Only Hope Audiobook By Felicia Bornstein Lubliner cover art

Only Hope

A Survivor's Stories of the Holocaust

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Only Hope

By: Felicia Bornstein Lubliner
Narrated by: Christine Williams
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About this listen

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 20th Century Military Modern Religious Wars & Conflicts World War II War
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I’ve never been this moved by a holocaust experience. I understand more now than I did before. 

Hearing her voice was so impactful

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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.

Amazing MUST READ Book...So Much Emotion

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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.

The human spirit is unconquerable

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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!

A Powerful Retelling

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With Only Hope we are privileged to hear Truth with a Capital T. Unfortunately real Truth is often a rarity today. I have the privilege of knowing Irv. I went to one of his first presentations after publishing Only Hope. I was fascinated to learn this aspect of his life, having only met him a few years previously. I bought and read the book mainly as an act of friendship. So I was familiar with Only Hope when I listened to it. The experience was totally different and the harsh realities of the camps became so vivid and real! I guess my eyes can glance over maybe uncomfortable passages, but my ears could not unheard the words and the pictures of reality seemed so much more devastating and subhuman especially when hearing his mother’s own voice. I highly recommend the audio version and then purchasing the hard copy so you can always have access to the Truth of a horrible chapter in the history of mankind.

Truth

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Listening to this incredibly poignant and poetic firsthand account of Felcia Lubliner's holocaust experience, I am reminded of both the courageous survivors and the murdered victims who have a voice again because of Felicia. The "package of hope" that Felicia talks about in her writings is unwrapped for humanity to see and learn from. Hearing Felicia recount her life as a holocaust survivor truly made me feel the urgency of her message to never forget the horrors that took place just a century ago. In addition, the narrator, Christine Williams so eloquently speaks Felicia's words with a voice of compassion that touches one's soul.

Poignant and poetic

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I wasn't prepared for this. The difference between reading "Only Hope" and listening to the audio version is like comparing a map to the actual experience of travel. In reality, though, both are necessary to produce an unforgettable experience. While the book brings the reader to many uncomfortable places, the combined voices of Christine Williams (superbly narrating the gut-wrenching words of Felicia), Irving Lubliner (sharing candid childhood memories of his parents), and Felicia herself (lecturing at a local college) bring the listener into the ghoulish world of hatred, abject evil, and the residual effects of trauma in a searing and unforgettable true-life story. As I read the book, I was forced to stop and reflect on humanity's penchant for inhumanity, but as I listened to the audio version I was transported to Auschwitz to witness firsthand the cruelty that Felicia and others endured. Frankly, listening to this and imagining the horror took my breath away. I frankly believe you should own the book as well as the audio version of these memoirs, if for no other reason than to draw inspiration from Felicia Lubliner's indomitable spirit when challenges beset you. Aside from this, these serve as reminders that evil does exist and we must vigorously fight against it, particularly when a growing number of people doubt the Holocaust ever happened. Read, listen, and weep. Go to Auschwitz with Felicia. Let these written and spoken words seep into your spirit. You will not be disappointed and you will most certainly be changed for the better. Highly recommended.

Only Hope Review

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Only Hope is a powerful story that needs to be kept alive so that we do not repeat history, Reading this book was impactful; listening to the voices of Felicia, Irving, and Christine took the book to a whole new level. Felicia's life story came to life and the audio version held my attention throughout. I was unprepared for how much more the audio version touched me and brought the scenes to life. I sincerely hope people both read and listen to this hope-inspiring book.

A Life Experience To Be Not Forgotten

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Excellent narrator. The stories are compelling, especially the one about Matilda. Highly recommended to get the audio version.

First hand experience of being at Auschwitz

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After having read Only Hope, I assumed that listening to the audiobook version would be a nice way to revisit Felicia’s stories, but that I wouldn’t necessarily learn anything new. Boy was I wrong. When a story is read by the narrator, with the proper pauses and inflections, the stories come to life. And then to actually be able to listen to a recording of Felicia personally recount her journey to Auschwitz… that was so impactful. I came away with a renewed awe of her ability to recall everything in such detail and her mastery of English, which was not her first language. She helps us see, hear and smell everything that she saw, heard and smelled, so that we can imagine being there with her. Please, if you’ve read the book, listen to this audio version, and if you’ve never read it, then may this audiobook give you a glimpse into the experiences and strength of character of an Auschwitz survivor.

Definitely listen, even if you’ve already read the book

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