REVIEW
Just when I think Siobhan Curham’s books cannot get any better, she goes and tops the previous again! What an original story The Storyteller of Auschwitz is! It not only shows us the power and transformational ability of story-telling but also how it can aid the human spirit to survive through the most horrendous of events, like the Holocaust. In that way, stories become ‘an act of resistance, inspiration and remembrance.’
I am not sure where to begin to praise this novel as the effects are so far reaching. It transported me to a time of terror in World War II but also when great courage and endurance prevailed. The Nazis tried to strip hope from the souls of every Jew they captured. To humiliate and destroy their lives. But people like Etty held on to tiny threads of optimism. Jewels of light were released from her heart through the stories she shared and carried inside her. Some were from her own well of creativity but also from a reservoir of stories collected from a special bookstore owner she adored. But she did not keep all these wonderful gems to herself for she used these small pearls from the imagination to buoy others through the hopelessness and despair that surrounded them. These stories became a lifeline for many. For they offered promise, faith and encouragement and kept the love trickling into all of their lives. What a gift!
Before the Germans took over, Etty was a successful author with four books. When she handed the fifth instalment over to her publisher, he gave her the sad news. He was no longer allowed to publish her works. Because she was a Jew. This broke her heart but little did she know the path ahead that waited her. How she would take that ability out into the world to help so many once the Jews were rounded up and sent to camps. Stories became everything – their sole source of comfort, when stripped of all essentials of living. I don’t think I will ever forget the descriptions of these poor victims and the trials they endured but I will also remember the special bonds of friendship that grew between them. How they worked together and took comfort in each other. And how Etty tried desperately to encourage their faltering spirits, to inspire hope and to keep the fires burning in their hearts to survive.
This novel addresses many things: including a victim’s response to an evil oppressor. How easily such violence could breed hate. But there were some like Solly who reminded Etty and us that hate will only injure and make us sick. It really does not hurt the offender. We are responsible for what remains in our hearts after the attacks. Will we allow bitterness to take root or choose love? It is truly a hard task as a normal human response would be to retaliate. It is much easier to lash out than to respond in kindness. And forgive? Well, that is another whole level of courage.
The Storyteller of Auschwitz grabbed my heart from the first page and never let go. Tears flooded my eyes and an ache throbbed inside my heart for those who went through such awful torture. This novel moved me deeply with its probing insight, gut-wrenching images, memorable characters and amazing stories. I loved the full cast but Etty and Solly were my favourites. Solly called himself the Guardian of the Books, Keeper of the Stories, the Host of the Poems. His stories were pure gold, spun from ancient wisdom, truth and love. The healing and valuable spiritual guidance they offered Etty was priceless and she in turn, like a good steward, passed them on. A precious gift that kept giving.
I must not forget Tomasz the boxer who really connected Etty to her childhood faith and was determined to prevent the Germans from erasing Jewish identity. He gave her hope, encouragement and new direction to follow her writing talent through the gates of war. And yes, there are brief moments of romance between them that carry her through the darkness. Yet their relationship, like any, is a little bumpy as his mysteriousness and certain comments lead her to some misunderstanding. But in the end, all becomes clear.
This novel speaks volumes on the power of stories: how they teach and remind us of the good things, offer hope, encouragement, light and joy. Even in the face of evil. And The Storyteller of Auschwitz is a potent reminder to never forget the Holocaust so that we can prevent it from ever happening again. Siobhan Curham has done a magnificent job in delivering this message through the power of her own imagination. I am sure she has woven many pieces of herself into this novel, as her expert knowledge of writing comes through beautifully and what it means to be an author. The Storyteller of Auschwitz is the star on her tree of novels as it shines with such brilliance and light, it leaves me breathless, mesmerised and inspired. This is a profound story drenched in unforgettable love and remembrance. And worth far more than 5 Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️*
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my review copy.
