By Anne Berest.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"For almost forty years, I have tried to draw a shape that resembles me, but without success. Today, though, I can connect those disparate dots. I can see, in the constellation of fragments scattered over the page, a silhouette in which I recognise myself at last: I am the daughter, and the granddaughter, of survivors".
The postcard is a deeply moving exploration of family, identity, and history that masterfully intertwines personal narrative with a gripping historical investigation. It’s no surprise that it’s garnered significant attention, winning prestigious awards.
The story begins with a haunting real-life event: in 2003, an anonymous postcard arrived at Berest’s family home, with nothing on it but the names of her great-grandparents Ephraïm and Emma, and their children Noémie and Jacques—who all tragically died in Auschwitz in 1942.
This mysterious postcard becomes the spark that sets the author on a journey into her family’s past, driven by a desire to uncover who sent it and why. The book is far more than just a mystery to be solved. It’s an exploration of the Rabinovitch family’s incredible journey across 20th-century Europe, spanning Russia, Lithuania, Poland, Palestine, and finally, France.
Despite their efforts to assimilate and embrace French life, the family could never fully escape the shadows of anti-Semitism that followed them at every turn. The author dives deep into these complex themes, shedding light on the struggles of stateless Jews who, no matter how integrated they became, were always seen as “other.”
What makes this book so engaging is its structure. Divided into four parts, it skillfully combines history, mystery, and personal reflection. With the help of her mother, Lélia—who spent years meticulously gathering documents, letters, and testimonies—painstakingly reconstructs the lives of their ancestors. Their collaborative effort not only brings to life the Rabinovitch family’s story but also kept me hooked as they piece together the puzzle of the mysterious postcard.
Overall, this is a slow burn, but one that ultimately rewards patience. At over 460 pages, it’s a substantial read, and I’ll admit I wasn’t sure I’d make it through at first. However, once I got into the rhythm of the story, I found myself completely hooked.
If you’re searching for a different perspective from the many memoirs and accounts of Auschwitz that are currently out there, this book offers a refreshing alternative. It delves deeply into the emotional and historical complexities of its characters, providing a rich and nuanced view that stands apart from more conventional narratives. Sticking with it was well worth the effort.
Buy the book here.
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