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Henry-A Polish Swimmer's True Story of Friendship from Auschwitzto America

Presented by author, Katrina Shawver

Hear the story of Henry Zgudu, a Polish (Catholic) swimmer who survived 3 years in Auschwitz and Buchenwald and went on to live the American dream. Books available for sale.

Program Description (longer):

Katrina will share highlights from her award-winning biography Henry – A Polish Swimmer’s True Story of Friendship from Auschwitz to America, (Köehler Books, November 2017) the true story of a Polish (Catholic) swimmer who survived three years in Auschwitz and Buchenwald and went on to live the American dream. The event is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase and book signing.

This incredible true story is both a witness to the Holocaust through the eyes of a Polish political prisoner. Henry Zguda survived Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps by his wits, humor, luck, and friends. At times humorous, always gut-honest, this account fills a huge gap in historical accounts of Poles during World War II. Henry’s story is backed by authentic documents and photos reprinted throughout the book, combined with meticulous research, that includes a trip to Poland and Germany in 2013. Among many awards, the book won the 2018 Arizona Authors Association Literary Contest – First Place for Published Nonfiction.

Katrina Shawver is an experienced writer, blogger, and history geek. For eleven years she wrote newspaper columns for the Arizona Republic. In 2002, she met Henry Zguda, an eighty-five-year-old Polish survivor of Auschwitz and Buchenwald during WWII who lived a mile from her Phoenix home, had a great story, and after one interview she offered to write his story. She subsequently conducted extensive research on World War II, Poland, Auschwitz and the Holocaust, including a visit to Poland and Germany.  For more information visit katrinashawver.com where she blogs regularly.

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