Justyna's Narrative

by Gusta Davidson Draenger

Written during World War II, Justyna's Narrative is a compelling account of the Krakow Jewish resistance. From February through April 1943, Gusta Davidson Draenger (aka "Justyna"?) composed the narrative on scraps of paper smuggled into her prison cell. Between sessions of torture and interrogation at the hands of the Gestapo, she recorded the activities and spiritual aspirations of the clandestine group of young Jewish idealists who forged documents, acquired weapons, and committed acts of defiance against the Nazis.

Genres: Holocaust, War

168 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1996

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the lesser-known stories of the Holocaust. The memoir of a Polish-Jewish resistance fighter, Gusta Dranger, written while she was in prison. Gusta's life was tragically cut short not long afterwards. Despite its brief length (it was actually unfinished), you can tell Dranger was already a talented writer. Her devotion and loyalty to her cause are obvious. Most members of her resistance cell did not survive, and this book is certainly a testament to their bravery.