We Were the Lucky Ones Blog
We Were the Lucky Ones: About the Book
An extraordinary, propulsive novel based on the true story of a family of Polish Jews who are separated at the start of the Second World War, determined to survive—and to reunite
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News & Reviews for We Were the Lucky Ones
Reviews and Praise
“a fast-paced tale of courage and resilience”
“Although One Good Thing is a work of fiction, it fills a gap in English-language literature about Italy during the Holocaust.” So writes Hadassah Magazine, noting also that “one of the novel’s themes is the nature of ‘motherhood’—is it defined solely by blood, or is it shaped by sacrifice and devotion?” Full review is here.
“emotionally gripping”
Thank you, Princeton Book Review, for telling readers: “This book was fantastic – emotionally gripping and well-researched, with complex, relatable characters and an incredible sense of time and place.” And for noting: “If you like stories about strong women and people bonding together to overcome adversity … you will love this book. Highly recommend.” Full…
“a beautiful, compelling novel”
I appreciate this observation by the Historical Novel Society: “Drawn from actual events, the story shows us not just the villains but also the many ordinary heroes who risked their lives to help the oppressed.” That review goes on to note that: “As with [We Were the Lucky Ones] there’s a feeling of forward momentum…
Research and context
Kurc Family artifacts and more…
The True Story Behind Hulu’s Holocaust Drama We Were the Lucky Ones. Read to learn more about the Kurc family’s recent donation of wartime artifacts to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
“First and foremost a family drama”
Los Angeles Times insists that We Were the Lucky Ones is not a history lesson. Instead, it’s “a human story, of husbands and wives, parents and children, friends and lovers…” adding, “Its purpose, as television, is to make you feel, for the characters and by extension for a people — to experience, such as might be…
Tip 8: More on Exploring Your Jewish Genealogy
There is a growing body of resources available to folks researching their Jewish Heritage. Here are a few sites I found especially helpful.
Events
New York Screening and Talk
It was a thrill to be featured at Temple Emanu-El’s Streicker Cultural Center, where a sneak peak of Episode 1 of the series was screened, followed by a panel where I joined our director, Tommy Kail, showrunner, Erica Lipez, and two of our cast, Joey King and Logan Lerman, for a Q+A. The event took…
Mercer Island School Visit
Students are my favorite audience. The questions and conversations that come of our discussions are often profound. Huge thanks to Seattle’s Mercer Island community for inviting me to speak with such an engaged group of students, faculty and parents! I hope that in sharing my family’s Holocaust account (along with the process of unearthing and…
Wauwatosa Public Library Foundation
Thrilled to speak next month at the Wauwatosa Public Library Foundation’s Leadership Luncheon! Date: February 29, 2024, 11:00 am-2:00pm CDT Please email TosaLibraryFoundation@gmail.com for details.
For Book Clubs
LB The Lover of Books
Thank you, Laura Beth, for inviting me to your virtual book group LB The Lover of Books to discuss One Good Thing. You and your readers sparked a lively conversation with your thoughtful questions, including a crossover at times to the journey that started with We Were the Lucky Ones. I’ll be following you to…
Readers Guide
About the Story An extraordinary, propulsive novel based on the untold true story of a family of Polish Jews who are separated at the start of the Second World War, determined to survive—and to reunite. It is the spring of 1939 and three generations of the Kurc family are doing their best to…
We Were the Lucky Ones: About the Book
An extraordinary, propulsive novel based on the true story of a family of Polish Jews who are separated at the start of the Second World War, determined to survive—and to reunite
Author’s Note
An extraordinary, propulsive novel based on the true story of a family of Polish Jews who are separated at the start of the Second World War, determined to survive—and to reunite
Virtual Book Talk
Like other authors, I sorely miss the chance to meet with readers in person, thanks to social distancing – a necessary element of the Coronavirus pandemic. But maybe a silver lining is the ability to reach new audiences virtually, regardless of location. This week I was delighted to be “in the room” with readers from…
Sound Watch Interview
Georgia is featured in an in-depth interview in the January-February 2020 edition of Sound Watch News, a brand new publication distributed to all residents of Rowayton and Darien, CT. Lauren Henry delved into the backstory on We Were the Lucky Ones and asked about Georgia’s new projects.
