This work of historical fiction, based on the author’s own family history, weaves together two plotlines: one set in the year 2018 and the other set in postwar Vienna. What distinguishes this book from many other Holocaust-related novels is that it shines a light on the refugees who survived the camps and their suffering as refugees in Europe.
Zoey was raised by her grandfather Aron Rosenzweig, a survivor originally from Vilna. When Aron passes away, Zoey finds documents concerning his emigration from Vienna to America — including a photo of Henry Martin, whom she doesn’t recognize. This ignites Zoey’s interest in her family’s wartime past, and she seeks to connect with Henry. Coincidentally, his name is in the news, as he’s about to receive a lifetime award for his professional success: Henry owned a famed baked goods company with his late wife. Zoey is a food writer and convinces her boss to let her fly to attend the award ceremony in exchange for an exclusive interview with the elusive notable man. How is Henry Martin related to Zoey’s beloved grandfather Aron? Martin agrees to meet Zoey, and the mystery of her family’s past slowly begins to unfold.
Cut back to 1946 Vienna, when war refugees faced the difficulty of finding homes and work while staying under the radar. Antisemitism is still rampant, and most Jews want to join their family members abroad. Aron’s sister, Chana, luckily finds work for herself and their mother Ruth in a hotel kitchen. Aron works with Meyer Suconick, a mysterious refugee who helps the Rosenzweigs whenever he can.
Soon Chana meets the baker Elias and he allows her to collaborate with him secretly after hours when the chef isn’t present. They need to procure basic ingredients for their creations with very tight budgets and must deal with unsavory characters. It is dangerous for Chana to be out in the streets filled with smugglers and antisemites, but she dresses as a man and isn’t afraid.
Chana finds much solace in tweaking Elias’ recipes and baking together with him late into the evenings. Ruth is fixated on finding a husband for Chana in the hopes of a better life for their family of three. She desperately tries to match up Chana with Meyer, but she already feels a hint of chemistry with Elias.
This book focuses on the many dangers in post war Europe, what people are willing to do in order to survive, a possible love triangle and the occasional kindnesses of strangers who make a positive difference in others lives at risk to themselves. There is a detailed author’s note explaining which parts of the story are actually true.
Miriam Bradman Abrahams, mom, grandmom, avid reader, sometime writer, born in Havana, raised in Brooklyn, residing in Long Beach on Long Island. Longtime former One Region One Book chair and JBC liaison for Nassau Hadassah, currently presenting Incident at San Miguel with author AJ Sidransky who wrote the historical fiction based on her Cuban Jewish refugee family’s experiences during the revolution. Fluent in Spanish and Hebrew, certified hatha yoga instructor.
