Survival Paperback – April 12, 2005

SurvivalThis is not just another Holocaust book. Magda's story is a slap in the face to the "historians" and racists who deny that the Holocaust ever took place. But this book is so much more than a historical document; it is the story about one woman's courageous life, and a life that has been lived to the full.I had the pleasure of hearing Magda share her story at our Messianic Congregation. Magda is willing to share her story with both Christians and Messianic Jews because she loves God and loves people. She is a bundle of energy, and if you ever get the chance to see her in person, I would highly recommend that you do so.The book seems to fly by as we see the life of Magda transition from a happy, athletic child to a left-for-dead survivor, to her development into vibrant adulthood. The part where she is re-united with her mother is priceless; Magda's mother saved a change of clothes and some chocolates in case her daughter would ever return, and Baruch HaShem she did. Magda is also a poet, and she has many poems mixed in; one that stuck me in particular was one she recited when she thought she would die near the camps. The poem is a chilling reminder of the powerful emotions one would feel at that time when normal words cannot adequately explain our emotions.What I really loved about her work, oral and written, is that she has a wonderful balance of remembrance and hope. She does not forget or ignore the past, but neither does she let it impede her. We remember the horror, but we also get to hear about how after the war she went to medical college, found the love of her life (recently celebrating 60 years of marriage), and became a poet and an inspirational speaker.This book is important for both Jews and Christians to read. Both will walk away blessed. But also to those who feel that there is no hope in the world, this is a great example to demonstrate the opposite. Don't miss an opportunity to see what one woman did who was described as "saved by God." It will warm your heart.

Having read this book and have had time to ponder the most inhumane treatment human beings thrust upon innocent victims is almost unbelieveable. The disgusting life Magda endured was, I am certain, made possible only by her faith in God. Having read numerous books on the holocaust, most prisoners lost faith, but not Magda. The abuses she was forced to endure are inconceivable that she survived. This book is exceedingly descriptive, so if you have a weak stomach, be forewarned. The vulgarities were described in such a fashion as to bring home to the reader exactly what she endured without resorting to base language. Her ability to "transport" herself to another space during her persecutions are evidence of her strong will to live. She encountered many small miracles, but the most meaningful one was Jean. When you read the book, you will learn why. The poetry that Magda shares with the reader is astounding; it is so beautiful, you just want to read it over and over again. It was so heart warming to learn that Magda was reunited with her mother in a very unconventional manner and they had the opportunity to share the love and tenderness once again. The love and breeding with which Magda learned as a child as well as her survival and endurance was certainly demostrated by her restrain in the soup lines. If you read no other book on the holocaust, you must read "Survival."

THIS BOOK WILL REMAIN IN MY HEART AND SOUL FOR AS LONG AS I LIVE. I COULD NEVER IMAGINE HOW MAGDA AND HER FELLOW JEWS COULD HAVE SURVIVED WHAT HAS TO BE THE MOST VILE,EVIL.DISGUSTING INHUMANE TREATMENT OF THE WORLDS HISTORY, I SOMETIMES WOULD STOP READING,JUST TO CATCH MY BREATH....I WOULD CLOSE MY EYES,AND TRY TO ENVISION WHAT SHE WAS DESCRIBING AND IT WOULD TURN MY STOMACH,MAKE ME ANGRY OR MAKE ME CRY....SOMETIMES ALL THREE!!! I HAVE READ THIS BOOK 5 TIMES,AND WILL ALWAYS CHERISH IT. I HAVE TOLD MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABOUT IT,AND I WILL BE BUYING A COPY FOR EACH OF MY CHILDREN,WITH INSTRUCTIONS THAT IT IS PASSED ONTO THEIR CHILDREN ETC! THIS IS MY WISH,SO THAT MY CHILDREN AND MY GRANDCHILDREN ETC....NEVER HAVE TO ASK "WHAT DOES THE HOLOCAUST MEAN?" PLEASE BUY THIS BOOK....U WILL NOT REGRET IT I ASSURE U.....THANK YOU MAGDA FOR SHARING UR STORY...YOU WILL ALWAYS BE AN INSPIRATION TO ME.

I met Magda in middle school and her husband performed brain surgery on my dad in the 80s, they are incredible loving people full of wisdom. This book is just like talking to her! Not only do you experience the history of her story, it is brimming with life lessons for any age. Parents you must buy this and keep it on your shelf, it helps your kids to understand the Holocaust and they will learn so many inspiring lessons from Magda. She's a physically and mentally strong lady who demonstrates the value of family bonds, physical fitness, being a good scholar, and caring for others with all your heart no matter what.

This book was in excellent condition. And even though it was supposed to be used, it was in new condition

Although the writer is sometimes repetitive, her story is incredible and well written. Some of her poems are really poignant. I have been to the Holocaust museum in Washington, but reading about it from one who endured the suffering and abuse really brings alive the atrocities suffered by the Jewish people. It is hard to imagine how human beings could be so cruel and callous.

It is so sad to me what Magda went through. I cannot even imagine what it was like to live through this. I really enjoyed this book and the story that she told.

I met Mrs. Herzberger in my nail salon and she shared her story. This book is captures the spirit of determination I was privileged to witness during our few moments talking. There are so few survivors remaining of the holocaust and we all need to read and have our children and grandchildren read accounts like Magda's so we never forget and stand up against ethnic cleansing and horror mongers.

A good read.

Very good book. Worth reading