Synopses & Reviews
Based on the true story of her mother, Mona Golabek describes the inspirational story of Lisa Jura Golabek's escape from Nazi-controlled Austria to England on the famed Kindertransport. Jewish musical prodigy Lisa Jura has a wonderful life in Vienna. But when the Nazis start closing in on the city, life changes irreversibly. Although he has three daughters, Lisa's father is only able to secure one berth on the Kindertransport. The family decides to send Lisa to London so that she may pursue her dreams of a career as a concert pianist. Separated from her beloved family, Lisa bravely endures the trip and a disastrous posting outside London before finding her way to the Willesden Lane Orphanage.It is in this orphanage that Lisa's story truly comes to life. Her music inspires the other orphanage children, and they, in turn, cheer her on in her efforts to make good on her promise to her family to realize her musical potential. Through hard work and sheer pluck, Lisa wins a scholarship to study piano at the Royal Academy. As she supports herself and studies, she makes a new life for herself and dreams of reconnecting with the family she was forced to leave behind. The resulting tale delivers a message of the power of music to uplift the human spirit and to grant the individual soul endurance, patience, and peace.
Review
"A deeply moving and heartfult tale... brings tears to the reader's eyes...a testament to maternal love." Washington Post Book World
Review
"A poignant and heart-wrenching true story that captures the power of one person's dedication to music and immense love for the human." Zubin Mehta
Review
"A beautiful book...an inspiring tribute to the power of a mother's love." Meryl Streep
Review
"A tale of one young woman's courage...hopeful, personal, and true." >Los Angeles Times
Synopsis
An important and inspiring true story of survival during World War II Mona Golabek tells the tale of her mother Lisa Jura Golabek's escape from Nazi-controlled Austria to England on the infamous Kindertransport.
Jewish musical prodigy Lisa Jura has a wonderful life in Vienna. But when the Nazis start closing in on the city, life changes irreversibly. Although he has three daughters, Lisa's father is able to secure only one berth on the Kindertransport. The family decides to send Lisa to London so that she may pursue her dreams of a career as a concert pianist. Separated from her beloved family, Lisa bravely endures the trip and a disastrous posting outside London before finding her way to the Willesden Lane Orphanage.
Her music inspires the other orphanage children, and they, in turn, cheer her on in her efforts to make good on her promise to her family to realize her musical potential. Through hard work and sheer pluck, Lisa wins a scholarship to study piano at the Royal Academy. As she supports herself and studies, she makes a new life for herself and dreams of reconnecting with the family she was forced to leave behind. The resulting tale delivers a message of the power of music to uplift the human spirit and to grant the individual soul endurance, patience, and peace.
*Includes a reading group guide*
About the Author
Mona Golabek is an internationally acclaimed concert pianist, the host of the popular syndicated classical music radio show, "The Romantic Hours," and Grammy-nominated recording artist. With her sister, Rene Golabek Kaye, she has performed at the Hollywood Bowl, Kennedy Center, and London's Festival Hall. Ms. Golabek lives in Los Angeles.
Lee Cohen is a journalist, screenwriter, and poet. He lives in Los Angeles.