Holocaust survivor József Debreczeni’s memoir, titled “Cold Crematorium: Reporting from the Land of Auschwitz,” details his harrowing experiences in concentration camps during World War II. Published in only Hungarian and Serbo-Croatian, Debreczeni’s nephew, Alexander Bruner, worked tirelessly to have the book translated into English and published, resulting in widespread dissemination and critical acclaim.
Debreczeni’s book has been published in 12 languages and made it onto the New York Times’ list of the best books of 2024. The memoir vividly describes the horrors of Auschwitz, where the author endured torture, starvation, and dehumanizing treatment.
After surviving Auschwitz, Debreczeni moved to Belgrade and became a journalist, novelist, and poet. He never remarried after losing his wife at Auschwitz. Bruner, who grew up in various countries, remembers his father’s frustration at not finding an American publisher for his uncle’s book due to fears of antisemitism and anti-communism.
Working with translator Paul Olchváry, Bruner succeeded in translating and publishing the memoir, aiming to showcase Debreczeni’s exceptional literary talent. The process of finding a publisher and translating the text was meticulous, focusing on preserving the authenticity of Debreczeni’s prose while making it accessible to contemporary audiences.
The success of “Cold Crematorium” has been a gratifying experience for Bruner, who donates all royalties to Holocaust education. Despite the joy of publication and positive reviews, Bruner remains mindful of his father’s efforts to have the book published in English, wishing he could witness its impact.
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