When Carol Browne volunteered
to write the life story of local woman, Krystyna Porsz, she was a very
reluctant biographer. Ms. Browne did it because no-one else could be found to
do it, so she thought, “If I don’t do it, no-one will.” And I for one,
am glad she did manage to put pen to paper and write Krystyna’s story!
There are many books out there that share
the horrific tales of Holocaust survivors and the aftermath of what these courageous
human beings had to go through during World War Two. Being Krystyna is one of those books. Carol
Browne only met Krystyna once but made a point of shaking her hand before she
left. Carol states openly, “I needed to physically touch someone who had
survived the Holocaust, who had lived a history I had only read about or seen
on black and white newsreels.”
So
what’s my take on this true story of a strong woman whose voice needed to be
heard despite being seriously hampered by dementia? This is what I posted on Amazon
and Goodreads…
A 4 Star Tribute to a True Survivor…
Bravo
to Carol Browne for writing a poignant, well-told story of a survivor of the
Holocaust during World War Two. Browne captures the voice and tone of the aging
Krystyna, and brings her story to life. A well-done tribute to a woman who went
through hell to ensure her survival and live a long, productive life.
Being Krystyna would do well on the laptops of today’s students to allow
them a peek into Krystyna’s world, and what it was like to walk in her shoes.
This biography is a true triumph of the human spirit, and I was humbled to read
Krystyna’s courageous story.
About the Book:
In 2012 when young
Polish immigrant Agnieszka visits fellow countrywoman Krystyna in a
Peterborough care home for the first time, she thinks it a simple act of
kindness. However, the meeting proves to be the beginning of a life-changing
experience.
Krystyna’s stories
about the past are not memories of the good old days but recollections of
war-ravaged Europe: The Warsaw Ghetto, Pawiak Prison, Ravensbrück Concentration Camp, and a death march to freedom.
The losses and ordeals
Krystyna suffered and what she had to do to survive are horrors Agnieszka must
confront when she volunteers to be Krystyna’s biographer.
Will Agnieszka be able
to keep her promise to tell the story, and, in this harrowing memoir of
survival, what is the message for us today?
Purchase Links:
Carol Browne regards Crewe, Cheshire, as
her home town and graduated from Nottingham University in 1976 with an honors
degree in English Language and Literature. Carol writes speculative fiction,
non-fiction, and poetry. She is also a ghost blog writer, proofreader, copy
editor, and copywriter.
Along with a passion for gardening, Carol is an avid
animal lover. Carol lives in the Cambridgeshire countryside with her dog,
Harry, and cockatiel, Sparky. Pagan and vegan, Carol believes it is time for a
paradigm shift in our attitude to Mother Nature and hopes the days of
speciesism are numbered.
Connect with Carol on her website and blog, Facebook, and Twitter.
Thank you so much for this brilliant review, Sharon, and for having me on your blog today :)
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome, Carol! Such a great book. This needs to be shared with students! Wishing you abundant book sales! Cheers!
DeleteThank you, my friend. You are such a supportive fellow author and it is much appreciated. :)
DeleteExcellent review, Sharon. I agree completely with you. Carol Browne did an amazing job portraying the reality of the Holocaust.
ReplyDeleteShe sure did, Sloane! Thanks for swinging by to comment! Cheers!
DeleteThank you, Sloane.:)
ReplyDeleteWonderful review of a wonderful book!
ReplyDeleteThat's very kind of you, thanks, Chris :)
DeleteThanks, Lisa. I hope you enjoy my book when you get round to it. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful book. I was thinking it would be top pick to go into the classrooms too
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you, Clarissa! Cheers for stopping by!
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