I Am Juden

Undercover in the SS

By: Stephen Uzzell

Narrated by: Sean Patrick Hopkins

Inspired by the life of forgotten hero Haim Michael Klar, the number-one Amazon Charts best seller I Am Juden is the triumphant, epic tale of one man's incredible courage and resistance during the 20th century's darkest days.

Jozef Siegler leads a perilous double life as an SS officer in the Krakow Ghetto and ultimately Auschwitz. His story is a tightrope walk through the Holocaust unlike any other. Nazi by day and Jewish resistance agent by night, any false move would result in instant death and exposure of his friends in the underground.

Germany 1938. Jozef Siegler is a shy professor but his days of innocence are numbered. Fired by his university on race grounds, he flees with his younger sister Shoshana. War envelops the continent. Constantly on the move, never certain who to trust, it is their inventive ingenuity, the kindness of strangers, and the most hair-raising strokes of luck that ensure their survival.

When Jozef stumbles on the dead body of SS Oberfuhrer Harry Mohnke, he faces the biggest challenge of his life. If he can bring himself to wear the hated uniform and impersonate a Nazi, how many lives could he save?

©2019 Stephen Uzzell (P)2021 Tantor

A Riveting Tale of Courage and Resistance

I Am Juden" by Stephen Uzzell is a masterful and gripping exploration of one man's extraordinary journey through the horrors of World War II. This novel, inspired by the life of Haim Michael Klar, is a compelling blend of historical facts and thrilling narrative, making it a standout in the genre of historical fiction.

From the outset, I was captivated by Jozef Siegler’s complex character and his perilous double life as both an SS officer and a resistance agent. Uzzell’s portrayal of Jozef’s internal and external struggles is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, painting a vivid picture of the harrowing choices faced by those in the Jewish underground.

The narrative’s pacing is exceptional, with each chapter immersing the reader deeper into the bleak realities of Nazi-occupied Europe. The author’s meticulous research shines through, offering an authentic and respectful depiction of the era’s brutality and the resilience of those who fought against it.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is Uzzell’s ability to weave tension and hope seamlessly. The suspense is palpable as Jozef navigates his dangerous mission, constantly on the brink of exposure. The kindness of strangers and the sheer will to survive are recurring themes that resonate deeply.

However, I found myself yearning for more elaboration towards the end of Chapter 19, subtitled "Cracow, Nazi-Occupied Poland, 1942". The scene where Jozef enters the strange house and sees his mother and sister is both poignant and pivotal. An expansion of this moment or an additional chapter detailing their conditions and the emotional reunion would have enriched the narrative further. This additional depth would have provided a more comprehensive understanding of their suffering and resilience in the prison camp.

Despite this minor critique, the overall experience of "I Am Juden" is extraordinary. The performance in the audiobook version is impeccable, bringing the characters and the tension of the story to life with remarkable clarity and emotion. The narrator's skillful delivery adds another layer of engagement, making the listening experience both powerful and unforgettable.

In conclusion, "I Am Juden" is a highly recommended read for anyone interested in historical fiction, particularly those fascinated by tales of heroism during World War II. Stephen Uzzell has crafted a poignant and thrilling tribute to the unsung heroes of the Jewish resistance, leaving a lasting impact on the reader. This book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the darkest of times.