It would be difficult for any human being at any time in history to endure more hardships than the author of this book - and yet, while in this awful place, this is where he began writing this book. In my opinion this is one of the top 10 books ever written. No matter how bad things look there is always a better way to look at them. This book proves that premise. He survived, helped others survive, and went on to live a good and happy life. So can you! Read it and see. Please.