“Alicia” by Alicia Appleman-Jurman

Alicia

by Alicia Appleman-Jurman

Synopsis: 

WINNER OF THE 1989 CHRISTOPHER AWARD
Here is a thrilling, uplifting story of true-life heroism unequaled since the publication of Anne Frank's diary—a story that the young must hear and their elders must remember. Take Alicia's hand—and follow.
Her name is Alicia. She was thirteen when she began saving the lives of people she did not know—while fleeing the Nazis through war-ravaged Poland.
Her family cruelly wrenched from her, Alicia rescued other Jews from the Gestapo, led them to safe hideouts, and lent them her courage and hope. Even the sight of her mother's brutal murder could not quash this remarkable child's faith in human goodness—or her determination to prevail against overwhelming odds.
After the war, Alicia continued to risk her life, leading Polish Jews on an underground route to freedom in Palestine. She swore on her brother's grave that if she survived, she would speak for her silenced family. This book is the eloquent fulfillment of that oath.

My Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ &  ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

5 stars & 5/10 hearts. This is my favourite Holocaust biography. It is well-written and very clear, and shows Alicia very well. Honestly, the tragedies she lived through hurt me extra because I have a dear friend called Alicia & I kept thinking of her when I read Alicia’s name. This book is honest & open, but it didn’t creep me out (except when they tore her earlobe... but little things like that horrify me way more than torture). It was a side of the Holocaust that I hadn’t heard of before—simply hiding. You were sort of prepared for the horrors because she started off by telling you everyone who died. And after that, you admired Alicia so much, you only focused on her. There were so many great characters. And it was so real, I could see everything. I was so grateful when 1944 rolled around because I knew it was nearly over. Obviously not a book for children and probably not for sensitive readers, but it isn’t as shocking as say, The Hiding Place, since it was more survival than being mistreated. There was some swearing, mentions of kissing, two or three mentions that Alicia’s body was changing, a scene where she sleeps close to a guy & ties their feet together & he gets mad, mentions of rape; and a speech about God not being able to stop the Holocaust & humans having to prove to Him that there were still good people. Other than that, it was excellent. Really, an amazing biography.

A Favourite Quote: “But we, the orphans in Biala, sat in silence while the world celebrated. We were thinking of our murdered families, and we wept. For us the end of the war had come too late.”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “My brother’s voice would reach into the depth of my soul and carry me off into the beauty of its words and melody.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “The Russian-language teacher was always quoting things that Stalin had said. He, the teacher said, was the father of all children, and he commanded us to learn, and learn, and learn. I did not believe such stories. I had a father at home; besides, I did not like this man hanging in the place of the Madonna.”

Purchase this book: 

Canada | America