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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Born Survivors summary
Wendy Holden
Brief summary
Born Survivors is a gripping true story by Wendy Holden that follows the lives of three expectant mothers in Nazi concentration camps. Their remarkable resilience and courage in the face of unimaginable horrors is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Table of Contents
Born Survivors
Summary of key ideas
Surviving Against All Odds
In Born Survivors by Wendy Holden, we are introduced to three pregnant women, Priska, Rachel, and Anka, who are sent to Auschwitz during the Holocaust. Despite the unimaginable horrors they face, they manage to keep their pregnancies a secret from the Nazis, knowing that if discovered, they and their unborn children would be immediately killed. Their resilience and determination to protect their babies at all costs form the core of this gripping narrative.
Priska, Rachel, and Anka endure the inhumane conditions of the concentration camp, including hard labor, starvation, and the constant fear of death. They witness the atrocities committed by the Nazis, including the mass murder of their fellow prisoners. Despite these horrors, they find ways to survive, drawing strength from their unborn children and the hope of a better future.
Unimaginable Challenges and Miraculous Births
As their pregnancies progress, the challenges the women face become even more daunting. They are transferred to different camps, each more brutal than the last. Priska gives birth to a son, Hana, in Mauthausen, a camp notorious for its harsh conditions. Rachel delivers a daughter, Hana, on a train to another camp, and Anka gives birth to a son, Mark, at the gates of Mauthausen. The births are nothing short of miraculous, given the dire circumstances and the women's weakened physical states.
Despite the joy of bringing new life into the world, the women's struggles are far from over. They must protect their newborns in the midst of a war zone, with the Nazis still in control. They face the constant threat of being discovered and killed, and the challenge of providing for their babies in the absence of basic necessities like food, shelter, and medical care.
Enduring Loss and Embracing Freedom
Tragically, Priska's husband, Rachel's husband, and Anka's entire family are killed in the Holocaust. The women are left to navigate the aftermath of the war as single mothers, mourning their losses while trying to build a future for their children. They face the additional challenge of being stateless, having lost their citizenship during the war.
Despite these immense challenges, the women display remarkable resilience and determination. They eventually find their way to a displaced persons camp, where they begin the process of rebuilding their lives. They form a bond, united by their shared experiences and the extraordinary circumstances of their children's births.
Reclaiming Their Lives
As the war ends, the women and their children are liberated and begin the long journey towards recovery. They face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives in a world shattered by war. Priska, Rachel, and Anka eventually remarry and emigrate to different parts of the world, seeking a fresh start for their families.
In conclusion, Born Survivors is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Priska, Rachel, and Anka's extraordinary story of survival against all odds, and their unwavering determination to protect their children, serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring strength of the maternal bond and the human will to survive.
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What is Born Survivors about?
Born Survivors tells the harrowing true story of three pregnant women who fought to survive and protect their unborn children during the Holocaust. Author Wendy Holden uncovers the incredible tale of determination, courage, and resilience as these women endure unimaginable hardships in Nazi concentration camps. A testament to the power of maternal love and the strength of the human spirit, this book offers a unique perspective on the atrocities of World War II.
Born Survivors Review
Born Survivors (2015) tells the astonishing true story of three women who defied the odds and gave birth in Nazi concentration camps. Here's why this book is worth every reader's time:
- It offers a gripping and emotional account of survival against all odds, highlighting the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
- The book provides a unique perspective on the Holocaust, shedding light on the experiences of pregnant women and the challenges they faced.
- Through meticulous research and interviews, it reveals untold stories of bravery and hope, making the historical events feel immediate and personal.
Who should read Born Survivors?
- Readers who are interested in World War II history and the Holocaust
- Those who are inspired by stories of resilience and survival against all odds
- Individuals who appreciate personal accounts and memoirs
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Born Survivors FAQs
What is the main message of Born Survivors?
The main message of Born Survivors is the resilience and triumph of three women who gave birth while imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps.
How long does it take to read Born Survivors?
The reading time for Born Survivors varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Born Survivors a good book? Is it worth reading?
Born Survivors is a captivating book that sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of the Holocaust. It is definitely worth reading for its inspiring stories of resilience.
Who is the author of Born Survivors?
Wendy Holden is the author of Born Survivors.
What to read after Born Survivors?
If you're wondering what to read next after Born Survivors, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley