the reader imagine life in those times.
This is a novel of historical fiction that is so powerful depicting the horrific events of the time. This is a definite book to read!

I am an avid reader of books in this genre due to my family surviving the Holocaust. I enjoyed this book, but wasn't one of my favorites. It took me a really long time to get into this book.

I can appreciate that this story was based on truth and it is definitely one that needs to be shared. It was very interesting to read about Mala and Edek's story and how they managed to escape. I liked reading at the end who the author based the story on.

I rated this book a 3 because it didn't hold my attention and i found myself putting the book down.

Many thanks to Ellie Midwood, Bookouture, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a lovely love story written by Ellie Midwood about Edek and Malla and all of their friends who were, like many jews, poles and many others were imprisoned in the hellish Auschwitz. The story takes us on a journey looking at Edek's and Mally's relationship and their escape, capture and deaths. We also learn so much about the camp and the people who were there including the SS guards and the inmates.

I decided to read this book as I am deeply interested in Auschwitz and the horrors that lay in this hell. I enjoyed the Tattooist of Auschwitz so much that I just had to read this book and it really was not a disappointment. There were times when I was laughing, times when I was crying and even times when I was scared for the inmates and in particular Malla and Edek. What's more, this book is all based on facts with some fiction in it to just help advance the tale. This is good because I think something as horrific as Auschwitz should not divert away from the facts and make it seem like something it was not. This book both entertains and educates people in a great way.

I liked this book as it told the tale of Edek, Malla and all of their friends in a way that did not twist the truth too much and showed the reader the horrors of the camp. I also liked it how the writer based all of the story on facts to ensure none of it was factually incorrect. The writer also successfully played with the reader's emotions, especially in the Epilogue as Midwood made us laugh, cry and scared throughout this great book.

There is not anything that immediately comes to mind which I did not like in this book which is great. I did thoroughly enjoy reading this book. However, I am indecisive on whether the prologue made or broke the book. This is because although it interested the reader and made them want to read on, it also ruined the moment later in the book just before Malla and Edek got caught. This, in my opinion, was because the reader is aware that the couple comes across the uniformed officers and so takes away some of the emotions the reader is feeling and makes it harder for the reader to step in the shoes of the couple and be glad of their escape.

I rate this book 4 stars making it an outstanding book and I was pleased to also see at the back of this book a list of other books related to the subjects and characters in this book which I now want to read, including the book written by Wieslaw; Edek's best friend. I would definitely recommend this book to many people but in particular, those who also have an interest in the holocaust and the horrific behaviour of most of the Nazis. (Note I use the superlative adjective "Most" because not all Nazis were wicked like the SS, for example, Oskar Schindler who saved many jews). I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more related and similar books.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this emotionally charged book

any book about Auschwitz is going to be emotional and this one is no exception, though its fictional it is based on fact.. .Auschwitz did exist and the terrible things that were done to all the prisoners

but this is also a story about hope and how just one little act can save someones life and this story was full of stories like that

this is the story of mala and edward who met in Auschwitz and it will bring tears to your eyes....

will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works

I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and I was so excited to get my hands on this one.

I started this book with little knowledge of the two characters this book is based upon; Mala & Edek. These two meet in Auschwitz and soon fall into a love neither of them could have expected. After months of planning, they decide it’s time to escape Auschwitz -together.

I started this book with an open mind, not sure what type of journey it would take me on. I soon found myself transported to Auschwitz and I was meeting characters that I couldn’t help but also love. Ellie Midwood’s ability to describe these characters, based off of real people who lived in these camps, is outstanding. I felt like I could truly see each of one them clear as day inside my head. I wanted to meet every single one, I was rooting for every single one, I felt pain and anguish for every single one.

This story was quite frankly, beautifully written. I couldn’t put it down, I was reading it all through the night. How could I fall asleep without finding out the fate of our beloved Mala & Edek? I truly never knew how their stories ended and I held hope in my heart for them all the way until the last page.

Ellie Midwood did something differently in this novel that I haven’t seen much in other books written about the Holocaust. She was able to give faces to the SS, Kapos, and other Nazi’s in the camp; she gave faces to the people who were accessories to murder, although they may not have been murderers themselves. She was able to describe them as human beings that held love and empathy inside themselves even though they weren’t supposed to. I think it’s hard to imagine anyone in that camp having the ability to hold empathy in their heart when their whole job is to dispose of other human beings without a second glance. Midwood’s ability to separate the two different types of people in charge of the camp was truly brilliant and refreshing to see.

I have read quite a few historical fiction novels, all surrounding the topic of WWII and the Holocaust. I have found it extremely important to continue to read, learn, and share these stories with others in hopes that something this horrendous will never happen again. As hard as these books are to get through, I almost feel like it’s our duty to read them so that we can share what we know with others. It’s important for names like Mala & Edek, and all their companions, to be known and never forgotten.

A beautiful, heart wrenching story; a story I read with blurry eyes thanks to all the tears. A must-read for all. This one will stick with me forever. I am now an Ellie Midwood fan for life.

The story of two Auschwitz prisoners, Edward and Mala who fell in love, fought to stay alive in the worst conditions, helped their fellow prisoners by whatever means they could and ultimately became a symbol that love and courage is something that can never die. As a fan of historical fiction I enjoyed this story as seen through the eyes of these two great characters and the incredible strength and human spirit they possess.

The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood is an excellent WWII era historical fiction novel that kept me interested from beginning to end.

I have now read several books by Ms. Midwood in the past, and I have thoroughly enjoyed each one, so when I saw that she had a new book coming out, I knew I had to read it. And it did not disappoint.

This novel has it all: true history, emotion, suspense, complex narrative and wonderfully written characters, a few surprises, and a sense of hope amongst the discovery of romance. This book touches on the fundamentals of : survival, overcoming obstacles, perseverance, love, loss, forging friendships and relationships, finding inner strength, and finding that light amongst the darkness.

The story of Mala and Edek is awe-inspiring, yet heartbreaking and devastating. I am not going to lie, I teared up a few times while reading their stories. The author has a way with her prose. She is able to express and describe emotions, images, and thoughts into a narrative that is just stunning.

The author’s additions and notes give a historical reference and sobering/definitive edge that keeps the whole story in perspective. It really adds to the book.

I am a huge fan of Ms. Midwood, and with this book, I will continue to be.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Bookouture for this stunning arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/9/21.

Enjoyed it but it wasn't my favorite historical fiction book. I appreciated that it was based on real people but at times the story seemed unbelievable. So many of the prisoners seemed to have free range and just wandered around. I'm glad that Edward Lubusch was based on a real Nazi Officer, who wasn't as heartless as most of them. I never new there was a Birkenau orchestra or a Family camp. I enjoyed the story and writing style. I didn't love the characters. I loved that Mala and Edek were able to find love in the worst of circumstances. How they were able to get out of the camp was brilliant.

Definitely recommend the book. Look forward to reading more books by the author, especially "The Violinist of Auschwitz." Love the cover of the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood is the incredible true story of Mala Zimetbaum, an interpreter for the SS who, along with Edward, a fighter for the underground Resistance, hatched an unthinkable plan; to escape from the Auschwitz concentration camp. Together, the pair make a promise to each other that they will either escape or die trying, but either way they will remain together. This is a story of the power of love and hope in the face of history's most horrific and shameful atrocity.

Having previously read Ms Midwood's novel, The Violinist of Auschwitz, another inspirational true story based on the life of Alma Rose, I was prepared for an emotionally taxing experience. Once again, the author has written a thoroughly researched account that will require the reader to plunge into the depths of their emotional reserve. While these stories are difficult to fully digest, Ms Midwood deftly leaves us feeling inspired, and therein lies the gift of her remarkable storytelling. Recommended.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.

I enjoyed this book immensely, though not as much as the Violinist of Auschwitz. I loved the mention of beloved characters from her previous book in this one. I feel the writing and story were strong, but I just didn't have the same connection with Mala as I did with Alma.

First of all, many thanks to #NetGalley, #Bookouture and author #EllieMidwood for the ARC of this book. I really appreciate the opportunity and my review is my own opinion and has not been influenced by receiving the ARC. I would give this title a solid 3.75 stars.

I am a huge fan of historical fiction, particularly WW2. I also have a soft spot for books that are fiction but based on real people who were in the camps. That has to be that much harder to write than pure fiction. I really had a fondness for the two main characters, Mala and Edek, each doing what they needed to survive in such terrible conditions but still trying to be part of the resistance and help others. I found it interesting to learn more about other inmates in the camps (such as political prisoners, Russians, Poles, etc.). I also appreciate learning something new, in this case the horrific facts about the Family Camp that served as the poster child example to the Red Cross and other groups to show how well taken care of the camp prisoners were. The deviousness of the falsely dated postcards and the true fate of these camp residents was horrific.

This was not an easy book to read due to the brutal nature of the material, but I do think it was an important one to read. I was interested in reading Ellie's other Auschwitz book, The Violinist of Auschwitz but was a little surprised that she took a few pages in this book to essentially spoil what happens to the two main characters in her other book. This makes it harder as a reader to get re-motivated to read The Violinist of Auschwitz when I now know in detail what befalls those two characters.

I will say it was heartening that amongst so much evil there were still individuals who recognized the horror they were wrapped up in and were wiling to help. I don't want to name them and inadvertently cause spoilers but amidst so much brutality, they were small rays of light .

Mala Zimetbaum and Edek Galinski are veteran prisoners in Auschwitz. They both have more privileged work positions which they use to stay alive and help others by sharing food, supplies and hope. As they plan their escape with others in the resistance, they quickly fall in love and hope for freedom and a life together.
Although fiction, the novel is based on true events and real people, including Mala and Edek. The author tells her well researched, descriptive story through the eyes of these brave and selfless characters. It is a harrowing and saddening tale of the Holocaust but also portrays strength and humanity among hate. A perfect read for those who enjoy historical fiction and WWII novels. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I read a lot of books in this genre. While I enjoyed it, this book wasn't one of my favorites. It took me a bit to get into this book, especially compared to the other book I've read by this author (<i>The Violinist of Auschwitz</i>).

The cover and genre caught my eye. The characters, in general, were interesting. It took me a bit longer than expected to get into the story. It's based on facts, which made it all the more intriguing. That said, some of the dialogue felt a bit unrealistic, and there was an overuse of adverbs that really stood out at times.

The author obviously did her research, and the story she crafted is one that needs to be shared. Vivid details bring certain scenes, such as those of the gas chambers, to life, Sadly, this one didn't stick with me the same way other WWII-era novels tend to do.

A very interesting and important story. The characters came alive at times, but not at others for me.
I learned a lot by reading this book, and in that way it is a very important book.

This story is about the strength of the concentration camp prisoners. There are many stories about the lengths people would go to to stay safe and alive. This is the first story I have read about an escape plan. At the end of the book the author explains what events were real and who the characters were based on.
I rated this book three stars not because the story is unimportant but because it did not capture my attention as much as I’d hoped. I struggled reading the middle of the book and found my attention wandering.

A beautiful touching story, based on the real life story of Mala Zimetbaum, a Belgian Jew and Polish prisoner Edek and their romantic love story. Written by the same author who wrote the Violinist of Auschwitz, this story is touching and the ending was so emotional and tear breaking that I actually cried at the end. The writing was really good, touching and the author did a good job drawing the reader into the story. What makes it more emotional is the fact that the characters as well as the plot of the story was real and that these horrors did happen in real life more than seventy years ago.

A dramatic story, emotional and heartbreaking story about a brave and courageous couple--a Jew and a Pole who would overcome any hardship to get what they want--freedom--worth five stars!

****A full review of The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz is coming soon.*** Sneak peek preview Ms. Midwood has written a fantastic tragic tale of heroism! The novel a fictional tale regarding actual events and real persons, is without a doubt 5 stars. Mala’s tale of heroism is heart-wrenching, and Ms. Midwoods writing style transforms you to being right there in the thick of it all.
I look forward to obtaining additional works to devour by Ms. Midwood.

I love WWII books and find that time fascinating, especially when the stories are based on true stories. I couldn’t put this story down and it definitely tugged at my heart strings. I loved reading Mala’s story. If you enjoy WWII books, especially those focused on heroic stories and the Holocaust, this book is for you!

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the arc of The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood.

5 stars- If you loved Ellie's other book then you'll love this one!! This follows Mala whom is inmate 19880 and Edward whom is inmate 531. Mala is an interpreter for the SS, and she uses that to her advantage to save as many people who she can by smuggling bits of bread for them and for those who are so desperate to eat! Then there's Edward whom is what they call a camp veteran and a political prisoner, but he is like everyone else wearing a striped uniform and having a shaved head... but as well as this he is also what they call an undergorund resistance fighter and has a plan.. the escape plan... Edward and Mala then end up meeting and Edward talks to Mala and even ends up making her believe the impossible of things... that thing was that even though their are watch towers with germans/SS on them as well as electric fencing and wiring and searchlights around that they both will end up escaping this death camp one way or another! So they have made a promise to each other that they will either die together in each others company or that theyll actually escape together with each other!

This was a sensational heartwarming read that in times of absolute horror a heartwarming love between two happened! this is one of the most inspiring love stories of all time that they will do anything together even if that is risking their lives to escape and be with one another!! I find books about Auschwitz so fascinating and this was an AMAZING read! I loved this so much, Cant wait for more in the future by the lovely author!! So thank you ever so much Ellie Midwood!

HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND 100%
5 STARS!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a story of tenacity and hope. It’s a story about standing in the abominable depths of hell and choosing kindness and love instead. Based on the true story of Auschwitz prisoners, Mala (inmate #19880) and Edek (inmate #531), Midwood masterfully brings to life their unexpected love story as well as their inspirational resistance to their oppressors.

In a place where death hangs in the air and it’s a crime just to exist, love seems both foreign and unlikely. Yet Alma and Edek find hope, tenderness, and affection in one another. Midwood skillfully draws the reader in to this unique and heartbreaking love story. I became deeply invested in their relationship and its ability to bring them a ray of light in such dark circumstances.

But this isn’t just a love story. It’s also a story about self-sacrifice and inspiration. Hardship can either bring out the best or worst in people. In this case, we see the very best of Mala and Edek, dedicated to helping others survive and bringing fellow inmates a bit of peace to distract from the surrounding horrors. Their willingness to fight against the oppression became an inspiration throughout camp and catapulted the Underground Resistance’s successes. It’s one thing to survive hell. It’s quite another to overcome it.

Having read Midwood’s previous book, The Violinist of Auschwitz, I was thrilled to see Alma and Zippy woven in to the fabric of Mala’s story. While the two stories can absolutely be enjoyed separately, it was very gratifying to see the stories intertwine.

Additionally, I greatly appreciated the Note on History at the end which indicated Midwood’s dedication to maintaining historical accuracy and the depth of research put into this book.

Mala and Edek’s story deserves to be told. They bravely defied fate and inspired others. Midwood has adeptly and beautifully given them voice and honored their lives.

Many thanks to Ellie Midwood, Bookouture, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.