What They Didn't Burn: Uncovering My Father's Holocaust Secrets

Written by Mel Laytner

Narrated by Colin Martin

What if you uncovered a Nazi paper trail that revealed your father to be a man very different from the quiet, introspective Dad you knew…or thought you knew?

Kirkus Reviews..."A scrupulously researched and dramatic remembrance… the author presents his findings with a remarkable blend of meticulousness and unabashed emotion, movingly communicating what he experienced during the process."

Midwest Book Review..."A memoir and history like no other Holocaust story…Its eye-opening impact makes What They Didn't Burn unparalleled, powerful, and essential reading. that will ideally prompt debates and group studies about Holocaust survivors and Nazi experiences."

Independent Book Reviews..."A deep dive into Nazi records reveals one man’s diamond-hard resolve to survive…With Laytner’s keen ear for dialogue and his evocative language, What They Didn’t Burn eloquently bears witness to the tragedy of a family and a people."

Growing up, author Mel Laytner saw his father as a quintessential Type B, passive and conventional. As he uncovered the documents the Nazis didn’t burn, another man emerged—a black market ringleader and wily camp survivor who made his own luck. But the tattered papers also revealed painful secrets his father took to his grave.

Melding the intimacy of personal memoir with the rigors of investigative journalism, What They Didn't Burn is about a reporter's quest, a son's revelation and a father's unlikely saga of survival -- corroborated by the Nazis themselves. It is an inspirational story of resilience and redemption. It shows how desperate refugees turned hopeful immigrants and rebuilt their shattered lives and families in America, all the while struggling with the lingering trauma that has impacted their children to this day.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mel Laytner
• Release date: Aug 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781667043258

Mel Laytner

Mel Laytner was a reporter and editor of hard news for more than twenty years, primarily covering the Middle East for NBC News and United Press International. After seven grinding years overseas, he won a prestigious Knight-Bagehot Fellowship in Economic and Business Journalism, which included a year’s residency at the Columbia Graduate School of Business. He received his BA in political science at the City College of New York and master’s degrees from the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism (with a concentration in broadcast news) and Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs (with a specialization in foreign policy analysis). Mel and his wife, an artist and teacher, live in New York City and are the proud parents of three daughters.

Reviews for What They Didn't Burn

[Kathy Geyer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was a very personal, introspective and honest account of trying to uncover a father's holocaust survivor story while dealing with the loss of that father. It's such an compelling and interesting story. Also very relatable that he realizes too late that he should have asked his father more... true if most of us. I couldn't stop listening to the audiobook.

[spw_486823654 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This gave an up close view of the Holocaust and a very personal account that I found extremely interesting. It was also well written. I liked the narrator of the audio book as well.

[Gail Ray Johnson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Through and yet enjoyable. So many details and information. Do not miss this one.

[Amanda celar · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

excellent and involved narrator who made it even more enjoyable.

[quilterfriend · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very interesting story. Lots of research done. Well narrated. Well worth listening to

[Wilma Branstetter · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am impressed with Mr. Laytner's endeavors to research the documents and connect with people who would share their perspectives and memories that expand this story of his father and even his mother. This audio version is well done but I may have to get a hard copy for possible notations for source notes and other information. Strongly recommending this book.