The story behind The Teacher of Auschwitz with exclusive audiobook extract

Bestselling author and historian Wendy Holden explains what led her to write a novel inspired by the incredible true story of Fredy Hirsch, a young man who persuaded the Nazis to allow him to set up a Children's Block in the shadow of Auschwitz's hungry chimneys. Young, gay, German and Jewish, Fredy set aside his own needs and risked his life every day to offer thousands of children guidance, protection, and love. Inside those sacred four walls, decorated with characters from Walt Disney's Snow Whitened the Seven Dwarves, frightened, malnourished children forgot where they were and were encouraged to dance and sing, play games and continue their education. Published in 14 countries from January 2025, The Teacher of Auschwitz is available for pre-order now and on audiobook in the UK on Jan 9.I write books. Lots of books. I tell people's stories. And sometimes, I tell my own...www.wendyholden.com