The Tin Ring: How I Cheated Death

Review Zdenka Fantlová and her story made a lasting impression. She survived six concentration camps, endured horrors the like of which most of us can't begin to comprehend, yet never lost the will to live or her optimism for a better future. During her time in the camps she kept a little tin ring, made for her by her boyfriend. She risked her life to keep this humble object that meant so much to her. --Fiona Bruce, BBC's Antiques Roadshow and BBC News This book is unique in many ways. Not only is it an autobiographical narrative of exceptional quality and sensitivity, not only does it relate events and experiences of an extraordinary life full of suffering, passion and resilience, not only does the author emerge as a most remarkable human being brimming with compassion, curiosity and zest for life but, above all, this book, in a most subtle way, is also highly original in its approach and this deserves to be acknowledged, appreciated, welcomed and applauded. Above all, this book is an extremely rare testimony of defiance against brutalisation and humiliation, it is a humble expression of the power of endurance and love, it is written with sincerity and sensitivity and it is a book that makes us think and question life and human relationships in surprisingly refreshing ways. --Renos K. Papadopoulos, Professor and Director of the Centre for Trauma, Asylum and Refugees, University of Essex An Incredible Story. --BBC Television An unforgettable memoir. Deserves to be read for its unique story and for its shared message about the unrelentingly strong human spirit.--Publishers Weekly Product Description Zdenka Fantlová's childhood was one of great happiness and her life was like that of any other teenager. However, everything changed when she was sent to Terezín concentration camp. Here she was given a tin ring by her first love Arno with 'Arno 13.6.1942' engraved on it. When he gave her the ring he said, 'That's for our engagement. And to keep you safe. If we are both alive when the war ends I will find you'. Arno was sent East on a penal transport later that same day; she never saw him again. After surviving six concentration camps Zdenka found herself at the hell that was Bergen Belsen. Of the man who gave her the mental strength to persevere, her Arno, she still keeps his tin ring close by her side. She realizes that her voice is one among many but hopes that the book will bring home to readers the fact that the camp inmates were human beings with families, friends and lovers. About the Author Zdenka Fantlová is one of the few living eye-witnesses to the horror of the Holocaust, to which she lost her entire family. For as long as she lives Zdenka is determined to tell her inspiring story of great love, one as uplifting as it is harrowing, to as many people as possible. Zdenka still keeps the tin ring, the symbol of Arno's