This incredible biography, chosen as a LoveReading Star Book, was first published in 2014 and now lives again as it inspired the upcoming movie One Life starring Sir Anthony Hopkins and Helena Bonham Carter. Over 6000 people in the world owe their lives to Sir Nicholas Winton who rescued 669 children from Nazi occupied Czechoslovakia in 1938. In 2014 the foreword was written by Dr Stephen D. Smith UNESCO Chair on Genocide Education and he confirmed that he was pleased that this documentary of Sir Nicholas Winton's life was in existence as: “the man himself is too modest and dismissive of his own achievements to see the relevance of his actions… But this book is necessary and important, because of the example he sets for others to follow… The story of his noble work is a true testament to the seemingly ordinary deeds each of us can do that make a slow turn towards heroism”. What is clear that though he felt ordinary, Nicholas Winton’s actions were extraordinary. His life set him on a path that has made a huge difference in this world and that deserves to be celebrated. Daughter and author of this biography, Barbara Winton, explained that her father’s wish was that this biography: “should not promote hero worship… but, if anything, that it might inspire people to recognise that they too can act ethically in the world and make a positive difference to the lives of others”. I sank into and read with mind and heart wide open, and the photographs within help to set the words free. One Life is an absolutely fascinating record, and acts as an ever important reminder that hate doesn’t have to win: “we can all - regardless of our past or present - make an impactful difference”.
The book that inspired upcoming major motion picture ONE LIFE, starring Sir Anthony Hopkins and Helena Bonham Carter.
Sir Nicholas Winton rescued 669 children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia at the brink of World War II. Most never saw their parents again; nearly all left behind were murdered. This is his story.
In 1938, 29-year-old 'Nicky' cancelled a ski holiday and instead spent nine months masterminding a seemingly impossible plan to rescue hundreds of Jewish children and find them homes in the UK. Over 6,000 people are alive today because of his efforts.
What motivated an ordinary man to do something so extraordinary? This book, written by his daughter, Barbara, explores the 106-year life of an incredible humanitarian, a man whose legacy only came to public light decades later.
His life story is a clarion call to choose action over apathy in the face of injustice, and a reminder that every one of us can change the world.
'If something is not impossible, then there must be a way to do it.'
Barbara Winton was born in 1953, the daughter of Nicholas and Grete Winton.
Barbara shared Nicky’s deep humanity, stubbornness, and determination to do the right thing, often in the face of diffi culty and resistance.
She was passionate about preserving his story, and became a fervent campaigner, continuing his work to support child refugees.
As well as a campaigner and author, Barbara was a complementary therapist, amateur gardener, nature lover, and loving wife and mother. Her husband Steve and children Laurence and Holly continue the Sir Nicholas Winton Memorial Trust, created by Barbara, to ensure Nicky’s story continues to inspire others to do good.
