Saving Freud book cover

Saving Freud by Andrew Nagorski Summary

Saving Freud
Andrew Nagorski
4.02 (330 Reviews)
Biography
History
Psychology
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
FAQs

Overview of Saving Freud

When Nazi forces invaded Vienna in 1938, Sigmund Freud faced certain death. "Saving Freud" reveals the breathtaking rescue mission orchestrated by his unlikely allies - including a Nazi bureaucrat. Kirkus Reviews called it a "riveting page-turner" that illuminates how friendship triumphed over history's darkest hour.

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Key takeaways

1

A Race Against Darkness

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March 1938: Nazi boots echo through the streets of Vienna while storm troopers pound on the door of Berggasse 19. Inside, an 81-year-old man with a white beard and jaw ravaged by cancer stands in the doorway. His mere presence-this intellectual giant who dared map the dark continents of the human mind-causes the intruders to falter. They grab what cash they can and flee, but not before promising to return. This is Sigmund Freud, and he has perhaps weeks to escape a regime that burns his books and would gladly burn him too. What follows is one of history's most improbable rescue missions: a desperate race orchestrated by a Welsh doctor, a French princess descended from Napoleon, an American diplomat, and even a conflicted Nazi bureaucrat. Together, they would pull off what became known as "Operation Freud"-saving not just a man, but an entire way of understanding what it means to be human.

2

Two Viennas, One Collision Course

3

The Unlikely Saviors

4

The Gathering Storm and Stubborn Denial

5

The Breaking Point

6

Freedom's Final Chapter

7

What We Carry Forward

Explore Your Way of Learning
Saving Freud isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Biography. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

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@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
star
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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments
12
likes
108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments
254
likes
17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
star
star
star
star
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"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
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96
likes
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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
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"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
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201
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@OojasSalunke
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@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
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