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!
Ambassador Souza Dantas
Brazilian Ambassador to France Souza Dantas, based in Vichy during the German occupation, saved hundreds of lives by issuing unauthorized visas to Jews and others facing deportation and worse. Kveller details this history, including the fact that my grandfather was one of the fortunate recipients of the Ambassador’s compassion. Full story here.
Fala português?
For those who can read Portuguese, here’s an article in the Brazilian magazine Claudia about We Were the Lucky Ones or, as the series is called in Brazil, Nós Tivemos Sorte. I love that they feature a shot of the Farinholt family cameo in the scene where Addy races through the streets of Rio for…
A Holocaust story with “warmth and grace”
In a thoughtful essay, ReformJudaism.org describes how WWTLO differs from other Holocaust stories by being framed inside the Kurc family, “with doses of humor and humanity.” “It’s easy to put yourself in their shoes,”the article says, noting “the care and depth creator Erica Lipez imbues in its telling.” “Taking the story out of the history…
“A glittering cast”
With the launch of WWTLO overseas, the UK journal JewishNews gave the series a close look and interviewed Amit Rahav, who plays Jakob, and whose grandmother is herself a survivor. Amit reflected on his experience in the series, which he says has had a visceral impact on his sense of Jewishness. “It’s really made me…
The vital role of costumes
Variety interviewed Joey and our brilliant costume designer, Lisa Duncan, to discuss how her detailed research and careful choices supported the development of Halina’s character. Bright, stylish outfits in pre-war scenes give way to more somber tones as wartime life darkened. There were 46 costume changes in all for Halina – each one offering insight…
Beverly Hills Reads!
Thank you, Beverly Hills, CA, for inviting me to share some WWTLO love with the community and engage with the students of Beverly Hills High the next day. I love the statement by the city’s mayor: “Reading has the power to inspire, educate and unite us all.” Beverly Hills Courier article here.
Get Lit With Lianna
Another fun conversation, this one with Lianna Cohen on her author-themed podcast, Get Lit With Lianna. Answering questions about everything from my research to the screen adaptation to the casting (which Lianna calls “phenomenal”), I had a chance to share some of the behind-the-scenes moments that deeply influenced me. Full interview here.
“an intimate portrait of a family”
The Television Academy’s Emmy Magazine wrote a thoughtful summary of our series, and included some wonderful stills by our set photographer Vlad Cioplea. The article details the approach we adopted for the adaptation: to tell the story through the eyes (and hearts) of one family. “The series is sweeping as it follows the various Kurcs…
“In Her Words”
Erica and I were honored to share this interview on the Women in Entertainment series “In Her Words,” discussing our adaptation choices in detail. The focus on character, on family, led Erica to recall meeting 28 (“hilarious” in her words) Kurc family members in person for an early screening in DC. Full video interview here.
The Latest with Maya
This video chat on The Latest With Maya was a real honor and a pleasure. Maya, who broadcasts from a studio created by Ryan Seacrest at the Children’s Hospital Colorado to provide opportunities for young patients, survived a childhood brain tumor and now hosts her own show. She is a charmer and asked the best…
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