The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku

5/5 Stars

No matter how many Holocaust survivor stories I read, the injustice and persecution faced by the Jewish people continues to shock me every single time I read a new one. The Happiest Man on Earth is no exception, but the difference with this book compared to many other books about the Holocaust is the hope that shines brightly through the darkness.

Eddie Jaku is an incredible human with an incredible story. He claimed he was a German first and Jew second, but he lived in Germany when Hitler rose to power and faced unimaginable hardship. His life is a story of survival through hope. He faced inconceivable suffering in Buchenwald and Auschwitz. He lost too young his parents and many beloved members of his family and community. He was witness to atrocities too harsh to comprehend and where words cannot possibly begin to describe their terror. He survived what is now infamously known as a Nazi Death March. Eddie Jaku has every excuse to be bitter. He has every excuse to be jaded and to foster feelings of hatred and animosity. But that is not who Eddie Jaku is. Eddie Jaku is a centenarian who is full of hope, optimism and positivity. He is a man who has chosen to live his life with a purpose and to spur others onto a better version of themselves. Eddie Jaku is a man to admire, and his positive attitude and outlook have helped him to mold a life that is beautiful and impactful.

As I read this story of Eddie’s life, I was amazed at the moments of hope he found even in the darkest of times. I am reminded of the song This Little Light of Mine. No matter how dark life became for Eddie. No matter how much oppression and death and sorrow surrounded him. His light shone, it shone brightly and it is still shining bright today. All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish his light. We can all bear to learn a lot from Eddie by the way he lives his life.

This story details the great depth of sadness that was present in Hitler’s Germany. But the hope that Eddie shares is nothing less than absolutely inspiring. In his words,

May you always have lots of love to share,

Lots of good health to spare,

And lots of good friends who care.

Thank you, Eddie. Thank you for sharing your incredible life story. Thank you for sharing your words of encouragement. And thank you for becoming a friend. It has been my joy getting to know you through The Happiest Man on Earth.