Top 10 Best Books About the Holocaust in the UK 2021 (Anne Frank, Art Spiegelman and More)

There are so many extremely important books about the Holocaust that it can be difficult to choose one. Whether you are looking for an academically-based book, or a memoir written by an individual affected by the Holocaust, our guide is here to help you select the most appropriate title for you.

Are you searching for a book about the Holocaust to fulfil a specific purpose? Some of us want to understand the events of World War II to gain an understanding of our own family's past or heritage, whereas others want to gain a broader knowledge of European history for personal or academic purposes.

You may be a bibliophile, a lover of human stories of hardship and triumph, or simply someone who wants to find more meaning in the world around them. Thinking about your own interests and concerns regarding the Holocaust will help direct you towards the most appropriate read for you.

It may seem a little difficult to decide on what type of book about the Holocaust to go for. To help you decide, in this section we will discuss memoirs, diaries, short story collections or reports. Whichever one you pick, there is much to learn depending on your interests regarding this event.

Memoirs have to be one of the most accessible types of book about the Holocaust, allowing us to see it through the eyes of an individual who witnessed it either first hand or via their friends, neighbours and family members. The most prominent memoirs have told the stories of survivors of Auschwitz and other Nazi concentration camps, providing us with a vital connection with the devastating events of World War II.

The human aspect of memoirs written about the Holocaust help us to learn about both the darkest aspects of our history but also the importance of hope, even in the worst circumstances. Regardless of our own personal background or situation in life, reading a memoir about the Holocaust can teach life-changing lessons.

We are so lucky to have access to the diaries of those living during the Holocaust, and while they are in some way similar to memoirs, they often allow us to get a sense of the small, intimate details of everyday life. These small details make diary-style books feel relatable to our own lives, therefore helping us to connect with the experiences of those affected.

Collected essays or short stories are some other forms of books about the Holocaust that provide us with considerable information and ideas. Essays or short story collections give us the opportunity to hear various different opinions and points of view, and the ability to delve in and out of a book at our own pace.

Another way to educate ourselves on the Holocaust is to choose a novel, whether than be entirely fictionalised or one based on real experiences. Similarly, reading an illustrated book or graphic novel can be an edifying and moving way to explore the stories of the Holocaust, and can make them more accessible for young people or visual learners.

Novels and other fictitious works often use settings and narrative conventions to create powerful analogies. These allow us to explore possibilities and events in a new way. The inclusion of strong characters helps us to be able to understand the world through their perspective, which can feel particularly meaningful to those with relatives or ancestors who lived through this part of history.

From reports and studies by academic scholars or historians to research-based accounts, some readers most like to learn by way of facts, statistics and evidence.

 Whether you are seeking answers to your own questions or you are studying History in a more formal way, a report or report-based book is a suitable choice for the analytically minded.

Once you've decided the type of book you want to read, the perspective it's written from should be the next consideration. For example, those with a personal connection to the Holocaust or those who most connect with humanistic, first-hand stories, may find books written from a survivor's perspective can be extremely impactful.

Young people or readers who prefer contemporary works might want to choose an account written by the descendants of survivors. These second-hand accounts often combine expressions of their family heritage with elements of the modern world, which helps us to relate to and understand the Holocaust from our point in time. 

Whether you have a personal connection to the Holocaust, or you simply want to gain a deeper understanding of the atrocities of World War II, you may decide to choose a book written from an academic perspective. Some of the bestselling books on this subject have been written by historians and professors in areas such as political philosophy, and provide enlightening positions to contemplate.

Books are available in all kinds of formats these days, as you'll be well aware, so there are more decisions to make than ever during your purchase. If you are going to buy a physical copy, you have probably already decided whether a paperback or hardcover is right for you, but if you're considering buying a digital copy there are some things to consider.

eReaders such as the Kindle are extremely popular due to their convenience as all of your eBooks can be kept in one handy place on your device, which is a blessing for those who like to read a lot. Audiobooks are another leading format, allowing those with busy schedules to listen and learn on the go, and they are a cheap choice, often even available for free or included in a subscription!

For our ranking, we've tried to include a diverse range of books that explore different aspects of the Holocaust and how it has affected Jewish people, and the world. Here are our top ten books about the Holocaust available to buy online in the UK.

Reading is one of the most timeless and enduring ways to learn more about a subject. If you're a bit of a bookworm, or would like to be, check out some more of our articles on books that deal with important topics. Whether it's books on Black History, politics or learning a new language — there's something for everyone!

The lessons of the Holocaust are still as relevant now as they've ever been, and as the world changes, learning about the atrocities of this point in time is important for all of us. We hope you found our suggestions and book recommendations helpful in your search for the right book about the Holocaust.

Author: Melanie McPhail