Ariana Neumann

The author’s father kept his life in Czechoslovakia secret from her, identifying himself as Venezuelan. When she learned from a complete stranger in college that her name was Jewish, she was shocked. With very few hints from her father, and a box he left her when he died bearing little information, she went on a search for how he came to be in Venezuela. This book is about her genealogical search, and her father’s and his family’s story during WWII. The prologue felt like I was about to read the author’s memoir, but it really settles into most specifically her father’s story and his family. It is very deeply researched and to the extent she could, she provided immense detail in a way that shed light on what life was like trying to survive Nazi occupation and concentration camp as a Jew. It was always revealing—always making the reader think: how would I survive this? The narrator was perfect for the audiobook. Her voice was calm and appropriate throughout the story. I’m also glad I checked out the ebook from the library at the same time because it has photos. A highly recommended read for both its apt approach to telling about a genealogical search and of course, describing a life of fear and survival in Nazi-occupied Prague.… (plus d'informations)

This was a really good look at one family’s experience of the Holocaust. I often find Holocaust books difficult to read, as I’m sure everyone does, but despite the truly tragic occurrences in the book, its overall tale of survival and remembrance make it stand out. The incredible risks people take, often for friends and family, give a lift to the spirit. There are also details about day to day life during the war, and first person narrative like letters and documents that make this an especially effective book.… (plus d'informations)