What drew you to this particular true story for your second novel?
My first novel, The Thirteenth Child, was based on the true story of my ancestors in the Netherlands. The second novel continues their story from Amsterdam to Auschwitz.
How did you first learn about the individuals or events that inspired the book?
I was researching my family tree in 2023 and discovered my ancestors in Amsterdam and their fates in Auschwitz.
What aspects of the story did you feel compelled to fictionalise, and why?
Given that the fiction is based upon the true experiences of my ancestors in Auschwitz, I felt compelled to tell their tale and, at the same time, tell the story of one of the most significant and chastening events in human history.
Railway track to Auschwitz
How did writing this second novel differ from your first, in terms of theme, process, or emotional impact?
The subject matter in Auschwitz is much more serious and emotional than Amsterdam in the first novel. The subject matter can be harrowing and tragic. In The Heroine of Auschwitz, I was careful to balance the events so as not to bombard readers with too much traumatic detail but also to make sure they became aware of the scale of the cruelty and evil involved. I would like readers to learn from the book but also enjoy it as a story in itself.
What challenges did you face in blending historical fact with narrative storytelling?
Because of the nature and sensitivity of the content, I was steadfast in sticking to historical accuracy. Many of the characters were actual, living people in Auschwitz. I researched the people and events of the period and weaved them around the central, fictional characters.
What kind of research did you do to ensure historical accuracy?
There is already a wealth of details on the topic of the Holocaust. My research included museums, online databases, and history books. My preferred source is eyewitness testimony because this is the most compelling and personal perspective for me.
Were there any details or facts you discovered that shocked or deeply moved you?
Discovering that, in almost all respects, Auschwitz was ‘more’ than I had thought. The brave prisoners were braver than I had thought, but the evil and cruelty of the SS were also greater than I had thought.
What responsibility do you feel as a novelist writing about the Holocaust?
Holocaust and antisemitism are very much in the spotlight in the 21st century, so I feel responsible for producing work that portrays fiction that is based upon truth. Veering away from the truth gives opportunity to the deniers and is a disservice to those murdered (and survived).
Did writing this novel change your view of resilience, hope, or humanity?
There were definitely stories of hope and resilience during the Auschwitz Holocaust, but to be honest, the scale of inhumanity and evil perpetrated by the SS were greater than I had imagined. The fact that such a small group of people could do this to so many I found sobering, especially when looking at some of the events taking place in the world today.
How do you hope your novel contributes to Holocaust remembrance or education?
I am actually not Jewish (mother Christian, dad Jewish, me neither), but the Holocaust mantra is ‘Never Forget’. As long as people read my book and come away with the resolve that this sort of thing should never happen again, that would suffice for me. At the moment, I am talking to several organisations about delivering lectures/seminars in educational establishments (schools, unis, etc.).
What’s next for Mark deMeza?
The Heroine of Auschwitz is book 2 in a series of 3. Book 3 next!
The Heroine of Auschwitz is now available on Amazon.
