*Memories of Survival by Esther Nisenthal Krinitz and Bernice Steinhardt

A Jewish woman who lived through World War II in Poland and had to hide in order to survive tells her story through fabric and thread.

*Memories of Survival by Esther Nisenthal Krinitz and Bernice Steinhardt, Art and Remembrance; 2nd edition, 2010. 64 pages.

• Reading Level: Picture books, ages 8-12
• Recommended For: Ages 8-12

These are the memories of a woman who remembered her childhood in Poland before World War II, before the coming of the Nazis and the hardships and heartaches her family suffered as a result.

Most of her family and friends did not survive, but Esther and her sister did, and as an adult Esther was eager to share her story. Visually and with concise language she shows the family and cultural traditions she loved as a child, the invasion that interrupted them, the journey and flight and hiding that were necessary to live until the Allies arrived.

Although her English was limited and she had no artistic training, she used what she had: her own words and her masterful skill with fabric and embroidery. The illustrations are photographs of her detailed fabric collage and embroidery, with the description of the events in each scene embroidered at the bottom. Her daughter, Bernice, elaborates from the stories she heard from her mother.

Esther has a fascinating way of showing multiple events in certain panels. The scenes do not shy away from the horrors of her experience, but the fabric medium softens the impact. A unique and unforgettable contribution to the genre of World War II memoirs.

Considerations:

• This is not a typical subject matter for the art form, but some images of cruelty that may be disturbing are softened by the fabric and embroidery.

Overall Rating:

• Literary/Artistic Rating: 4.5
• Worldview Rating: 4

Read more about our ratings here.

Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader

• Book Review: Alias Anna is another story of sisters who hid in plain sight and survived through their gift of music.
• Book Review: Gertie: The Darling Duck of World War II is a picture book for younger children that took place during the same era
• Book Review: A devout Catholic French composer finds hope in birdsong and the book of Revelation while in a concentration camp, and composes a beautiful piece of music. Music for the End of Time.

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