Lily’s Promise: How I Survived Auschwitz and Found the Strength to Live by Lily Ebert and Dov Forman

***My Review ***

Lily’s Promise: How I Survived Auschwitz and Found the Strength to Live is a powerful memoir that tells the story of Lily Ebert’s experiences during the Holocaust. Written in collaboration with her great-grandson, Dov Forman, the book is a moving tribute to Ebert’s strength, resilience, and determination in the face of unimaginable horrors.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part is Lily’s harrowing account of her experiences in Auschwitz, where she was taken with her family at the age of 14. Ebert vividly describes the appalling conditions in the concentration camp, from the brutal treatment of prisoners to the constant fear of death. Her account is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, as she describes how she managed to survive the horrors of the camp through sheer force of will and determination.

The second part of the book is equally powerful, as Ebert describes her life after the war, and how she found the strength to carry on in the face of unimaginable loss and trauma. Ebert’s story is one of resilience and hope, as she rebuilds her life and comes to terms with the trauma of her past.

One of the most striking aspects of Lily’s Promise is the relationship between Ebert and her great-grandson, Dov Forman. Forman’s presence throughout the book provides a poignant reminder of the legacy of the Holocaust, and the importance of passing on the stories of survivors to future generations. Forman’s perspective as a young person also provides a fresh and relatable lens through which to view Ebert’s experiences, and his admiration and respect for his great-grandmother shine through on every page.

The book also provides valuable insights into the experiences of those who survived the Holocaust, and the challenges they faced in rebuilding their lives after the war. Ebert’s descriptions of her struggles to find her place in the world after the war, and the difficulties she faced in coming to terms with the trauma of her past, are both moving and enlightening.

One of the most impressive things about Lily’s Promise is the honesty and candor with which Ebert tells her story. She does not shy away from the horrors of the Holocaust, nor does she sugarcoat the difficulties she faced in the aftermath of the war. Instead, she offers a frank and unflinching account of her experiences, providing readers with a powerful and valuable perspective on one of the darkest periods in human history.

The book is also beautifully designed, with stunning photographs and illustrations throughout. The layout and design of the book help to bring Ebert’s story to life, and the images provide a vivid and compelling visual representation of her experiences.

The writing in Lily’s Promise is powerful and evocative, capturing the horror and despair of the Holocaust while also celebrating the human spirit’s ability to survive and thrive in even the darkest of circumstances. Ebert’s story is both heartbreaking and uplifting, a testament to the power of hope and the strength of the human spirit.

Moreover, Lily’s Promise also offers important lessons about the value of intergenerational relationships and the importance of passing on stories from one generation to the next. The collaboration between Ebert and her great-grandson, Forman, is a testament to the power of cross-generational connections, and the importance of sharing stories and experiences with those who will come after us.

In addition, the book highlights the importance of speaking out against prejudice and discrimination, and the need to stand up for what is right in the face of injustice. Ebert’s experiences in the concentration camp demonstrate the devastating consequences of hate and bigotry, and serve as a reminder of the need to work towards a more just and equitable world.

Without any doubt, Lily’s Promise: How I Survived Auschwitz and Found the Strength to Live is a must-read book that offers a powerful and inspiring story of survival, resilience, and hope. Ebert’s story is an important reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust, and the need to remember and honor the experiences of those who lived through it. It is also a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and the power of hope to overcome even the most unimaginable circumstances.

In conclusion, Lily’s Promise is a moving and powerful book that deserves a wide audience. It offers a valuable and important perspective on one of the darkest periods in human history, and serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of the Holocaust, or in the power of human resilience and hope. It is a book that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.