The author, Georgia Hunter, did meticulous research on this book that is based on her grandfather's family. Even though this is a book of historical fiction her careful research really brings to life the struggles of the Kurc family during World War II. The story, which was largely left untold until Georgia discovers the stories during a family reunion, is one of struggles, hardship, love and the endurance of the human spirit.
Book Summary
The book begins in 1939 as the Kurc family gathers for the Passover in their home in Radom, Poland. There are three generations gathered, and they are only missing Addy who is working in France.
At first the issues of the world seem remote, and they struggle to lead normal lives even as the threat of war looms. The dinner conversation consists of talks of babies and romance and everyday life.
The peace that they knew will soon be destroyed and the family will be forced to come to grips with the reality of the coming war. The family will be sent to the far ends of the world and be divided so that the main struggle and conversations will be their desire to stay alive and someday all be together again.
The author does a wonderful job of making you feel a part of each of the family members struggles and wanting to read on to find out how they will survive. There are members of the Kurc family sent to labor camps in Siberia and ghettos in their hometown when their beautiful home is taken from them. Other family members pose as Gentiles to survive, and one is able to escape the continent and travels to Brazil.
With the title of the book leading us to believe they all survive, I was always wondering how each one would survive the terrible struggles they endured.
This book was based on the actual lives of the authors ancestors which made it even more compelling. I highly recommend this New York Times bestselling book. It is a true testament to the human spirit that can survive and thrive.
Miniseries made from Book
The book has been made into a miniseries. It premiered on Hulu in 2024. It stars Joey Kirs and Logan Lerman.
This sounds like a very though provoking, touching account of real life horrors and war. My ears hear the stories, but my mind can never fully comprehend the evil, for which I am grateful. We "are" the lucky ones.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an important and emotionally engaging book, not only for those of us who are Jewish but also for everyone else. The fact that it is grounded in the real-life experiences of the author’s ancestors makes it a must-read, in my opinion. Thank you for sharing your review.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating story. This book will definitely go on my To-Read list. My hubby & I have always been fascinated with stories from World War II, and the fact that this one was based on a real-life family is even more compelling. Thanks for telling me about this book and TV series, Mary Beth.
ReplyDeleteI know the struggles from my own family and the stories that were shared at times when things were so bleak. Even my uncle (95) still has trouble talking about those days! While we are not Jewish, our family did help many at the time! Switzerland, while a safe haven, still had many hardships as it was against the law to help fleeing families. So I come from a large family of law breakers! And I'm pretty proud of them! I will read this with great interest!
ReplyDeleteThe strength of that generation is beyond words. The sacrifices. The fight for survival, for freedom, from abuse. The mental strength alone from that time period is something to behold but gut-wrenching in the same breath. There are stories in my family too, about WWII. Although you say it's historical fiction, that fact that it's based in truth makes it something I'd like to read. I don't get Hulu, but would watch the the series.
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