Picture a Hungarian teenager who danced for survival in Auschwitz, only to emerge as a beacon of hope and healing—meet Dr. Edith Eger! A Holocaust survivor, renowned psychologist, and bestselling author, Eger has turned unimaginable trauma into a universal message of resilience and forgiveness. Her books, like The Choice and The Gift, don’t just tell her story—they inspire readers to break free from their own mental prisons.
At 97, Eger’s life is a testament to the power of choice, blending raw courage with a warm, compassionate voice that feels like a hug from a wise friend. Let’s dive into her extraordinary journey, from the horrors of war to the pages of her transformative works.
The Making of Edith Eger
Born on September 29, 1927, in Košice, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia), Edith Eva Eger grew up as the youngest daughter of a Jewish family. A trained ballerina and gymnast, she dreamed of the Olympics, but anti-Semitic laws in 1942 shattered those ambitions, expelling her from the Hungarian gymnastics team. In 1944, at just 16, Eger and her family were deported to Auschwitz, where her parents were murdered in the gas chambers. Her survival hinged on small acts of defiance—like dancing for Nazi officer Josef Mengele to earn a loaf of bread she shared with others.
After liberation in 1945, Eger married Béla Éger, a fellow survivor, and fled communist threats to settle in the United States in 1949. Settling in Texas, she grappled with survivor’s guilt but found solace in education, earning a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1978. Inspired by Viktor Frankl, she began her career as a therapist, specializing in post-traumatic stress.
Edith Eger’s Unforgettable Stories
Eger’s writing blends memoir, psychology, and self-help, weaving her Holocaust experiences with practical wisdom. Her debut, The Choice: Embrace the Possible (2017), is a heart-wrenching yet uplifting memoir that became an international bestseller. It recounts her survival in Auschwitz and her journey to forgive herself, emphasizing the power of choosing hope over despair. Critics, including Oprah Winfrey, praised its raw honesty and universal appeal, likening it to Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning.
In 2020, Eger released The Gift: 12 Lessons to Save Your Life, a practical guide to overcoming mental prisons like fear, guilt, and shame. Drawing from her clinical practice, it offers actionable advice with a warm, empathetic tone. Her latest work, The Ballerina of Auschwitz (2024), adapts The Choice for young adults, earning awards like the Sydney Taylor Notable Book Award for its sensitive storytelling. Eger’s style is direct yet nurturing, blending vivid memories with insights that resonate across generations.
Her books stand out for their focus on resilience and forgiveness, urging readers to reclaim agency over their lives. Whether recounting her dance for Mengele or guiding a patient through trauma, Eger’s narratives are both deeply personal and universally relatable, making her a unique voice in Holocaust literature and self-help.
Why Edith Eger Matters
Eger’s impact transcends her books. As a psychologist, she’s helped countless individuals, from Vietnam veterans to everyday people, heal from trauma. Her message—that we can choose freedom over victimhood—has inspired global audiences through talks, TEDx events, and media appearances on CNN and the Oprah Winfrey Show. At a time when antisemitism and hate are rising, her story serves as a powerful reminder of humanity’s capacity for resilience and love.
Eger’s legacy lies in her ability to transform suffering into a gift. By sharing her journey, she empowers others to confront their pasts and embrace possibility, proving that even in the darkest moments, hope can flourish. Her work continues to guide readers toward healing, making her a timeless figure in psychology and literature.
About Edith Eger
- Born: September 29, 1927, Košice, Czechoslovakia
- Key Works: The Choice (2017), The Gift (2020), The Ballerina of Auschwitz (2024)
- Awards: National Jewish Book Award (2017), Sydney Taylor Notable Book Award (2024)
- Fun Fact: At 97, Eger still sees patients and speaks globally, often via Zoom!
Snag The Choice or The Gift and dive into Edith Eger’s inspiring blend of memoir and wisdom—your heart will thank you!