From the Holocaust to Hogan's Heroes: The Autobiography of Robert Clary

by Robert Clary

Book Overview

Robert Clary (born Robert Max Widerman in Paris in 1926) is best known for his portrayal of the spirited Corporal Louis Lebeau on the popular television series Hogan's Heroes (on the air from 1965 to 1971 and widely syndicated around the globe).
But it is Clary's experiences as a Jew during the Holocaust that infuse his compelling memoir with an honest recognition of life's often horrific reality, a recognition that counters his glittering...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1589793455
• ISBN13: 9781589793453
• Release Date: December 2007
• Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 0.87 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

What a life!

The story of his life is truly amazing, and I enjoyed the book very much. My ONLY thing that I can say I did not enjoy was to try and read so very man french references (names, streets, etc.) that I had to skim over because I have no knowledge of the french language. That being said, you do NOT need to understand french to enjoy this book......it's just one of those things that I dislike while reading any book, names/etc that I just can not pronounce even in my mind.

A True Hero

Robert Clary's autobiography is short and easy to read. You will find yourself unable to put the book down as he talks of his childhood in France, his hopes, ambitions and dreams, all interrupted by his 30+ month imprisonment in the concentration and labor camps of Nazi Germany. His ability to keep his spirits up and those of his fellow prisoners through song and dance is amazing. After being freed by Patton's Third Army he returns to Paris to rebuild his life and restart his quest for fame and fortune. This would be a very good book to read for old and young alike. I am buying another 20+ to give to my high school social studies class as a study in dealing with adversity, learning of intolerance and keeping sight of your dreams. This is truly a great book.

An excellent read for a Clary fan

This book is an insightful look at Clary's life. For those who grew up with him on Hogan's Heroes or still watch it in re-runs today (me), this book really provides some background on him and how he became who he is today. I've been a fan since I was a child and though the book doesn't focus on any particular part of his career, it provides a detailed look at his history.

Enjoyed the book

This is an excellent book from Clary's point of view. It was so good to know more about him, as he is featured prominently in "Hogan's Heroes". There was only one page I had to glue together so that my young children could also read the book. It runs the range of emotions while remaining exciting and well-written.

The courage to forgive

I was very impressed with Robert Clary's autobiography. He told of his life with honesty and realism. The nightmare he endured could have destroyed him, or embittered him, or silenced him. It did silence him for awhile--and understandably so. The only way to survive such horror is to shut down one's emotions and/or block the memories. But Robert Clary has told his story to teens in high schools, in speeches and interviews elsewhere, and now in his book. Don't forget...but do forgive. That's true courage.

A Biography Worth Reading

"From the Holocaust to Hogan's Heroes", is a fascinating account of Robert Clary's experiences growing up amid the backdrop of the Nazi occupation of France. Robert proves to be a remarkably 'lucky' individual who has had to face extra-ordinary circumstances and yet has not allowed the scars of Genocide to prevent him from finding personal joy, while allowing that joy to touch others. His exuberance and boyish charm punctuates the pages of his book as he recounts his innocent childhood, the horrific 31 months in Nazi prison camps from the age of 16, and the eventual realization that almost every member of his beloved family had been literally wiped out. His remarkable flight out of purgatory leads him to a renewed zest for living and to his own personal success on stage, television and pictures. His personal insights of the personalities that he met along the way, as well as his jaunt on Hogan's Heroes, keeps you from putting the book aside. Robert Clary literally leaves you wanting more.