THE ESCAPE ARTIST - The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World

Recommended by a book clubber this Sunday Times bestseller tells the true story of 19 year old Rudolf Vrba who escapes Auschwitz to warn the world and reveal the chilling truth of his experience. Shortlisted for the Waterstones Book of the Year and the Baille Gifford Prize for Non Fiction in 2022, this Wild Card choice touched Den readers and remains an important reminder of the atrocities that occurred and some unsavoury and evil revelations about the human psyche.

‘The Escape Artist’ retells the account of Rudolf Vrba who arrives at Auschwitz from Slovakia aged 17 in 1942. Freedland explains how Vrba was a bright young man who managed to ‘bounce around’ the various blocks in the camp undertaking different roles and responsibilities which made him an unusual witness to the evil events that occurred at Auschwitz. The life expectancy of a Jew arriving here was measured in hours so Vrba who survived for 21 months is incredible and a rare achievement and as Freedland explains Vbra’s gift for knowledge, facts and numbers gave him the mental resources to succeed with his mission. This was two fold - to firstly escape the camp and secondly to reveal the truth of the Holocaust. The nature of the escape itself which Vrba undertook with a fellow prisoner, Alfred Wetzler is in itself gripping and we as readers are engrossed in the thrill of his fortitude and resourcefulness. Vbra’s unique skills provided the profound clarity of his experience including the chilling reception that we witness from senior officials and religious groups. His report which was produced following interviews with himself and his fellow prisoner was only taken seriously after an agent reporter in Zurich published his findings which then forced leaders to take action and save lives.

Whilst Freedland, the author and journalist, did not have the opportunity to interview Rudolf Vrba, who died in 2006, this is a thoroughly researched and powerful retelling of Vrba’s story.

One that should be shared and never forgotten.