The Midwife of Auschwitz

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of racism, religious discrimination, graphic violence, and illness or death

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What was your emotional response to the dual perspective of Ana and Ester’s stories, and did one character’s journey resonate more with you?

2. How does The Midwife of Auschwitz compare to other Holocaust narratives, such as The Tattooist of Auschwitz, in its portrayal of resistance and survival?

3. Did the blend of historical figures and fictional characters enhance or detract from your experience of the story?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. What friendships have you formed that withstood significant challenges? How were these relationships similar to Ana and Ester’s bond?

2. When have you witnessed small acts of resistance against injustice in your own community, and what effect did they have on you?

3. What purposes or commitments have anchored you during difficult times in your life?

4. Like Ana’s questioning of God’s presence in Auschwitz, have you ever questioned your faith during hardship?

5. What personal quality in either Ana or Ester do you most admire?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. What aspects of Poland’s transformation under Nazi occupation most surprised you?

2. What societal factors influence how individuals respond to systematic persecution like that portrayed in the novel?

3. Why is it important to continue sharing Holocaust narratives in contemporary society?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. How does Stuart develop the theme of survival as the ultimate weapon through specific characters and their actions?

2. What significance did you find in the biblical name play Stuart employs throughout the novel?

3. The novel portrays childbirth as both a literal event and a powerful metaphor. What symbolic meanings does it take on?

4. In what ways does the narrative structure enhance the themes of displacement and return?

5. Compare Klara’s characterization as an antagonist with the portrayal of Nazi officers.

6. What is the significance of tattoos in the novel, both the ones that are imposed and those that are secretly created?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were to write an additional chapter five years after the epilogue, what would happen to the characters?

2. If the story were told from Klara’s point of view, how might she attempt to justify her actions?

3. Which scenes from the novel would be most powerful if adapted for film?

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