I couldn't resist the opportunity to mention a book I read a few years ago and have yet to meet anyone to discuss it with. The book is Anya by Susan Fromberg Schaeffer. Written in 1974, Anya is a novel about a Polish woman's experience during the Holocaust. I don't have words to tell you how beautifully written this book is, but I think it is an important book for several reasons. First of all, its publication date - 1974 is not that far removed from when these atrocities occurred. Secondly, the first portion of the book deals with Anya and her family's life before the Holocaust. The life of a happy and well-to-do family. I think so many times, Holocaust literature begins with the holocaust. In this book, we see these people in the beginning not as victims but just as people. Like you and I. I know some people just cannot bring themselves to read books about this period, but if you can, I cannot recommend this highly enough.
18 comments:
Sounds sad but lovely.
I will read this book if I find it. It happened. We need to learn from our history. Reason enough to read!
I do flinch away from books about this subject, but you recommend it so highly that I will try if I can find it.
Oh, I've read this book! Many many years ago I found an old falling-apart copy at a thrift shop. I don't know what happened to it but it disappeared from my shelves. Just a few weeks ago I found another copy, and I'm eager to read it again! It's been so long.
It sounds intriguing and sad. I'm going to add it to my want-to-read list :)
Some books, like some movies, are so important they NEED to be read. This sounds like one of those. Thanks for the recommend.
Wow, that's heavy. I'm struggling to get through The Book Thief only because it is so painful. I was a history minor spec. in ww2 europe. I think it ruined me for life on that topic.
anyhow - fabulous question. I may have to borrow it :)(giving you full and deserved credit of course)
my book is a bit more frivolous - it's Gentlemen & Players by Joanne Harris.
The book sound good - I like to read history book like this..well check it out, thanks!
Happy BTTs! Have a good Thursday and good weekend ahead!
Julia - Yen
Great recommendation! I'm definitely going to look for this one at the library.
If I read it I read it way back when it came out. I don't recall. I just read a Holocaust theme book though, The Book Thief which I highly recommend.
Thanks everyone for your kind comments. And I would like to say 'Welcome' to everyone who has stopped by for the first time. It is nice to meet you. I'm particularly thrilled to meet someone - Jeane! - who has read Anya! I also plan to read this again.
This sounds definitely like a book I will read! Thanks for the recommendation
Had not heard of this book but it's going on my list now.
I do read books like this so thank you for the recommendation, I shall make a note of it. I have a couple of similar books on my tbr pile which I must get to this year as well.
I'll look it up and try it. Love the cover you posted.
I started to read this 24 years ago when I was pregnant, but for some reason could only do short stories during my gestation. Never got back to it.
Just letting you know that I've given you the "You Make My Day" award. :)
This book sounds very important but very difficult. Kind of like The Book Thief!
I have this book on my amazon wish list--I can see I need to actually buy it now! :)
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