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The Miracle Typist

The powerful true story of one soldier's long journey home

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The Miracle Typist

By: Leon Silver
Narrated by: Robbie McGregor
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About this listen

 In the tradition of THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ, a heartbreaking true story of love, loss and survival against all odds during the Second World war.

Conscripted into the Polish army as Hitler’s forces draw closer, Jewish soldier Tolek Klings vows to return to his wife, Klara, and son, Juliusz. However, the army is rife with anti-Semitism and Tolek is relentlessly tormented. As the Germans invade Poland, he is faced with a terrible dilemma: flee home to protect his family – and risk being shot as a deserter – or remain a soldier, hoping reports of women and children being spared by the occupying forces are true.

What follows is an extraordinary odyssey that will take Tolek – via a daring escape from a Hungarian internment camp – to Palestine, where his ability to type earns him the title of ‘The Miracle Typist’, then on to fight in Egypt, Tobruk and Italy. A broken telegram from Klara, ending with the haunting words, ‘We trouble’, makes Tolek even more determined to find his way home and fulfil his promise.

This heartbreakingly inspiring true story is brought vividly to life by Tolek’s son-in-law, Melbourne writer Leon Silver.

‘Incredible, heart-wrenching and inspirational.’ Better Reading 20th Century Military Military & War Modern Political Science Politics & Government World War II Middle East War Holocaust

Critic Reviews

‘Incredible, heart-wrenching and inspirational.’ (Better Reading)
All stars
Most relevant
A dark story. There was little humour. We felt the narrator overplayed the storytelling. We listened to the whole incredible story on a long road journey. There was a lot of repetition. Could have been shortened.
At least "Ted" was happy to end up in Australia!

Maybe True but Not Enjoyable

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I rarely write a review, but this story moved me to tears, both of sadness and horror, but also joy, that Ted found happiness. I hope his grandchild went back to see where it all began.

A must read

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Excellent, very moving in every way.
Gives detailed insight into the saddest of times .

Truthful Tale brilliantly told

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I found this book very well written, very sad at times but easy to listen to. It made me think about how lucky I am living in Australia. I felt for Ted and everything he went through but he came out of it and had a full life filled with love, hope and prosperity

Interesting read

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In spite of the appalling hardship and desperation this Jewish man from Poland succeeded. He escaped Europe and built a new life, a true story about hope and determination. Well worth reading.

A Must Read experience about surviving WWll

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