EducatingParents.org rating: Under Review

History: 1940s

Howard Greenfeld's project is an engrossing and heartbreaking look at the lives of young people who survived the Nazi regime, only to be forced to endure countless further hardships as they try to gain some sort of "normal" existence. After the Holocaust carefully balances research with first-person accounts, so the history itself becomes personal, and the book is all the more moving for the stories and photos shared by the participating survivors. I appreciate Greenfeld's attempts to move beyond the initial horror of the war and concentration camps to show contemporary readers the continued plight of an abused people. Likewise, I appreciate Greenfeld's attempts to widen the scope of victims; while the personal accounts are all related by Jewish survivors, Greenfeld's analysis frequently refers to the other ostracized and victimized peoples who fall victim to the same prejudice and horror. Recommended for everyone. ( )

This is a study of a handful of child or teen Holocaust survivors -- not a study of what they went through during the war, but about what happened to them after. As the author notes, not a whole lot has been written about the post-war experiences of survivors. Certainly they continued to suffer even after Germany's surrender -- their families missing or dead, being unable to go home or unable to stay once they got there, often stuck in displaced persons camps for years on end. But this was a self-reliant, resourceful lot and all were eventually able to find places in the world.

The book would, I think, be suitable for age ten or so and up. Adults would also find it of value. I do think the study was somewhat compromised though, in the fact that all the people interviewed were living in America. ( )

Chronicling the horrific fate of those who escaped, were liberated, or came out of hiding after the Holocaust, this story begins where other books regarding the Holocaust left off.

The author interviewed eight homeless, orphaned children/young adults and carefully, clearly documented their tragic lives during and after the Holocaust.

Outlining statistics and stories with photos throughout, Greenfeld's heart wrenching portrayal of displaced, parent less children roaming throughout Europe is a must read not only for those who study history, or are interested in the Holocaust, but this should be read compassionately by all.

The author not only focuses on Germany, but also gives detailed information regarding anti-Semitism throughout Poland, Latvia, Romania and Hungary.

I did not know that after returning to Poland, on July 4, 1946, 42 Jewish survivors in the town of Kielce were killed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kielce_pogrom

Though it is difficult, I highly recommend reading this book. ( )

Focusing on eight Holocaust survivors now living in the United States, this powerful book shows the hardships faced by young survivors, many of whom were without homes, families, identities or hope. ( )