Meg Hamand
Diamonds in Auschwitz
Author of the historical novel Diamonds in Auschwitz
Plymouth, IN (Indianapolis)
BOOK COVER
BOOK DETAILS
Pub Date: March 11, 2025
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: River Grove Books
Page Count: 340
Format: Paperback, Ebook
ISBN: Paperback, 9781632999160; Ebook, 9781632999177
Price: Paperback, $19.95; Ebook, $9.99
ABOUT THE BOOK
A poignant novel of love, survival, and how brightly hope can shine against the backdrop of unimaginable darkness
Rachael is a resilient Jewish woman imprisoned in Auschwitz during World War II, clinging to the memories of her lost family while enduring the harrowing reality of the concentration camp. Amidst the brutality, she uncovers a hidden diamond engagement ring in the mud—its brilliance offering a glimmer of hope and a reason to survive. As she navigates the perils of camp life, Rachael forms a profound bond with Chaya, a young girl also yearning for connection and comfort in their shared despair.
Interwoven with Rachael’s tale are the lives of Samual and Hanna, a young Jewish couple planning for their future while navigating the hardships of Nazi-occupied Prague. Distracted by his life in Prague, Samual initially dismisses the growing threats against their community, focusing instead on the engagement ring he dreams of giving to Hanna. As the grip of the Nazis tightens, their plans unravel, yet their love becomes a beacon of resilience amid escalating fear and loss.
Diamonds in Auschwitz illustrates how, when everything seems lost, even the smallest treasures can illuminate the path to freedom and connection. Through Rachael and Chaya’s friendship, and Samual and Hanna’s unwavering love, the story reminds us that even in the bleakest times, the best aspects of humanity can shine brightly.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Meg Hamand has had a heart for storytelling since her first poem was published in an anthology in elementary school. Since then, she graduated with a degree in English and creative writing from Indiana State University. She’s been published in multiple print and online publications and recognized as Michiana 40 Under 40 by South Bend Chamber of Commerce. She lives in Northern Indiana with her high school sweetheart, daughter, and miniature Dachshund, Nixon (named after Captain Nixon from Band of Brothers, not after the president).
TIMELY TIE-INS
March
- Publication Date – 11
- Write Your Story Day – 14
- World Storytelling Day – 20
April
- Drop Everything and Read Day (D.E.A.R.) – 12
- Independent Bookstore Day – 26
May
- Get Caught Reading Month
SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
- What inspired you to write Diamonds in Auschwitz?
- You aren’t Jewish. What about the story you tell makes it relatable to non-Jewish readers?
- The Holocaust is a delicate subject and, for many, a deeply personal one. What precautions did you take when writing your book?
- Which came first, the leading characters in your book or the diamond ring that connects them?
- Why do you think novels centered around WWII and the Holocaust – and in particular, the women who lived through this era – are so popular right now?
- What drew you to that location over other occupied cities during WWII?
- Which character in your book do you most closely relate to?
- You use some factual characters in your fictional story. Which is your favorite?
PRAISE
“Meg Hamand beautifully weaves historical details and elegant prose into her novel Diamonds in Auschwitz – a wrenching yet tender tale of the endurance of love and humanity under the most horrific possible conditions.”
–Brooke Bentley, author of Sideline Confidential
BOOK DETAILS
Pub Date: May 17, 2022
Genre: Memoir / Christian Inspirational
Publisher: She Writes Press
Page Count: 304
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 978-1647429003
Price: $15.99