Auschwitz Lullaby

A Novel

By: Mario Escobar

Narrated by: Hayley Cresswell

Based on the true story of a brave German nurse tasked with caring for Auschwitz’s youngest prisoners, Auschwitz Lullaby brings to life the story of Helene Hannemann—a woman who sacrificed everything for family and fought furiously for the children she hoped to save.

On an otherwise ordinary morning in 1943, Helene Hannemann is preparing her five children for the day when the German police arrive at her home. Helene’s worst fears come true when the police, under strict orders from the SS, demand that her children and husband, all of Romani heritage, be taken into custody. Though Helene is German and safe from the forces invading her home, she refuses to leave her family—sealing her fate in a way she never could have imagined.

After a terrifying trek across the continent, Helene and her family arrive at Auschwitz and are thrown into the chaos of the camp. Her husband, Johann, is separated from them, but Helene remains fiercely protective of her children and those around her. When the powers-that-be discover that Helene is not only a German but also a trained nurse, she is forced into service at the camp hospital, which is overseen by the notorious Dr. Mengele himself.

Helene is under no illusions in terms of Dr. Mengele’s intentions, but she agrees to cooperate when he asks her to organize a day care and school for the Romani children in the camp. Though physically and emotionally brutalized by the conditions at Auschwitz, Helene musters the strength to protect the children in her care at any cost. Through sheer force of will, Helene provides a haven for the children of Auschwitz—an act of kindness and selflessness so great that it illuminates the darkest night of human history.

Based on a true story, Mario Escobar’s Auschwitz Lullaby demonstrates the power of sacrifice and the strength of human dignity—even when all hope seems lost.

Praise for Auschwitz Lullaby:

"Auschwitz Lullaby grabbed my heart and drew me in. A great choice for readers of historical fiction."—Irma Joubert, author of The Girl from the Train

• An international bestseller
• Full-length World War II historical novel
• A finalist for 2019’s Empik Award for Literature
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs, research notes from the author, and a historical timeline

wonderful book

The book was very well written, a sad but moving story and the narrator is very good as well.

Narrator Could Have Been Better

The story was both heart-warming and difficult to hear... Didn’t realize that the Gypsies, like the Jews, were held as prisoners at Auschwitz, and had no idea that there was actually a school established for the 100 plus children. As others said, the narrator came across as being way too cheery! She did not differentiate between characters with voice inflections.

Narration too cheery

Although it seems the main character was an optimistic individual, the narrator was super cheerful through the entire book. Having been to (both) Auschwitz and other camps, I found her cheerful tone annoying. I thought at any point she was going to starting singing the Lego movie song “Everything Is Awesome.”
The story was interesting and I did learn some things.

The narrator's tone does not work with the storyline. She sounds too cheerful and content.

Interesting storyline. However, any reference to Mengele having a conscience is laughable. He never regretted what he did.

Must read

We should never forget the horrors of mankind. May all those tortured souls rest easy.