Only Hope

A Survivor's Stories of the Holocaust

By: Felicia Bornstein Lubliner

Narrated by: Christine Williams

From the book's introduction:

"The world was not prepared for Auschwitz. It was, in fact, a place unbelievable even for its inmates. No words can adequately describe this weird world -- unlike anything the world had ever known. In order to understand its implication, you actually had to be part of it.

I'll have to be autobiographical, but follow me if you will into Auschwitz and spend a day there, and meet some of the people in the nameless mass of bodies. Try, if you will, to feel, even for a moment, that you could have been one of them, that in fact you were one of them."

©2019 Irving Lubliner (P)2023 Irving Lubliner

Amazing MUST READ Book...So Much Emotion

Felicia Lubliner's memoir is a deeply moving and emotionally resonant account of the Holocaust.

We learn about the Holocaust in school, but often in a way that reduces it to dates and historical events. This memoir is so much richer, conveying the profound emotional depth—the personal pain, fear, and resilience of those who lived through it. It brings readers (or listeners, for those who experience it through the audiobook) into the raw reality of the tragedy, helping us understand the physical, psychological, and emotional horrors that survivors endured - and continue to carry with them today.

Lubliner's vivid storytelling draws you completely into her experiences, often leaving you in awe of her resilience and wondering how she found the strength to survive such unimaginable circumstances. Her ability to not only endure these horrors but to later recount them with such profound emotional depth is remarkable.

As a Black man, this book touched me deeply. When we can truly understand the trauma of others, it opens the door for them to understand the pain we carry as well. Empathy—genuine, deep empathy—allows us to recognize what shapes us, what drives us, and ultimately reveals that we are more alike than different.

Read this Holocaust book first ! Then find out HOW this horror could possibly have happened

One needs to know the hideous details , the “little things” of Auschwitz which this author recounts so well from her own experience. Then one can explore the politics that made this possible. This is the BEST book I have read on this subject. Clearly and beautifully written.

The human spirit is unconquerable

This is such a beautiful book to listen to. Christine Williams managed to make the stories come alive (as if I was watching them happen or even present during the scenes.) I was moved by hearing Felicia’s own voice, recorded over 50 years ago. I believe she came to this country in 1949 and didn't know the English language, but she wrote her stories in English, and I noticed her mastery of both the language and the craft of writing a short story. Her son’s voice in the afterword is so heartwarming. All three voices (Christine's, Felicia’s and her son’s) combine to make this a unique audiobook.

A Powerful Retelling

Only Hope is a tribute to all the Jews that perished and to all who survived and managed to resume a life. Irv's bringing this beautiful and heart-rending story to fruition honors not only his mother, but so many's relatives and loved ones. in these times especially, it's important to remember. Bravo, Irv!

courageous survival of the Soul

Felicia chose survival one day at a time in a nightmare environment beyond anything most of us can imagine. This alone is an incredible true story to absorb, to take within, and yet there is more. I will not spoil this climactic Soul awakening moment (for me). I can say, in that moment, I fell Divinely in Love with Felicia for expanding my heart, and making me a better person!