Title: The Swimmer of Auschwitz
By: Renaud Leblond
Genre: Historical Non-Fiction
Pages: 275
Release Date: August 14th, 2025
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:
Alfred Nakache, a Jewish child from Constantine, never imagined that he would one day swim for France at the Olympic Games in Berlin in 1936, nor than he would achieve a world record, as he did in 1941. As a child he was petrified of the water and yet, somehow, through sheer willpower and determination, he rose to become one of the very best swimmers in the world. That was until 1943, when he was banned from the pool - and in the same year, deported and sent to Auschwitz.
Not knowing if he would ever see his wife and daughter again, Alfred battled on, through the humiliation and the pain, even defying the guards by swimming in the water reserves of Auschwitz. Somehow - miraculously - he survived, swimming every day until the end of his life.
The Swimmer of Auschwitz is the unique, true story of a forgotten hero, told with remarkable power and simplicity.
Review:
The Swimmer of Auschwitz tells the remarkable true story of an Olympic hero who uses his skill and determination to survive one of history’s darkest chapters. It’s a deeply human story of endurance, faith, and the will to live against impossible odds. While I found the history fascinating and the subject inspiring, the narrative itself felt like it was missing a little emotional depth or connection that would have made it truly unforgettable. Still, it’s a compelling and important read, one that sheds light on courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable horror.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
No comments:
Post a Comment