Harry Haft: Survivor of Auschwitz, Challenger of Rocky Marciano

by Alan Scott Haft
Harry Haft: Survivor of Auschwitz, Challenger of Rocky Marciano cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 9718
  • Added: 2026-01-02
  • Updated: 2026-01-02
  • ISBN: 9780815608004
  • Publisher: Syracuse University Press
  • Published: 2015-02-01
  • Reviews: 3

Harry Haft's story is one of extraordinary endurance and desperation. A young Polish Jew, Haft was forced to fight other prisoners in brutal bare-knuckle bouts for the entertainment of SS officers in a concentration camp. His survival depended on his ability to win these fights. After escaping the camp, Haft immigrated to America, where he became a professional boxer, facing legends like Rocky Marciano. His memoir offers a stark contrast to traditional Holocaust narratives, presenting an antihero whose will to survive challenges our understanding of compassion and humanity. /n/n Haft's account is both dispassionate and deeply absorbing, providing new insights into the corruption within the boxing world and the psychological toll of his experiences. His story is a valuable contribution to Holocaust literature, offering a unique perspective on survival and the human condition.

Reviews
Jewish Post and News · 2026-01-02
haunting 4.25

Harry Haft's story is a haunting yet powerful testament to survival, shaped by brutality, trauma, and an indomitable will to endure. It's a singular tale of endurance and unrequited love.

The Jewish Post and News highlights Harry Haft's life as a haunting yet powerful testament to survival. The story is shaped by brutality, trauma, and an indomitable will to endure, making it a singular tale of resilience. The reviewer emphasizes the emotional depth and complexity of Haft's experiences, from his time in the concentration camps to his later life as a boxer. The narrative is described as both harrowing and inspiring, offering a profound insight into the human spirit. The reviewer also notes the significance of Haft's story in the context of Holocaust history, highlighting its importance in understanding the lasting impact of such experiences. The tale of unrequited love adds a layer of emotional depth, making it a compelling and moving story.

Quick quotes

    A haunting yet powerful testament to survival.

    Shaped by brutality, trauma, and an indomitable will to endure.

    A singular story of endurance and unrequited love.

Syracuse University Library · 2021-02-01
powerful 4.50

The audiobook is described as exceptional, capturing the essence of Haft's extraordinary life. It's a powerful testament to survival and resilience.

The AudioFile reviewer praises the audiobook adaptation of Harry Haft's story as exceptional, highlighting its ability to convey the depth and complexity of Haft's experiences. The narrative is brought to life through powerful storytelling, making it a compelling listen. The reviewer notes that the audiobook does justice to Haft's remarkable journey, from his time in Auschwitz to his later life as a boxer. It's a testament to the power of audiobooks in capturing and conveying emotional and historical significance. The reviewer also mentions that the audiobook is a great way to engage with Haft's story, making it accessible and impactful for a wider audience. The emotional resonance of the story is particularly noted, making it a moving and unforgettable experience.

Quick quotes

    An exceptional audiobook that proves the power of storytelling.

    A powerful testament to survival and resilience.

    The emotional resonance of the story is particularly noted.

Johns Hopkins University Press · R. Roberts · 2008-01-01
harrowing 4.00

Harry Haft's life was a nightmare from which he never escaped. The book delves into his harrowing experiences with raw honesty.

R. Roberts paints a stark picture of Harry Haft's life, describing it as a relentless nightmare. The book doesn't shy away from the brutality and trauma Haft endured, offering a raw and unfiltered account. Roberts emphasizes that Haft's story is not one of triumph over adversity in a conventional sense, but rather a testament to survival in the face of unimaginable horrors. The narrative is gripping and harrowing, providing a profound insight into the human capacity for endurance. Roberts also highlights the emotional and psychological scars that Haft carried throughout his life, which adds a layer of depth to the story. The book is a powerful reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the lasting impact they have on survivors.

Quick quotes

    Harry Haft's life was the fulfillment of no one's fantasies.

    His life was a nightmare, and he never escaped it.

    A stark and unflinching account of survival and endurance.

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