Author: Andrew Gross

Publisher: Minotaur Books (New York). 432 pp.

Type of work: Novel

Time: 1944

Locales: Washington, DC, and Oswiecim, Poland

The One Man by Andrew Gross is a gripping World War II thriller that imagines a daring mission to rescue a brilliant scientist from Auschwitz. The novel weaves historical facts with a compelling narrative to explore themes of sacrifice and survival. Set in 1944, it presents a dramatic tale of espionage, highlighting the courage required in desperate times.

Main Characters

Nathan Blum: A Polish Jew and former resident of the Krakow ghetto, who escaped to America and works for the OSS as a translator.

Alfred Mendl: A renowned physicist with essential knowledge for the creation of the nuclear bomb.

Leo Wolciek: A young chess virtuoso with an extraordinary memory.

Greta Ackermann: The wife of Auschwitz’s commandant, entangled in internal conflicts.

Captain Peter Strauss: A Jewish OSS officer leading the ambitious Operation Catfish.

Plot Overview

The narrative centers around Nathan Blum, a Polish Jew whose life was irrevocably altered by the Nazi invasion. Born to a milliner and a music-loving mother, his early years in Krakow are marked by hardship. His sister, Leisa, a gifted pianist, and the rest of his family endure immense suffering. Blum, adept at navigating the perilous streets of the ghetto, uses his cunning to provide for his family. This ingenuity becomes his escape route when he is tasked with smuggling a sacred Talmudic text to Sweden. Despite the risk, his father insists he undertake the mission, leading to a heart-wrenching departure. Upon reaching the United States, Blum receives the devastating news of his family's execution.

OSS and Operation Catfish

Haunted by the loss and driven by a desire for vengeance, Blum enlists in the war effort, only to find himself behind a desk at the OSS in Washington, DC. However, his yearning for action is answered when Captain Peter Strauss, the visionary behind Operation Catfish, recruits him. The mission is high-stakes and seemingly impossible: infiltrate Auschwitz, locate the invaluable physicist Alfred Mendl, and escape with him. Strauss, informed by reports from Auschwitz escapees, believes Mendl holds the knowledge critical to the Allies' success in the nuclear race.

Historical Context and Author’s Inspiration

Andrew Gross, renowned for his work with James Patterson, ventures into historical fiction with The One Man. Drawing from personal history, Gross finds inspiration in his father-in-law, Nathan Zorman, a pre-war Warsaw native who worked with the OSS. Gross’s novel is a tribute to the unspoken stories of anguish and survival during World War II. The narrative pays homage to the countless untold tales of those who endured the Holocaust.

The Frame Story

The novel is framed through the perspective of an elderly man reflecting on his past from a hospital bed. His daughter, curious about his mysterious past, prompts him to share the story behind a box of enigmatic keepsakes, including a military medal. This narrative device serves as an entry into the heart of the story, allowing Gross to delve into themes of memory, history, and legacy.

Philosophical Themes and Auschwitz’s Depiction

The book explores profound philosophical questions, notably the Talmudic notion of the value of a single life. Blum’s mission to save Mendl is fraught with moral complexity, as he wrestles with the significance of one life amidst the pervasive tragedy of Auschwitz. Gross’s portrayal of the camp captures the chilling ordinariness and daily brutality, illustrating a world where survival hinges on bribery and fragile alliances.

Subplots and Character Dynamics

Blum’s central mission is interwoven with poignant subplots, such as Mendl’s painful separation...