Zaffre wins three-way auction for historian Holden's book on Fredy Hirsch

Zaffre has won a three-way auction for For Fredy: The Teacher of Auschwitz, a work of fiction based on "assiduous" research and survivor accounts, from historian and biographer Wendy Holden. 

Sarah Benton, publisher and managing director of Zaffre Publishing Group, acquired world rights directly from the author. Italian rights have been pre-empted by Piemme. The book will be published by Zaffre in January 2025. 

For Fredy is about Fredy Hirsch who, when imprisoned in Auschwitz-Birkenau because of his religion and sexuality, convinced the Nazi soldiers to allow him set up a school for the children in the camp. Block 31, the makeshift school, was decorated in murals and was a "little piece of heaven in hell" where children were able to learn, sing and play.

Benton commented: "From the moment Wendy pitched this project to me, I knew I had to publish it. It is a huge honour to work with her to bring Fredy’s incredible story to life, to do justice to his legacy and that of the children he inspired through their darkest days. I know Zaffre is the very perfect home to take this out to the whole world."

Holden added: "Ever since I heard about Fredy Hirsch six years ago, I knew that one day I would tell his story. Condemned for his sexuality after the war, Fredy was overlooked by everyone but the children he saved, none of whom ever forgot him. For Fredy will, I hope, ensure that many more people remember his name."