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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 22 people found the following review helpful
This book is an extraordinary account of a young woman's life as she fought to survive through the Second World War. What makes it so remarkable is the level of detail of everyday life and the way that events unfold. Iby Knill's life story is as fascinating and as complex as a film script - from a daring escape across the border to another country (from the Slovak Republic to Hungary); hiding out illegally in Budapest and working for the Hungarian Resistance until capture; life inside prison and detention centres and then on to the horrors of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the labour camp of Lippstad, and to liberation. Her life story starts in Slovakia, moves into Hungary, Poland, Germany and finally to England.
The factual style of writing makes for easy reading. The author writes to paint a picture of what is happening but doesn't use her own emotions to sway you. I found this more powerful than any emotive language that she could have used. There is often an overwhelming sense of sadness through what she doesn't say.
The book takes in more than life endured in the camps. It is divided into three parts - firstly the escape, capture and camps; secondly, life directly after the war and what happened to Iby; thirdly, life before the war and then how it all changed. This order of the three sections makes for interesting reading and a deeper understanding of the pressures that led Iby to try and escape her home country, forced to leave her family behind. I also enjoyed reading the childhood section which gave a good view of what life was like in Bratislava before the Nazis arrived, and also when and how the power and invasion of the Nazi threat pervaded everyday lives. The book has a central section of eight pages of photos which also help the reader view the past.
I watched the BBC programme about Iby Knill, 'My Story' which was broadcast in October 2010 when she was interviewed by Frank Gardner and she didn't tell anyone her story until a decade ago. She is now a speaker for schools and other public groups, using her experiences to educate people. I think it is more than commendable that, having gone through these years of nightmare experiences, then picking herself up and starting a new life in England with her husband and children, that she has had the strength to relive these horrors to write this book. It is a very worthwhile read and I would highly recommend it.
The factual style of writing makes for easy reading. The author writes to paint a picture of what is happening but doesn't use her own emotions to sway you. I found this more powerful than any emotive language that she could have used. There is often an overwhelming sense of sadness through what she doesn't say.
The book takes in more than life endured in the camps. It is divided into three parts - firstly the escape, capture and camps; secondly, life directly after the war and what happened to Iby; thirdly, life before the war and then how it all changed. This order of the three sections makes for interesting reading and a deeper understanding of the pressures that led Iby to try and escape her home country, forced to leave her family behind. I also enjoyed reading the childhood section which gave a good view of what life was like in Bratislava before the Nazis arrived, and also when and how the power and invasion of the Nazi threat pervaded everyday lives. The book has a central section of eight pages of photos which also help the reader view the past.
I watched the BBC programme about Iby Knill, 'My Story' which was broadcast in October 2010 when she was interviewed by Frank Gardner and she didn't tell anyone her story until a decade ago. She is now a speaker for schools and other public groups, using her experiences to educate people. I think it is more than commendable that, having gone through these years of nightmare experiences, then picking herself up and starting a new life in England with her husband and children, that she has had the strength to relive these horrors to write this book. It is a very worthwhile read and I would highly recommend it.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Iby's story in The Woman without a Number is one of courage, strength of character and a clear sense of identity. The way in which Iby has told her story is unique to this kind of testimony. She weaves her past with her present in a way which leaves pictures of her life and experiences in the mind of the reader.
In not telling her story for 50 years, at first it's surprising that Iby remembers her childhood and hometown so clearly - but by the time the book is finished you have a sense of the determined lady that Iby is. The way in which the book starts in the third person and moves back and forth in time is incredibly powerful and shows the life, culture and traditions which have been wiped out through hatred and persecution.
This book made me empathise, laugh and cry, but mostly, it inspired me. Iby works tirelessly in the field of Holocaust education and I would happily recommend this book to anyone.
In not telling her story for 50 years, at first it's surprising that Iby remembers her childhood and hometown so clearly - but by the time the book is finished you have a sense of the determined lady that Iby is. The way in which the book starts in the third person and moves back and forth in time is incredibly powerful and shows the life, culture and traditions which have been wiped out through hatred and persecution.
This book made me empathise, laugh and cry, but mostly, it inspired me. Iby works tirelessly in the field of Holocaust education and I would happily recommend this book to anyone.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Iby Knill's account of her early life is moving and appealing. Much of it is horrific, but by not dwelling too much on the most desperate days, she manages to keep the reader with her, balancing darkness with glimpses of light and humour.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
An amazing story, told with great humility
We all think we know a lot about the Holocaust but unless we were actually there, it can be hard to take on board the realities of that time. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Catherine Howard
More lies
She claims Jewish girls were taken by the Nazis to be used as prostitutes for German soldiers.
Sex between Jews and Germans was forbidden under Article 2 of the... Read more
Sex between Jews and Germans was forbidden under Article 2 of the... Read more
Published 13 months ago by The Black Rabbit of Inlé
The Woman without a number
A fascinating story. My wife wanted to read it and I thought I might as well try it also. I was not disappointed.
Published 14 months ago by M. C. Chauffourier
The woman without a number.
VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS BOOK,IT FINISHED HALFWAY THROUGH HER LIFE,AND AS SHE SAYS THAT'S ANOTHER STORY. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Mary Davis
Great book
Iby Knill, Woman Without a Number: I would recommend this book to anyone. It will make you laugh and make you cry. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Pamh
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