Describes the lives of the novel's protagonists in the Lodz Ghetto at the beginning of World War II. Chava Rosenfarb, a survivor of the Lodz Ghetto, Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen, draws on her own history to create characters who struggle daily to retain a sense of humanity and dignity despite the physical and psychological effects of ghetto life.
Set in the Lodz Ghetto before World War II, the story follows ten protagonists grappling with the harsh realities of ghetto life. Drawing from her own experiences as a survivor, Chava Rosenfarb crafts realistic characters who strive to maintain their humanity and dignity amidst suffering. Despite the depiction of horrific events, the narrative highlights the resilience and enduring faith in the human spirit, offering a poignant exploration of survival and hope in the darkest of times.
Chava Rosenfarb, a distinguished Jewish-Canadian novelist, received multiple accolades for her contributions to Yiddish literature, including the prestigious Itzik Manger Prize. Her legacy is explored through the insights of Goldie Morgentaler, a professor of English at the University of Lethbridge, who examines Rosenfarb's impact on literature and culture. This work highlights the significance of Rosenfarb's narratives and the themes she addressed throughout her career.
The narrative explores the lives of characters from the Polish town of Bociany, depicting their journeys from childhood to old age. It captures their experiences as they transition from the traditional shtetl life to the modern city, highlighting themes of change, identity, and the impact of urbanization on their community. Through their personal stories, the book delves into the complexities of leaving behind familiar roots in search of new opportunities.
Drzewo życia”. Książka o wielokulturowej Łodzi wydana została po raz pierwszy w 1972 roku w języku jidysz, w 1985 roku ukazała się w przekładzie angielskim. Tom pierwszy powieści Rok 1939 opowiada o łódzkich Żydach w przededniu i w pierwszych miesiącach II wojny światowej, o ich życiu codziennym oraz o stosunkach międzyludzkich w ekstremalnych sytuacjach. Fikcyjni bohaterowie wzorowani są po części na postaciach autentycznych, a chronologia wydarzeń i topografia Łodzi opiera się na faktach. Pisarka uhonorowana została za nią prestiżową nagrodą im. Icyka Mangera przyznawaną literaturze żydowskiej. Teraz po raz pierwszy trafia do polskich czytelników.