Kolinka:Return to Birkenau

In March 1944, Ginette Kolinka was deported from Avignon to Auschwitz-Birkenau along with her father, brother, and nephew. Ginette is the only one who returns to Paris months later. She vividly describes how she survived the beatings, hunger, cold, nudity, hatred, and horror in the camp. She also recounts how essential it was for her to hold on to her femininity. A dress that Simone Veil gave her in the camp provided her with dignity and strength to survive. Ginette Kolinka, born in 1925, was previously a saleswoman in Paris. She kept her months in Auschwitz-Birkenau to herself for a long time. Her extraordinary account of life in the camp quickly became a bestseller in France. Ginette Kolinka now lives in Paris, gives lectures, and regularly guides school groups through Auschwitz.