I was fifteen years old when I learned that I came from a family of Holocaust survivors. The discovery sparked a dizzying array of questions, the most unsettling of which: Why was I just learning this now? I tried to imagine my quirky, ebullient relatives on the set of Schindler’s List, but I couldn’t. Where were the horror stories? The Polish accents? The yarmulkes and Seder dinners? In search of answers, I began digging, little by little unearthing a family history unlike any I’d ever heard before.
My family, by all accounts, shouldn’t have survived the Holocaust. The odds were against them. But they did survive, and their stories are too remarkable to be left untold. I won’t divulge them here, but I will share with you what prompted me to write them down, and what, exactly, piecing together a chapter of my family history that spans seven years and five continents entails.
Researching The Lucky Ones* has been a heck of a road trip, replete with unexpected detours, prolonged pit stops, and slow, uphill slogs. I’ve listened. I’ve cringed. I’ve laughed. I’ve cried. I’ve racked up enough Delta skymiles to earn platinum medallion status, and I’ve seriously contemplated adding Detective before Writer on my business card. But as daunting as this project has seemed at times, I’m reminded often that my journey is a cakewalk compared to the one I’m researching—and that alone keeps me trucking.
*The Lucky Ones is a working title.
Read about the family reunion that kickstarted this project in the blog post below:
Thirty-Two Relatives Under One Roof: a Raucous-Turned-Revelational Family Reunion
So psyched for this! I didn’t see it on amazon? Where do we buy?
Very compelling. How do I get a (signed?!) copy?
Very cool, Ga. Looking forward to reading the first post.
You have my attention…I can’t wait to read more. Sherri
Wow Georgia! I have heard you talk about this in passing, but had no idea the extent until I read the blog. Fascinating! Can’t wait to read more!
Georgia, I am fascinated and cannot wait to read! My family history is somewhat similar and I feel a great connection to this project. Much luck!
Somer
awesome!
love your blog name — need to rename my blog ‘CarterlikethePresident.com’ or ‘TroutliketheFish.com’
Very exciting Georgia!
Wow, Georgia, how fascinating! Just read your first blog post and I just wanted it to keep going. Congrats on coming this far– I can’t wait to read more!! xxoo
Jaymee
Georgia – excellent! What a journey for you, can’t wait to dive in and read along…so proud of you.
Georgia
Topic is most interesting – have someone I would like to introduce you to, book publisher who spent some time in Shanghai concentration camp as a child. Are you coming to OKC? Deb Stevenson
GA, I am so thrilled for you and find even this first entry so intriguing, inspiring and emotional. I cannot imagine how incredible this journey has been and I cannot wait to read the book. I am so proud of you and love your writing! xo Kristen
Georgia, I see my family’s life in your writings. Please keep going and congrats for such strength. Publish more pics, they are awesome. Beijos, Paulo
Well done Georgia! I’m ready to buy.
Love it GA, keep it up!
Georgia! Wow – I am so excited for you and can’t wait to read the book. I know this has been a long time in the making and I have no doubt it is going to be a tremendous success! XO – Annie
Incredible G, so amazed at the process, the adventure and the actual story – you’ve worked SO hard on this and I can’t wait to get a signed copy
) Mazal tov!
I am so proud of you G!! Looking forward to your next post….and I cannot wait to dive into the book!! Rad blog name too…high five!!!! Love – C
G, it’s so much fun to see your vision and endless hours of research and writing come to life! Congratulations on launching the blog…can’t wait to read more!!! Sending hugs from the Kerneys! xoxo
Hey Georgia, congratulations on your new website. Hope to see you again… maybe next year’s WIWA conference? Keep up the great writing.
Amazing, Georgia. Can’t wait for my book club to read your future novel. This already has been and will continue to be an incredible journey for you. I know your relatives are smiling down on you from heaven, and I’m sure they are so proud of your commitment to share their story with the world. Kudos!
Amazing!!! Love your blog! Can’t wait for the next post. XO
Dear Georgia, thank you.
It is interesting that from all the grand-children you are the one who decided to do this amazing work of memory. I am obviously dying to read the book. I am extremelly touched by your words.
Shelley
Wonderful tribute to your family, many years of research!! I invite you to view:
Deportation and death in Russia;
http://kresy-siberia.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=55459
Can’t wait to read it!
Speaking of luck, thank goodness there’s a great writer in the family who’s done all the research and has the skill tell this amazing story!
Wow G! Great story telling- can’t wait to read more! Love the title too…
Steve
Very interesting and important topic– Thanks for sharing.
G!!! When do I get to start reading!!?? I am so very interested! Love your blog
….. and love you!