291: The Man Who Escaped Auschwitz

In this episode of The Rest Is History, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook interview Jonathan Freedland, a Guardian columnist and author, about his book "The Escape Artist," which tells the story of Rudolf Vrba, a young Jewish man who escaped from Auschwitz. The discussion begins with an overview of the book and Vrba's background, including his early experiences with anti-Semitism in Slovakia and his eventual deportation to Auschwitz. Freedland explains how Vrba's youth and defiance set him apart from other Jews who were deported, and how the Nazis' deception played a crucial role in the smooth operation of the extermination camp. The conversation covers Vrba's time in Auschwitz, his work in Canada, and his realization of the horrors of the Holocaust, leading to his decision to escape and inform the world about what was happening. The first part concludes with a discussion of Vrba's escape plan and the challenges he faced in getting the information to the outside world.