In this new work of narrative nonfiction, Susan M. Rostan invites us to experience her journey as she seeks to uncover the story of her husband's family, including two courageous but silent survivors of WWII's Warsaw Ghetto: her mother-in-law Elzbieta and Elzbieta's brother, Marian Rosenbloom.
With the passing of Elzbieta, an aging Uncle Marian is the only surviving link to his family's history -- the stories of tragic loss and heroic survival -- that he and his sister had refused to share with anyone throughout their life. Encouraged by the author and driven by an emerging sense of responsibility to his sister's namesake and future generations, Marian begins a difficult journey into the memories of his childhood in the Warsaw Ghetto and subsequent survival.
As his experiences unfold, he haltingly recalls how he managed to escape the Ghetto and survive, thanks to his courageous rescuers. Out of his remembrances, the author nurtures not only the story of her husband's family history, but finds herself immersed in an insistent desire to honor Marian's rescuers. Through her poignant and compelling narrative, she revives Elzbieta's legacy of hope, caring, and laughter for all of us to share.
An aging Uncle Marian is the only surviving link to his family’s history -- the stories of tragic loss and heroic survival -- that he and his sister had refused to share with anyone throughout their life. Encouraged by the author and driven by an emerging sense of responsibility to his sister’s namesake and future generations, Marian begins a difficult journey into the memories of his childhood in the Warsaw Ghetto and subsequent survival. As his experiences unfold, he haltingly recalls how he managed to escape the Ghetto and survive, thanks to his courageous rescuers. Out of his remembrances, the author nurtures not only the story of her husband’s family history, but finds herself immersed in an insistent desire to honor Marian’s rescuers. Through her poignant and compelling narrative, she revives her mother-in-law Elzbieta’s legacy of hope, caring, and laughter for all of us to share.
This book was amazing. I moved through the book slowly, not because it was a slow or boring read, but because it was such an emotional journey. It was well written, well done, and a joy to read despite the tragic content. Katherine Slifer
This book is an excellent example of combining personal and cultural history. It offers thorough research along with a well rounded portrayal of the main character. As a memoir writing instructor, I especially appreciated the author's modeling of how to interview an elderly person with compassion and sensitivity. Diane Fillmore