Description

“What a book! For me, this is one of the finest, most satisfying reads that I’ve had in a very long time …

The author’s simple yet very evocative style in relating this incredible narrative together with her helpful margin notes created a gradual unfolding of the story. I could palpably feel the tension rising … very dramatic. I will highly recommend it.” –Gary M.

“Carson’s poems race ahead of the reader, like stampeding horses, the furious pace mirroring the horror of their context.” –Adele Hulse, Coordinator Write Your Story program, Lamm Jewish Library

Set in Nazi Germany, this poetic biography tells the remarkable story of little-known humanitarian, Dr Felix Kersten (masseur of Himmler) who rescued Jews during Holocaust. Himmler suffered from stomach cramps which no other practitioner could relieve; Dr Kersten massaged him daily during the war. He took no fee for his services, but used his influence to secure the release of many hundreds of thousands of prisoners. He received high honours from several European countries.

Told in compelling language, from multiple points of view, this is an important addition to Holocaust literature, showing how one man was able to make a difference.

About the author: Anne M Carson is a writer and visual artist from Melbourne. Her first full-length collection of poems, Removing the Kimono, was published by Hybrid Publishers in 2013. She has won and been commended in numerous poetry prizes. She has curated two programs for Australia’s National Poetry Program PoeticA and hosted a series of poetry and music soirees. She has taught poetry writing and appreciation to adults and is a trained social worker.

Watch a video of the author Anne M Carson explaining this amazing story, with Julian Bailey on piano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CnZLir88AY

Podcast of conversation with Michael Mackenzie on ABC:
https://abcmedia.akamaized.net/rn/podcast/2016/07/ras_20160715_1306.mp3