The Disappearance of Josef Mengele (French: La disparition de Josef Mengele) is a 2017 French non-fiction novel by Olivier Guez. It details the post-WWII life of Josef Mengele, the "Angel of Death" of Auschwitz, who was infamous for his experiments conducted on Auschwitz prisoners. Released in 2017, it won the Prix Renaudot and became a bestseller: As of 2022, at least 300,000 copies have been sold,[1] and the book has been translated into at least 25 languages.[2]
 | |
| Author | Olivier Guez |
|---|---|
| Original title | La disparition de Josef Mengele |
| Translator | Georgia de Chamberet |
| Language | French |
| Genre | historical novel |
| Publisher | Grasset |
| Publication place | France |
| Awards | Prix Renaudot |
| ISBN | 9782246855873 French original |
Summary
editJosef Mengele arrives under the pseudonym of Helmut Gregor in 1949 in Argentina. He was on the run for 4 years, abandoned by his wife and son, but believes now he can find refuge under Perón, who was friendly to Nazis, as he believed Nazis would help in the war against communist atheism. Mengele does not regret his actions. In fact, he has carried a suitcase of Auschwitz specimens with him, so that he may continue his experiments.
Perón loses power in 1955, and those who fled to Argentina lose protection as they are pursued by Nazi hunters. Adolf Eichmann is caught, brought to Israel, and executed. Mengele goes on the run again, moving to Paraguay, and eventually to Brazil, where he drowns after having a stroke in 1979.
The novel also details the mock trial of Mengele in 1985, where survivors gave their testimony of Mengele.
Reception
editThe book won the Prix Renaudot in 2017,[3][4] and was a nominee for the Prix Goncourt.[5] The Spectator wrote a positive review, describing the novel as "compelling reading...This surprising historical novel, highly successful in its shocking impact, should be read as a timely warning of atrocities that barbaric, deranged fanatics commit in war."[6] Publishers Weekly gave a negative review, writing "Journalist Guez makes his English-language debut with a staid portrait of a monstrous man...the narrative is remarkably humdrum and slack."[7]
Film adaptation
editIn October 2022, it was announced that Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov was planning to make a film based on the book, with German actor August Diehl performing the role of Mengele.[8][9]
References
edit- ^ Herman, David (September 1, 2022). "Book review: The Disappearance of Josef Mengele - The monster who hid from justice". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
- ^ Cole, Diane. "Review | A French bestseller considers Josef Mengele's years on the run". Washington Post. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
- ^ Vertaldi, Aurélia (10 October 2022). "La Disparition de Josef Mengele, un monstre tapi dans l'ombre" ["The disappearance of Josef Mengele, a monster hidden in the shadows"]. Le Figaro (in French). Retrieved 25 November 2022.
- ^ Georgesco, Florent (6 November 2017). "Le prix Renaudot pour " La Disparition de Josef Mengele ", d'Olivier Guez" ["The Prix Renaudot [awarded] to 'The Disappearance of Josef Mengele' by Olivier Guez']. Le Monde (in French). Retrieved 25 November 2022.
- ^ "Prix Goncourt. Huit titres retenus dans la deuxième sélection" ["Prix Goncourt. 8 titles retained from the second selection]. Ouest-France (in French). Retrieved 25 November 2022.
- ^ Martin, Brian. "Nazi on the run: The Disappearance of Josef Mengele, by Olivier Guez, reviewed | The Spectator". The Spectator. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
- ^ "The Disappearance of Josef Mengele by Olivier Guez". Publishers Weekly. May 5, 2022. Retrieved October 23, 2022.
- ^ Keslassy, Elsa (18 October 2022). "Fugitive Nazi Doctor Josef Mengele to Be Played by German Star August Diehl in Kirill Serebrennikov's 'The Disappearance' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
- ^ "Le Russe Serebrennikov va adapter cet été La Disparition de Josef Mengele" ["The Russian Serebrennikov is going to adapt 'The Disappearance of Josef Mengele' this season]. Le Soleil (in French). 19 October 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.