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The Happiest Man on Earth

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( 121,406 ratings, 10,702 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku is a touching memoir that shares the author's incredible journey of survival through the Holocaust. Despite the unimaginable hardships he faced, Eddie Jaku celebrates resilience, love, and hope, ultimately finding happiness and urging others to cherish every moment.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are inspired by stories of resilience and forgiveness. It offers a moving account of survival, hope, and finding joy in life despite overwhelming odds.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A Holocaust survivor shares what he's learned about gratitude, tolerance and kindness.

A Holocaust survivor shares what he's learned about gratitude, tolerance and kindness.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku is a profoundly inspiring memoir that tells the story of how hope, kindness, and inner strength can lead to happiness even in the darkest times. Born in Germany, Eddie Jaku considered himself German first and Jewish second. His life, however, took a harrowing turn in November 1938 when he was beaten, arrested, and taken to a concentration camp during the Holocaust.

Over the next seven years, Eddie endured unimaginable horrors daily, first in Buchenwald, then in Auschwitz, and later on a Nazi death march. He witnessed the loss of family, friends, and his homeland, but his resilient spirit and vow to smile every day helped him survive the atrocities. In his memoir, Eddie Jaku pays tribute to the people who were lost by sharing his story and wisdom, ultimately revealing how happiness can be found even amid suffering.

Published as Eddie celebrated his 100th birthday, The Happiest Man on Earth is a powerful and heartbreaking narrative that emerges hopeful and life-affirming. This poignant account proves that the human spirit's resilience can foster happiness, even when faced with the most challenging circumstances.

This remarkable story has garnered significant acclaim:

WINNER OF THE ABIA BIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR 2021

SHORTLISTED FOR THE ABA NIELSEN BOOK BOOKSELLERS' CHOICE - ADULT NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR 2021

SHORTLISTED FOR THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS FOR NON-FICTION 2021

LONGLISTED FOR MATT RICHELL AWARD FOR NEW WRITER OF THE YEAR 2021

Praise for The Happiest Man on Earth:

"This simple, moving account of a remarkable life offers plenty to think about and reflect on. Highly recommended." โ€” Canberra Weekly

"I have never met Eddie Jaku, but having read his book I feel like I have made a new friend. This is a beautiful book by a truly amazing man." โ€” Daily Telegraph

"A reminder of the power of love, kindness and hope. A life-affirming story, beautifully told." โ€” Sydney Morning Herald

"Jaku's memoir can be our private celebration of evil that was ultimately vanquished." โ€” Country Style

"His tale is compelling and particularly pertinent as we struggle to make sense of challenging times." โ€” Weekend Post

"He acknowledges suffering but resists being defined by it, adhering instead to his philosophy of choosing a radical form of humanity, a resistance both potent and infectious." โ€” Australian Book Review

"What an amazing, beautiful human." โ€” Magda Szubanski

"A beautiful soul." โ€” Lisa Wilkinson

"Eddie is a human diamond, and his story of survival, hope and the importance of kindness is what the world needs now." โ€” Zoรซ Foster Blake

The Happiest Man on Earth is more than just a memoir; it is a testament to the enduring power of human spirit, an essential read for anyone seeking inspiration and hoping to understand the boundless possibilities of resilience and joy in the face of adversity.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku has received heartfelt praise for its powerful and uplifting narrative. Reviewers commend its moving recount of survival during the Holocaust and Jaku's profound reflections on forgiveness and happiness. His life-affirming messages and resilience have touched many readers, making it a highly recommended memoir.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781760980085

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 28 July 2020

Country: Australia

Imprint: Macmillan Australia

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 144.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 343g

Pages: 208

About the Author

Eddie Jaku OAM, was born Abraham Jakubowicz in Germany in 1920. In World War 2, Eddie was imprisoned in Buchenwald and Auschwitz concentration camps. In 1945, he was sent on a 'death march' but escaped. Finally, he was rescued by Allied soldiers. In 1950 he moved with family to Australia where he has lived since. Eddie has volunteered at the Sydney Jewish Museum since its inception in 1992. Eddie has been married to Flore for 74 years. They have two sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In 2020 Eddie celebrates his 100th birthday.

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