The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku
Published by Pan Macmillan
Date: 1 August 2020
R.R.P. $32.99
In the few hours it took me to read this book I made a new friend, his name is Eddie, and I am sharing his story with you because I believe it deserves to be heard. We not only need to understand how he survived, but people also need to hear how he values friendship and kindness.
Kindness is the greatest wealth of all. Small acts of kindness last longer than a lifetime. This lesson…is the first and greatest lesson my father ever taught me.
The Happiest Man on Earth is a story of survival.
It’s barely imaginable.
Even though Eddie gives us a glimpse of what he went through, we really cannot understand the adversity he experienced, but we can give his story a voice. Eddie teaches us that even in the darkest times, there are miracles in the world, and I believe if a man that faced the horrors of Auschwitz can see this, then anyone can.
There are many aspects of this book that I could talk about, but what I mainly want to concentrate on is the value of friendship, and Eddies vow to smile every day. My friend Eddie was proud of his country until November 1938, when he faced unimaginable horrors that saw him loose many he loved and the beginning of the mental and physical reminders of the brutality he faced. What was it that kept him going? Friendship and knowing his parents, who did not survive, would want him to be keep going.
Throughout his story, Eddie displays strength of character that was nothing short of inspiring. He and his friend Kurt, someone like a brother to him, helped each other where they could, which was a large part of their survival. He was smart, still is, and knows that hate will get him nowhere – ‘Do I hate man? No, I do not hate anyone.’ I have heard Eddie refer to hate as being like a disease in an interview, so it’s easy to believe that not holding onto it has helped him live each day as The Happiest Man on Earth.
I am not going to go deeper into Eddie’s story because he is the only person that can tell it accurately. I can tell you that he shows strength, he is a survivor, he’s was a wonderful friend, a devoted son and husband, loved father and a man with a life-changing story that needs to be heard.
If you don’t believe in miracles before reading this book, I am sure you will be a step closer when you have. I have found a new friend in Eddie, and I know you will too.
Happiness does not fall from the sky; it is in your hands…And happiness is the only thing in the world that double each time you share it.
Want to buy a copy of The Happiest Man on Earth?
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Thank you Pan Macmillan for the opportunity to read and review this book and for the use of your images.
Check out my friend Eddies TEDxSydney Talk here
Little Big Reads 