The One Man

I've read The One Man by Andrew Gross which is set mainly in Auschwitz during World War II.  The story is about a man, Blum, who is asked by the American government to enter the camp and extract a prisoner, Mendl, because of his knowledge of nuclear power.  It is a fast paced story and at times I felt uncomfortable reading it because of the terrible picture of the camp presented to the reader.  I know about the terrible cruelties inflicted on the people there and at times this made for harrowing reading.  Blum has only 72 hours to find the scientist among thousands of prisoners there.  All along the way he is placed in impossible situations.  Those who sent him have high hopes but realise it may not be possible to achieve.  The author has researched his topic well and based his story on some real life events.  The suspense he's created is very powerful.  It is not an easy read. 4/5