The Librarian of Auschwitz

We are all very familiar with the stories and horrors of enduring WWII concentration camps but are we aware that Auschwitz also had a family camp in which it housed the children of the camp.  And within the camp there were teachers to entertain the children throughout the day.  We meet Dita, a teenage girl who is volunteers to be the librarian in the children’s block, responsible for the safe-keeping of eight contraband books that have been smuggled into the camp.  The cherished books when read to the children, offer an escape.  The role of Librarian gives Dita purpose and she finds herself risking her life to protect the books.

 A beautifully written story revealing the terrible conditions of the camps while showcasing the hopefulness of people who put others before themselves.  Such a good story.  A great choice for a book club.