Auschwitz: A Doctor's Eyewitness Account

Described within these pages are seven methods of execution the nazi's used on those they considered to be of lower race. Dr. Nyiszli saw first han... (show more)

Described within these pages are seven methods of execution the nazi's used on those they considered to be of lower race. Dr. Nyiszli saw first hand these killings including the gas chamber, phosphorus bombs, firing squads, chloroform injections into the heart, a bullet in the back of the neck, burning alive, and attacks with flamethrowers. Those who did not meet these treacherous murders typically died of exhaustion, disease, or starvation within four months of their arrival. Dr. Nyiszli lived out his days at Auschwitz inside the first crematorium along side the SS as their camp forensic expert. His duties included caring for the individuals that were hospitalized, identifying communicable diseases within the camps, and dissecting members of the SS whose death was questionable. Aside from these duties he was also considered Dr. Mengeles personal assistant which entitled him to not only keep his life, but to also save the lives of his wife and daughter.
At the time that this book was written, post WWII, tensions were still high amongst different races. Although the world was disgusted with the realities of Germany’s actions during the war, prejudice was still prevalent, especially between the United States and the Soviet Union. The writing of this book exposed what people were capable of, and relates to the horrific outcomes of lynch mob society. It also touches on the magnitude of individuality and importance of believing in yourself. These are things that people find to be troublesome in everyday life no matter what the era. The idea that being insignificant in a group can kill is obvious throughout
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The only thing this book was lacking is mention of the notorious experiments he aided Dr. Mengele in. There are many written and eyewitness accounts of what happened to those in the hospitals before they lay on the dissection table. These experiments are not only known for their brutality but also for their progress in the medical field. Experimental findings as a result of torture during the holocaust have been banned from entering into modern day research. However, the results of these experiments pushed medicine into a new direction with the idea of multiple blood and tissue types. Their omission from this book portrays that all deaths were in vain. Although extremely unethical and immoral, this progress gives meaning to the victims’ death and helps define a legacy.
This book was very powerful and portrayed its message very effectively. Defiantly worth the read if you have a strong stomach. (show less)