Scan barcode
deralorae's review against another edition
5.0
I thought the premise of this book sounded like a really interesting story from the Holocaust. However, I was entirely surprised by the richness of each person's character. While I expected to be moved by this story I didn't know the depth of the emotions it would bring forth. This is easily one of the best books I have read about the survivors from WWII. The author has brought history to life and engaged the emotions throughout in a way that is complex and compelling. Nothing about this true life story comes off as dry or unneeded. I think this book would make a splendid film as well, so it could bring this story to a wider audience. I was given a copy of the book to read by the publisher, but all opinions in this review are my own.
amothersmusings1's review against another edition
4.0
#HolocaustChild - Lalechka
By Amira Keidar
“Holocaust Child” - a little girl smuggled out of a Jewish ghetto. Two courageous women and a stirring story of desperation, hope and survival.
There’s not a Holocaust based story that I’ve read without being misty eyed and “Holocaust Child - Lalechka” was no different. Amira Keidar has taken true life events of an inspirational survival story and written a novel that tugs at the heartstrings and brings a tear to the eye.
The book dives straight in with a haunting prologue which sets the scene for how the characters arrived at that point in time and then the following developments.
With the Polish girls characters being a mix of both Christian and Jewish, it was interesting to read how they both experienced the start of the war with their religions and views, after living together in somewhat harmony. Their unity and friendship despite their religious differences, were so strong and admirable and it was this strength of character and dedication that saw the survival of the child and escape from sure death.
I was saddened by how the Jews were segregated from the Polish students in lecture halls, with hostile looks and daily direct and whispered insults aimed at the Jews, after learning happily together in the same classes.
Based on a true story with real life people, the author started writing her book after reading a journal written by Zippa (the Jewish girl incarcerated in the ghetto) and the author’s real life friend’s familial connection to the story. So intense was the attention to detail and accurately recounted facts, this read almost like non fiction, which for me, hit the heart so much harder. I was surprised to see the real photos at the close of the book that were mentioned in the story and was able to put a face to the actual characters, making it so much more real and heartbreaking. Interviews with key figures and authentic letters together with the harrowing descriptions of the annihilation of the ghettos, has resulted in a first rate story of survival and loyal friendships.
By Amira Keidar
“Holocaust Child” - a little girl smuggled out of a Jewish ghetto. Two courageous women and a stirring story of desperation, hope and survival.
There’s not a Holocaust based story that I’ve read without being misty eyed and “Holocaust Child - Lalechka” was no different. Amira Keidar has taken true life events of an inspirational survival story and written a novel that tugs at the heartstrings and brings a tear to the eye.
The book dives straight in with a haunting prologue which sets the scene for how the characters arrived at that point in time and then the following developments.
With the Polish girls characters being a mix of both Christian and Jewish, it was interesting to read how they both experienced the start of the war with their religions and views, after living together in somewhat harmony. Their unity and friendship despite their religious differences, were so strong and admirable and it was this strength of character and dedication that saw the survival of the child and escape from sure death.
I was saddened by how the Jews were segregated from the Polish students in lecture halls, with hostile looks and daily direct and whispered insults aimed at the Jews, after learning happily together in the same classes.
Based on a true story with real life people, the author started writing her book after reading a journal written by Zippa (the Jewish girl incarcerated in the ghetto) and the author’s real life friend’s familial connection to the story. So intense was the attention to detail and accurately recounted facts, this read almost like non fiction, which for me, hit the heart so much harder. I was surprised to see the real photos at the close of the book that were mentioned in the story and was able to put a face to the actual characters, making it so much more real and heartbreaking. Interviews with key figures and authentic letters together with the harrowing descriptions of the annihilation of the ghettos, has resulted in a first rate story of survival and loyal friendships.
More...