The Happiest Man on Earth

Description

WINNER OF THE ABIA BIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR 2021 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. 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, heartbreaking 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 Praise for The Happiest Man on Earth 'This simple, moving account of a remarkable life offers plenty to think about and reflect on . . . Highly recommended.' Canberra Weekly '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.' Daily Telegraph 'A reminder of the power of love, kindness and hope . . . A life-affirming story, beautifully told.' Sydney Morning Herald 'Jaku's memoir can be our private celebration of evil that was ultimately vanquished.' Country Style 'His tale is compelling and particularly pertinent as we struggle to make sense of challenging times.' Weekend Post 'He acknowledges suffering but resists being defined by it, adhering instead to his philosophy of choosing a radical form of humanity, a resistance both potent and infectious.' Australian Book Review 'What an amazing, beautiful human' Magda Szubanski 'A beautiful soul' Lisa Wilkinson 'Eddie is a human diamond, and his story of survival, hope and the importance of kindness is what the world needs now.' Zoe Foster Blake

Eddie Jaku OAM, was born Abraham Jakubowicz in Germany in 1920. In World War 2, Eddie was imprisoned in Buchenwald and Auschwitz concentration camps. In 1945, he was sent on a 'death march' but escaped. Finally, he was rescued by Allied soldiers. In 1950 he moved with family to Australia where he has lived since. Eddie has volunteered at the Sydney Jewish Museum since its inception in 1992. Eddie has been married to Flore for 74 years. They have two sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In 2020 Eddie celebrates his 100th birthday.