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The Happiest Man on Earth

The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor

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The Happiest Man on Earth

By: Eddie Jaku
Narrated by: Jacek Koman
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About this listen

'Eddie looked evil in the eye and met it with joy and kindness . . . [his] philosophy is life-affirming' – Daily Express

Holocaust survivor Eddie Jaku made a vow to smile every day and now believes he is the ‘happiest man on earth’. In his inspirational memoir, he pays tribute to those who were lost by telling his story and sharing his wisdom.

Life can be beautiful if you make it beautiful. It is up to you.

Eddie Jaku always considered himself a German first, a Jew second. He was proud of his country. But all of that changed in November 1938, when he was beaten, arrested and taken to a concentration camp.

Over the next seven years, Eddie faced unimaginable horrors every day, first in Buchenwald, then in Auschwitz, then on a Nazi death march. He lost family, friends, his country.

The Happiest Man on Earth is a powerful, heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful memoir of how happiness can be found even in the darkest of times.

'Australia's answer to Captain Tom . . . a memoir that extols the power of hope, love and mutual support' – The Times

20th Century Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Historical Military Modern Survival Inspiring Thought-Provoking Heartfelt Feel-Good Holocaust

Critic reviews

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
Eddie looked evil in the eye and met it with joy and kindness . . . [his] philosophy is life-affirming
A reminder of the power of love, kindness and hope . . . A life-affirming story, beautifully told
His tale is compelling and particularly pertinent as we struggle to make sense of challenging times
Jaku’s memoir can be our private celebration of evil that was ultimately vanquished
This simple, moving account of a remarkable life offers plenty to think about and reflect on . . . Highly recommended
Australia's answer to Captain Tom . . . a memoir that extols the power of hope, love and mutual support
Resilience, generosity of spirit and a belief, despite everything, in the fundamental goodness of humanity shine through this outstanding memoir (Daily Mail)
All stars
Most relevant
I've never written a review on here before but this book needs to be heard by everyone. It brings the brightest light from the deepest dark. If you ever need a lesson in hope, purpose or the ability of people to triumph over seemingly impossible odds and trauma, you need this audiobook. The narration is top quality as well. Please listen and share, you will be so glad you did.

I'm speechless but need to say something...

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Wow, what a book… what a story… what a life! Thank you Eddie for telling us your story. This was not an easy listen in places - heartbreaking but sensitively told. Not only does it tell of the Holocaust but an incredible survival and how the reader has managed to move on to live life fully after such an atrocity. The reader was perfect for the book, it felt so right. Great for all ages. You’ll cry, but you’ll smile and feel uplifted too.

A must to read or listen to

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Incredible story of one persons life, powerful, sad & thought provoking thank you Eddie for sharing this story an absolute must read.

Brilliant

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Such a sad life poor Eddie went through. He was so strong to stay alive . And I am so happy for him with all his sadness that he came out the other end and found happiness. Had a Family and Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren to keep his life experiences alive for generations to come

Brilliant Book but very sad

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Truly unbelievable what one human can g up through. Excellent, a must read tale of courage, hope and love

Incredible story and narration. Superb

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