Rena's Promise

Rena's Promise recounts the true story of Rena Kornreich Gelissen, who was among the first thousand Jewish women transported to Auschwitz in 1942. Her memoir chronicles over three years of survival in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Written decades after her liberation, Rena narrates her experiences alongside her sister Danka, from their early life in Poland through their imprisonment. The sisters faced brutal conditions in multiple camps including Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen, yet maintained their determination to stay together despite constant threats of separation. This first-hand account documents daily life, relationships, and survival strategies within the camps through specific details and clear-eyed observations. Rena's perspective as one of the earliest and longest-surviving female Auschwitz prisoners provides insight into the evolution of the camp system. Through its focus on the bond between sisters and their mutual promise to survive together, the memoir illuminates how human connection and inner strength can persist in the face of systematic dehumanization. The narrative stands as both historical record and testament to the power of family ties.

Readers describe this Holocaust memoir as raw, detailed, and unflinching. Many note its unique focus on the bonds between sisters and female prisoners, setting it apart from other Auschwitz accounts. Readers appreciated: - The clear, straightforward writing style - Documentation of daily life and survival methods in the camps - The complete timeline spanning 1942-1945 - The sister relationship at the center of the story Common criticisms: - Some found the writing emotionally detached - Several readers wanted more details about the author's post-war life - A few noted repetitive sections Ratings: Goodreads: 4.27/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (300+ ratings) Reader quote: "Unlike other Holocaust memoirs, this one focuses on how women helped each other survive through small daily acts of kindness." Critical quote: "The matter-of-fact tone sometimes makes it hard to connect with the author's experience, though this may be intentional."

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🔷 Rena Kornreich Gelissen survived 3 years and 41 days in Auschwitz-Birkenau - one of the longest recorded incarcerations in the camp. 🔷 Unlike many Holocaust memoirs, this book details the strong bond between sisters during imprisonment, as Rena and her sister Danka stayed together throughout their entire ordeal. 🔷 The memoir remained untold for nearly 50 years until Rena met writer Heather Dune Macadam, who helped her document her experiences through extensive interviews. 🔷 Rena was number 1716 on the first Jewish transport of women to Auschwitz, arriving March 26, 1942, when the camp was still under construction. 🔷 After liberation, Rena married John Gelissen, one of her Dutch liberators, and moved to the Netherlands before eventually immigrating to the United States.