For some warped reason that I don’t understand, I am attracted to Holocaust literature. I don’t know why anyone would be possessed to read about such tragic conditions but I am. So when I saw the book, The Boy on the Wooden Box: How the Impossible Became Possible . . . on Schindler’s List
The story is about Leon Leyson. He was the youngest person Oskar Schindler helped to save. At the time he was taken from the Poland ghetto, Leon was only 13.
This book is classified as juvenile fiction but is very good and I can say adults would find the book interesting as well.
Here’s what Amazon had to say, “Leon Leyson (born Leib Lezjon) was only ten years old when the Nazis invaded Poland and his family was forced to relocate to the Krakow ghetto. With incredible luck, perseverance, and grit, Leyson was able to survive the sadism of the Nazis, including that of the demonic Amon Goeth, commandant of Plaszow, the concentration camp outside Krakow. Ultimately, it was the generosity and cunning of one man, a man named Oskar Schindler, who saved Leon Leyson’s life, and the lives of his mother, his father, and two of his four siblings, by adding their names to his list of workers in his factory—a list that became world renowned: Schindler’s List.
This, the only memoir published by a former Schindler’s List child, perfectly captures the innocence of a small boy who goes through the unthinkable. Most notable is the lack of rancor, the lack of venom, and the abundance of dignity in Mr. Leyson’s telling. The Boy on the Wooden Box is a legacy of hope, a memoir unlike anything you’ve ever read.”
I was so intrigued by the book that I decided to read a little more. Here’s one article. I do know that I am going to see if Schindler’s List is available on Netflix. It might be time for me to watch that again.
The book was very interesting. I recommend it to anyone who also is compelled to read Holocaust literature. I have to say that of all the books I have read on the topic, this one is much less graphic.
Amazon gives the book 5 stars and I definitely agree.
Thanks Jo for the share just got it.
I grew up in a neighborhood in St. Paul where you were either Catholic or Jewish.So as a child, I saw numbers on the arms some of my friends Grandparents. It was never talked about. I was embarrassed because my Grandparents were from Germany. As an adult I have come to learn much about the Holocaust. I am always deeply moved by the stories that have been able to be told.
When I was in the Atlanta Underground several years ago, the traveling Holocaust Museum was on exhibit, I made it about 20 feet in and broke down in tears, sobs really. I then began to understand in my limited way, what those people went through. It was amazing that anybody survived.
Anyway, thanks again and I will be listening to tomorrow
I like this kind of lit too, sort of depressing, but then again so much to learn about the human spirit too!
I am always drawn to these books, too & I was just thinking about that yesterday & wondering what that says about me. My book club just finished reading the Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom that I recommended. If you haven’t read this, yet it is a very inspirational book to read despite being about the Holocaust. I also just read the novel The Soldier’s Wife which was really good. I was going to suggest The Boy on the Wooden Box to my book club, but thought they might want t break from Holocaust books, but I will read it. Thanks for the recommendation. If you figure out what this says about us, let me know.
Jo you wouldm probably like the book The Plum Tree
I just finished The Plum Tree. Its excellent.
I am the exact same way! I am a Youth Librarian and I am constantly coming across new titles about the Holocaust. I could sit there all day reading about it. I agree with you, it does sound a little morbid, but it is just so interesting. I am a lover of everything history anyway. Thanks for the book review! I will have to check this one out.
Book suggestions WWII related:
Once, Then & Now, by Morris Gleitzman (3 separate books) YA Fiction
Code Name Verity & Rose Under Fire, by Elizabeth Wein (2 separate books) YA Fiction