Amazing life story, Yes Please!

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The first half of this book was simply unbelievable and totally gripping. The author lived through concentration camps by his wits and sheer luck, and generously shares his story with the reader. The second half of the book I'd file under "celebrity gossip," but every once in a while I did stop to marvel at how far he went with his willingness to work hard and aim for perfection.

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2 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Overcoming Unimaginable Adversity

I received this work for free as part of the Audible Plus Catalog.

Measure of a Man: From Auschwitz Survivor to Presidents' Tailor is an autobiography and a biography written by Martin Greenfield and Wynton Hall respectively. Martin Greenfield is a man who persevered through the most horrible circumstances imaginable and went on to live a prosperous, bountiful life. Stefan Rudnicki provides fitting and effective narration. This is a profound work that should be experienced.

Measure of a Man opens with 15-years-old Martin (formerly Maximillian) absorbing the terrible sights and sounds of Auschwitz, which was a German concentration camp that operated during WWII. Martin and his family were torn from their home in Pavlova, Czechoslovakia, where he was born and raised. The family was separated into various camps. Martin's resourcefulness and propensity for hard work helped him survive the worst circumstances imaginable. His camp was liberated by the Americans in 1945. Although the new-found freedom was daunting, Martin was determined to live a full, fruitful life, despite the emotional wounds that assailed him. He moved to America, where he pursued a career in tailoring. This led to his interaction with some of the world's premier actors, politicians and businessmen. Circumstances do not define the course of your life, and Martin's success proves that.

Martin Greenfield and Wynton Hall write an emotionally impactful work that sheds light on the human ability to adapt and overcome. Portions of the work that are set during WWII do not present an overwhelmingly depressing tone. Rather, events are shared in a matter-of-fact way that shows Martin's emotional detachment from the unfolding atrocities, which was likely a necessary mindset for survival. The pacing in these chapters is slow, which reflects that endless nature of imprisonment that was likely felt by the prisoners. In subsequent chapters, it is clear that Martin felt blessed to overcome such adversity, and the pacing is quickened. The writers do a great job conveying his physical, emotional and societal escalation from an overwhelming nightmare to the peak of success. At its core, this is an encouraging work that teaches the value of perseverance, fortitude and diligence.

Stefan Rudnicki's narrative skill expertly matches the emotional highs and lows felt throughout the work. His accents and inflections coincide with the atmosphere and tone that the writers deliver. He provides clear pronunciation and a smooth flow that extends throughout the short, six hour and five minute duration. His contributions add a level of believability to the work that's lost in paper form.

At its heart, Measure of a Man is the story of an individual who looked past his circumstances and dreamed of a better life. Martin was willing to fight for his freedom and work hard to achieve his dreams. His story is encouraging and uplifting, and the writers do a great job delivering that empowerment to the reader. Rudnicki's superb narration helps elevate the immersion and emotional impactfulness even further. This book should be heard by anyone interested in biographies, historical works and self-development books.

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Strange transition

I found the book very annoying for most of the second half. After describing his horrific experiences in the Holocaust, it became the most mundane litany of name dropping.

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Absolutely fantastic little listen!

A powerful memoir and reminder of all that freedom means. Wish I were a man so I could wear one of his bespoke suits! Definitely recommended.

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A great read!! Powerful narrator.

Love the narrator in this book.

What a story.. such a great memoir by Martin Greenfield.

He took a horrible hand he got dealt as a young boy and turned it into a Royal Flush or a 5 of a Kind! You’ll see what I’m talking about when you read. ;)

Highly recommend.

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Amazing Story

I love the way this story was told. Certainly there was detail about holocaust experiences but so much more detail was given about his life afterwards. What an amazing human being. It is humbling to read how positively Mr. Greenfield affected so many people throughout his life despite the deplorable circumstances of his early life.

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Truly informative in every way.

Completely captured throughout the entire story. For me, never a dull moment. Martin Greenfield is truly a man among men. He shows gratitude, and is most humble. A true example of the power of being positive throughout his life.

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LOVE LOVE LOVE

This is am amazing story. I loved it so much. Truly inspiring. Great first person narrative

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Every high school should read this

Excellent true story of overcoming adversity and striving to give back through his lifetime with gratitude.

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Don’t let some of the critical reviews steer you away from this fascinating story

This author immigrated to America as an impoverished Holocaust survivor who barely spoke the language, then rose in his career to become the personal tailor of multiple presidents and celebrities.

Some of the more critical reviewers have noted that the latter portion of the book contains a lot of name-dropping and what sounds like borderline boasting about his brand, and that’s true. But if I’d come as far in life as he has, I’d enjoy telling it all, even if it risked sounding like a brag. Besides, if Martin Greenfield really experienced everything he recounts (and I for one don’t doubt that he did), then maybe telling the tale is not necessarily the same thing as bragging.

The man certainly measures up, if I may allude to the title. To rise from such soul-searing tragedy to the pinnacle of professional success in his adopted country… well, I must say it’s a remarkable tale, and was well worth listening to, even though I personally have little interest in the fashion industry.

You see, I came for the Holocaust survival story, and that part did not disappoint. Sure, it was as bleak as you’d expect, but there were lighter moments, too. It was an amazing account of a man who survived against terrible odds, and I daresay this man’s journey would have made an interesting movie.

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