Description
Discover a poignant narrative of survival and loss in 'The Burned Letter'. This gripping account, penned by Helene Ritchie, offers a first-hand glimpse into the life of Lidi, a young Jewish refugee fleeing the atrocities of the Holocaust. As she navigates the turmoil of displacement in New Zealand, Lidi's story encapsulates the struggles of identity, belonging, and memory. This powerful book illustrates the stigma she faces as an 'enemy alien' in a foreign land, compounded by the shadows of her past. Through Lidi's emotional journey—culminating in her heart-wrenching decision to burn the letter detailing her family’s fate—readers are drawn into a timeless exploration of trauma and survivor guilt. Helene Ritchie, Lidi’s daughter, embarks on her own quest to uncover the secrets of her family's history, revealing layers of tragedy, love, and resilience. This compelling narrative stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. With 562 pages of meticulously researched content, 'The Burned Letter' is essential for those interested in Holocaust literature, New Zealand's immigrant narratives, and stories of hope and discovery. Available in a convenient paperback format, measuring 153 x 234 mm, it makes a thoughtful addition to any bookshelf. Don’t miss your chance to explore this deeply moving saga, published on 01-06-2023. Order now and immerse yourself in a story that will resonate for generations.
A New Zealander’s Holocaust Mystery. “Every day, I am in Auschwitz,” she would say. Even though she never had been. During the Holocaust, Lidi, as a teenager, flees from Hitler and the Nazis. Forced to leave behind everyone whom she loves, she eventually arrives in New Zealand as a Jewish refugee, with her mother. Alive in their new country, but labelled again, they immediately are called â€enemy aliens’, monitored by the police, their letters censored, their lives and movements restricted. Five years later in 1945, a few months after the liberation of Auschwitz, Lidi burns the letter written to her that tells her what happened to those she loved most dearly. She hopes that in turning the letter to ashes, her survivor guilt and trauma would disappear too. But her efforts are in vain. “They - all those relations - just perished,” Lidi says over and over again. Nearly 70 years later, just before she dies at the age of 92, Lidi said she regrets burning the letter. Too late. “They” remain a mystery to Helene, Lidi’s daughter. As does their fate. For 50 years, she travels the world, searching for her grandparents and her “just perished” family. It was as if “they” all just disappeared in a puff of smoke. But she does find traces in the killing centres, ghettos and death marches across Poland, Czechoslovakia and Germany, discovering murder, suicides, theft, and tragic love affairs.
Author: Helene Ritchie Publisher: HR Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 153 x 234 mm
Pages: 562
Publication Date: 01-06-2023
A New Zealander’s Holocaust Mystery. “Every day, I am in Auschwitz,” she would say. Even though she never had been. During the Holocaust, Lidi, as a teenager, flees from Hitler and the Nazis. Forced to leave behind everyone whom she loves, she eventually arrives in New Zealand as a Jewish refugee, with her mother. Alive in their new country, but labelled again, they immediately are called â€enemy aliens’, monitored by the police, their letters censored, their lives and movements restricted. Five years later in 1945, a few months after the liberation of Auschwitz, Lidi burns the letter written to her that tells her what happened to those she loved most dearly. She hopes that in turning the letter to ashes, her survivor guilt and trauma would disappear too. But her efforts are in vain. “They - all those relations - just perished,” Lidi says over and over again. Nearly 70 years later, just before she dies at the age of 92, Lidi said she regrets burning the letter. Too late. “They” remain a mystery to Helene, Lidi’s daughter. As does their fate. For 50 years, she travels the world, searching for her grandparents and her “just perished” family. It was as if “they” all just disappeared in a puff of smoke. But she does find traces in the killing centres, ghettos and death marches across Poland, Czechoslovakia and Germany, discovering murder, suicides, theft, and tragic love affairs.
Author: Helene Ritchie Publisher: HR Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 153 x 234 mm
Pages: 562
Publication Date: 01-06-2023