Adieu: A Memoir of Holocaust Survival

by Alfred J. Lakritz

Alfred J. Lakritz’s inspiring and moving memoir chronicling his painful separation from his parents, who relied on the kindness of strangers to save Alfred and his brother Herbert from the Nazis.

or years, the boys were hidden in occupied France in homes, secluded farms, and even in Lourdes to avoid the enemy and their ever-present collaborators. Simche, their Orthodox Jewish father who secretly worked for the French Resistance, was arrested and deported to Nazi internment and death camps, where he was murdered after six months of hard labor. His devoted wife, Marjem, waited in vain for his return; her only clue was a postcard imploring his family to have courage and bidding them “adieu.” Years later, the brothers were miraculously reunited with their mother, and they could finally emigrate to the United States to start a new life. Despite the tragedies he endured, Alfred never gave up hope. His life in America became the epitome of the American Dream.

A World War II survivor in his late eighties, Alfred recounts his extraordinary childhood to remind the world of the Holocaust in Adieu.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

246 pages, Paperback

Published February 6, 2024

About the author

Alfred J. Lakritz was a member of the State Bar of California for 49 years. As a general practice attorney, he served pro bono as a mediator and arbitrator on complex legal matters in Los Angeles Superior Courts. Born in Kiel, Germany, he survived the Holocaust and immigrated with his brother and mother to the United States and settled in California, where he quickly learned English and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley, as well as Berkeley Law, one of the nation’s premier law schools. Alfred married his college sweetheart, Judy, and is the proud father of two children and the grandfather of four. They live in Calabasas, California. Adieu: A Memoir of Holocaust Survival is his first book.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful haunting memoir is the story of Alfred Lakritz, a man whose childhood and life forever changed because of the Holocaust. The story is chilling and at times so wonderfully touched with kindness. I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir. Mr. Lakritz tells his life story and made me I was listening to one of my own ancestors.
Reading and learning the life stories of the Holocaust survivors is important to me. We must never forget.

I received Adieu: A Memoir of Holocaust Survival in a gracious giveaway on Goodreads. I would like to thank both the author and Bradley for sharing this book in the giveaway.

I highly suggest reading this memoir, it is unforgettable.

[Mark Ezrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an incredible, heartfelt autobiography. Very genuine. Not the most eloquent and that added an poignant tone. His honesty feels very real.