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.

Because he survived, Eddie made the vow to smile every day. He pays tribute to those who were lost by telling his story, sharing his wisdom and living his best possible life. He now believes he is the 'happiest man on earth'.

Published as Eddie turns 100, this is a powerful, heart-breaking and ultimately hopeful memoir of how happiness can be found even in the darkest of times.

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.

Listening Length

4 hours and 54 minutes
Author

Eddie Jaku
Narrator

Jacek Koman
Audible release date

28 July 2020
Language

English
Publisher

Macmillan Australia Audio
ASIN

B08DRVDZGH
Version

Unabridged
Program Type

Audiobook
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Product details

Listening Length	4 hours and 54 minutes
Author	Eddie Jaku
Narrator	Jacek Koman
Whispersync for Voice	Ready
Audible.com.au Release Date	28 July 2020
Publisher	Macmillan Australia Audio
Program Type	Audiobook
Version	Unabridged
Language	English
ASIN	B08DRVDZGH
Best Sellers Rank	10 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals) 1 in Military History (Audible Books & Originals) 1 in Jewish Holocaust History 1 in Biographies of Jewish People

Customer reviews

5 star		83%
4 star		13%
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1 star		1%

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Top reviews from Australia

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ronnie b

A memoir of a survivor

Reviewed in Australia on 19 October 2020

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I nearly didn’t read this book; another Holocaust story ? No!
It’s hard to believe that their was such cruelty placed on such lovely people. This story is told by an elderly man called Eddie Jacu. Beautifully written, with a moving humility it’s not full of hatred, it is filled with love and hope.
Each chapter is a story, lessons learned, a message for all and with a sense of humour. An easy read, easy to get into. You can feel the warmth of Eddie on each page.
A truly wonderful read.

11 people found this helpful

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Larry E. Manter

The Happiest Man on Earth

Reviewed in Australia on 9 June 2021

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I think that this is a very admirable man … but the story has been told before (this is not a real criticism but it was too concerned with what happened and not what I was looking for which was why and how I could use that information myself). This is not to denigrate the author at all. I did expect a bit more from the book tho. I did not really feel that I could share in the why of his new (and very positive) outlook … but I may have not really have appreciated it fully perhaps, oddly enough, because of reading Victor Frankl’s book ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’.

2 people found this helpful

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suz

This compassion to share with the world I am truly greatful that I have taken the time to read the happiest man on earth.....I too we'll take to the world to try and change a little...for little by little we can make a difference

Reviewed in Australia on 19 August 2020

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a This compassion to share with the world I am truly greatful that I have taken the time to read the happiest man on earth.....I too we'll take to the world to try and change a little...for little by little we can make a difference thankyou Eddie for your story

5 people found this helpful

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Catherine

Wonderful. So full of hope.

Reviewed in Australia on 5 August 2020

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As this pandemic grips our country, it truly is time to spread this message of hope and kindness. In Eddies life, love and happiness are everything.

8 people found this helpful

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NAPHA

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

Reviewed in Australia on 7 October 2021

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I really appreciate you writing this book Eddie. It became one of the best books for me. I actually bought it without reading any reviews (I liked how he named the book) and surprisingly this is worth reading. I can’t imagine how tough his life had gone through it was so difficult, painful and he still call himself “the happiest man on earth” and yes he really is.

There’re so many great moments and inspirational lines from this book also very powerful, touching, heartbreaking and I was so sobbing uncontrollably 😭

Everyone should read!

(Update : Eddie Jaku has died at age 101 #12October2021. Rest In Peace, the happiest man on earth 🤍)

One person found this helpful

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Kindle Customer

Truly inspiring story

Reviewed in Australia on 7 August 2020

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In reading this book you will learn about the world's history and be astounded by a man's story. You will also finish the book with a reinvigorating outlook on life and what it means to be alive.

5 people found this helpful

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Beverly Solsky

Amazing Story

Reviewed in Australia on 6 August 2020

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An inspiring story of resilience, courage and positivity there should be more Eddie Jaku’s in this world. A must read.

6 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

A moving experience

Reviewed in Australia on 17 February 2021

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The author, Eddie Jaku, is 100 years old. His autobiography is an easy read, simply told, no embellishments needed because his life experiences are beyond our direst imaginings. The voice of truly stoic, faithful, respectful, genuinely happy person shines through on every page.
This book should be essential reading in every high school in Australia, indeed throughout the world. Essential reading for people contemplating marriage and children, to help them understand the importance of love and kindness in family life.
The message throughout is essentially about the danger and futility of hate vs the fullness of love. A truly beautiful life.

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Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer

A book to change your life

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 December 2020

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My beloved Mother’s family were murdered im Mir Poland by a Pole who wished to ingratiate himself with the german devils from hell.
I have been consumed with hatred and anger all my life because of what the anti- semites did, but this book has assuaged my anger sonewhat and I am grateful to the author for easing my pain.
I highly recommend this book.

51 people found this helpful

Jeanette **

Not sure

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 December 2020

Verified Purchase

I have read many books about the holocaust but by far this is the most different from all the other ones that I really am not sure how view it. I don't really think this a book about a holocaust survivor it more of a self help book to becoming a kinder ,better person. To go through what this man went through and to retain every single shred of his humanity and his integrity just beggars belief. Everyone who reads this should ask themselves the question....Would i, could I behave as he did.

24 people found this helpful

Chris l

A truly inspiring book .

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 December 2020

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Eddie's story connected and touched me in way that few books have in my life have. When you don't stop thinking about a book all day and the author is with you on the turn of every page you know that it's special. My heart was torn by the turmoil of the events in Eddie's life and I was inspired by how anyone could live through such horrors and maintain a positive outlook on life. Eddie is someone I admire for a telling his story in his words. I would love to shake his hand and thank him for sharing his story.

20 people found this helpful

Carol Hart

An inspiring and moving story

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 November 2020

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I was intrigued by the title of this book. What was Eddie's secret? The horrors of the Holocaust are described in an almost matter of fact way by Eddie, but this adds to the impact. I found myself in tears on more than one occasion. I devoured this book, finishing it very quickly - couldn't put it down. A truly inspirational man.

15 people found this helpful

Siltone

Lest we forget….

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 December 2021

Verified Purchase

Like many others, when I revisit accounts of the atrocities perpetrated upon those unfortunate souls who were incarcerated in the concentration camps, I’m continually left heartbroken, and at the same time, astounded at how many of the survivors were able to retain their sanity, and go on to experience fulfilling lives. This book gives us one such individual who witnessed at first hand the evil acts carried out by morally corrupt, sadistic individuals (to put it mildly) yet was able to retain the strength of character to come out of the other side with his head held high. This book doesn’t shy away from informing the reader about the awful degradations of life in a WW2 death camp, a subject that needs to be raised from time to time, if only to remind us that we must never, ever allow such regimes to gain a foothold in the Western world (or anywhere else for that matter). However, in this wonderful book, the author is more interested in focusing on ways in which a decent human being can overcome such unimaginable experiences, and instead of being weakened by them, be grateful for surviving them, welcoming and enjoying the freedom, and grasping the opportunities that each precious day of life brings. What an amazing individual. I salute your memory, and may you RIP Mr Abraham Salomon Jakubowicz (aka Eddie Jaku).

This is a book that I got totally absorbed in one rainy Sunday afternoon. Eddie took me on what was an uncomfortable journey at times, but it was a trip worth taking, and I actually enjoyed the destination. I usually steer clear of memoirs, and I certainly don’t re-read many books, I’m so pleased I read The Happiest Man on Earth though. This really is a special book, one I shall return to many times due to its underlying, inspirational message. It’s a true story that deserves to be heard. I think it would wrong of me to even try to summarise this incredible book, Eddie is the only one who can truly convey his experiences, and in my opinion, everyone should read what he felt compelled to write towards the end of his amazing life.

In closing, I would just like to add that I hope my review has piqued your interest, and that you’ll be inspired to invest in a copy for yourself. I’m sure that after reading and digesting it’s contents, you’ll want to also tell your family and friends about it, and encourage them to read it too. You know, the world around us can sometimes be a cruel, uncompromising place, but if more and more people could bring about a positive change in themselves, and evolve to gain the dignity, compassion and positive outlook demonstrated by this man, then planet earth would become such a better place to live.
📖+📚= 😊

5 people found this helpful

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