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kind_fiction's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
4.5
My old history teacher leant me his old copy. I have no words, this book was incredible
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Xenophobia, Antisemitism, and War
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Alcohol
bkowalczik's review against another edition
4.0
Leon Leyson was a Polish boy fortunate enough to have a father who, after breaking into a safe for Oscar Schindler, worked at his factory without pay. Yet working there saved his family's life. Schindler, Leyson writes, has been called many things, but to Leyson he was a hero because he saved the lives of five members of the Leyson family.
Special note, the author passed away in 2013 and his wife and children write a tribute to him at the end of this short book. He sounds like he was an enthusiastic man who did not let his "unenviable events of his young life" define him. "He defined the events."
I enjoyed how Leyson described his family and his early childhood in Poland. Here was an interesting tidbit: His hometown of Narewka had been occupied by Germans during World War I. For the most part the Germans treated the citizens with respect. They were expecting the same type of treatment by the Germans in World War II. They quickly learned the horrible truth.
Here is a short, beautiful description of a Sabbath tradition: "Because the candles were nearly impossible to find even on the black market, she (the mother) blew them out immediately after the prayers. But it was enough. During those brief minutes, with the glow of the candles, I felt a connection not only to my fmaily beside me but also to my family in Narewka, to my favorite grandfather, and to happier days. The ritual affirmed who we were despite the humiliating restrictions outside our door. . . p. 75
He describes the scene where his family is forced to move to another apartment in the Warsaw ghetto. She pushed furniture off the balcony to its ruin below. "It felt so good to do something against the Germans, even if the only thing we could do was destroy our own possessions."
Special note, the author passed away in 2013 and his wife and children write a tribute to him at the end of this short book. He sounds like he was an enthusiastic man who did not let his "unenviable events of his young life" define him. "He defined the events."
I enjoyed how Leyson described his family and his early childhood in Poland. Here was an interesting tidbit: His hometown of Narewka had been occupied by Germans during World War I. For the most part the Germans treated the citizens with respect. They were expecting the same type of treatment by the Germans in World War II. They quickly learned the horrible truth.
Here is a short, beautiful description of a Sabbath tradition: "Because the candles were nearly impossible to find even on the black market, she (the mother) blew them out immediately after the prayers. But it was enough. During those brief minutes, with the glow of the candles, I felt a connection not only to my fmaily beside me but also to my family in Narewka, to my favorite grandfather, and to happier days. The ritual affirmed who we were despite the humiliating restrictions outside our door. . . p. 75
He describes the scene where his family is forced to move to another apartment in the Warsaw ghetto. She pushed furniture off the balcony to its ruin below. "It felt so good to do something against the Germans, even if the only thing we could do was destroy our own possessions."
fuse8's review against another edition
4.0
One Sentence Review: Absolutely beautiful and in a perfect world would replace The Boy in the Striped Pajamas as the customary middle grade WWII Holocaust title.
hthore's review against another edition
5.0
LOVE!
This gives you a different perspective of WWII and brings you right into the story. I was able to sense Leon's development into adulthood as he told his story - from childish ignorance to feeling the responsibility for his family. By the end, I felt like I knew Leon personally and now I am sad to realize that I will never be able to meet him. However, I will re-watch "Schindler's List" with new eyes, and think of Leon and his family.
READ THIS BOOK!! :)
This gives you a different perspective of WWII and brings you right into the story. I was able to sense Leon's development into adulthood as he told his story - from childish ignorance to feeling the responsibility for his family. By the end, I felt like I knew Leon personally and now I am sad to realize that I will never be able to meet him. However, I will re-watch "Schindler's List" with new eyes, and think of Leon and his family.
READ THIS BOOK!! :)
biblioberuthiel's review against another edition
4.0
A difficult and painful but age-appropriate read. Overall well done. Definitely cried out of horror a couple of times, but it is a holocaust memoir so that's to be expected.
donnaburtwistle's review against another edition
5.0
A superb memoir of a "Schindler" Jewish boy who survived the Holocaust...
kmr2209's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
jtieri's review against another edition
5.0
An incredible book written through the eyes of a holocaust survivor. What a touching and moving story from a horrendous time in the world! Read this and you will appreciate whatever life you have!
mrs_ursula's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Genocide