But Where is Tanya? Courage and Loss in the Vilna Ghetto

by Zina Gurland, Maryann McLoughlin (Editor), Odeda Rosenthal (Translator)

Zina Serewitch Gurland was born in Vilna, Lithuania (then part of Poland). Her mother, Zipporah, was a prosperous businesswoman; Zipporah, her son, Sol, but especially the two sisters-Ethel and Zina-were well-known in Vilna. When the Nazis occupied Vilna in June of 1941, Zine and Ethel were both caring for small children; Ethel had an infant son and Zina, a toddler. For the next three years, Ethel and Zina worked desperately to save themselves and their children. For part of this time, they survived in the Vilna Ghetto until it was liquidated; then they worked in a labor battalion for HKP, an army vehicle factory. Surviving a round-up of Jews who were taken to Ponar (Paneriai) and murdered, Zina and Ethel were hidden by their Christian friend Julia in her house until they were finally liberated in July of 1944. After the war, even in Israel, Zina searched for her daughter, Tanya, who was taken from her by the Nazsis on March 27 1944.
Zina immigrated to the United States, making a new life for herself in the Atlantic City area, where Zine, her husband, Jakob, and, eventually, another daughter prospered. In 1991, Zina wrote this book, which was reprinted in 2003. Zina spent her last years painting colorful pictures and visiting with friends and family. She was especially proud of her granddaughter, Jennifer, who wrote the Preface for this edition.
But Where is Tanya? Courage and Loss in the Vilna Ghetto is an inspiring book about the Shoah and its devastating effects but also about perseverance after great loss. Readers will be moved by this powerful memoir-now in its third edition.

185 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991