We Were the Lucky Ones is an adaptation of my book of the same name. It follows my relatives, the Kurc family, as they scatter at the start of the Second World War, determined to survive and to reunite. The 8-part series spans nine years and four continents and is live now on Hulu and Disney+. My heart is full of awe and gratitude for the brilliant humans who have touched this project!
“A thrilling drama”
The shooting locations for “We Were the Lucky Ones” in Romania and Spain were carefully selected “to accurately reproduce wartime circumstances,” per Filmloc. The article goes on to describe “massive sets” that “were built to represent World War II-era locations, demonstrating the production team’s commitment to detail and innovation.” Full story and more images here.
“Watch this”
Bob Lefsetz, in his popular newsletter, reflects on his personal experience watching the tv series. “You can feel the fear,” he writes. “That’s what makes the series so great.” He goes on to explain: “There’s a visceral quality that you’ll resonate with if you’re a Jew, certainly a boomer Jew. When you realize your possessions…
A Top Ten War TV Series
ScreenRant placed “We Were the Lucky Ones” at #4 in its list of “10 Best War TV Series that Everyone Should Watch at Least Once,” writing that it “succeeds in making its characters feel as real as the family they’re based on…” Full story (and the rest of the top 10) here.
“Unforgettable”
Fandomwire lists “We Were the Lucky Ones” among its pick of “5 Hulu Originals to Binge this Weekend,” noting that “The themes of family, love, and resilience in the face of horrifying circumstances make this show unforgettable.” Read more.
An “essential” show
Honored to be included in Collider’s list of the top ten most “essential” war series on TV – among such timeless classics as “Das Boot” and “Band of Brothers.” Collider explains: “We Were the Lucky Ones is an essential series about war because it highlights the human cost of war’s destruction.” The list features shows…
“Mama!”
One of my favorite moments during filming “We Were the Lucky Ones” was when Halina’s daughter Anna (in real life) met Joey, who played Halina in the series. Anna, who had flown to the set in Malaga from her home in Paris, approached Joey with a big smile and declared “Mama!” followed by hugs. Read…
Hadas Yaron wins Gracie Award
Congratulations to the incomparable Hadas Yaron for winning a Gracie Award for Actress in a Supporting Role in “We Were the Lucky Ones!” For 50 years, the Gracie Awards “have honored the storytellers who push boundaries and redefine what’s possible,” and that could not be more true of my talented and dedicated friend Hadas. Her…
Sarah’s Bookshelves Podcast
What a fun chat on a recent Sarah’s Bookshelves podcast. We covered a lot of territory, including what inspired the characters in “One Good Thing,” how I chose Italy as the setting, and reflections on my experience with the television adaptation of “We Were the Lucky Ones.” Show notes and episode audio here.
Best Original Score Nomination
We’re thrilled to announce that Rachel Portman and Jon Ehrlich’s brilliant music for “We Were the Lucky Ones” has been nominated for Best Original Score for Television 2024 by the International Film Music Critics Association. The winners will be announced at the 21st IFMCA Awards live on the IFMCA YouTube channel on February 27, 2025….
2024 Women Film Critics Circle Runner-Up
“The The Women Film Critics Circle seeks to amplify women’s voices and perspectives within film criticism.” (AwardsWatch). Thank you to the WFCC for recognizing “We Were the Lucky Ones” among the best television shows in 2024 about or by women. Full listings are here.
