Memories of Survival Esther Nisenthal Krinitz and Bernice Steinhardt

Krinitz, Esther Nisenthal and Bernice Steinhardt. (2005). Memories of Survival. Illustrated by Esther Nisenthal Krinitz. Hyperion, New York.

Reader’s Annotation: Memories of Survival is Esther Nisentha Krinitz’s memoir of her daring survival during World War II in Poland, which she tells through her own amazing artwork made of embroidery and fabric collage.

Evaluation: When the Jews of Esther’s Polish village are forced to leave for a concentration camp, she decides not to follow orders, and it turn runs away with her sister, Mania. Memories of Survival is the true story of Esther Nisenthal Krinitz whose life and happiness was turned upside down by the arrival of the Nazis in Poland in 1938. Each page of this moving memoir features a large and colorful illustration that Krinitz embroidered and sewed herself in order to tell her story. Krinitz also wrote captions to go with each of her illustrations. Her daughter also contributes to these pages by adding additional details about Esther’s life or facts about Poland, Jews or World War II.

Memories of Survival is a heartbreaking, yet uplifting, story about a young woman who survived in the midst of turmoil and death. Her beautiful and meaningful artwork is a testament to her unwavering spirit and her book is a must-read for any reader interested in learning more about World War II and its debilitating effects on Jewish people.

Interesting links: Art and Remembrance Foundation at: http://artandremembrance.org
was created by Krinitz’s two daughters who also helped write and publish this book.
Media: Needlework, including embroidery and fabric collage.
Curricular connection: Middle school History: This book would be a great addition to a middle school lesson or unit of study on the Holocaust or World War II.