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Restitution: A Family's Fight for Their Heritage Lost in the Holocaust
Europe, on the eve of the Second World War, and a Jewish family feels the Nazi danger closing in….
Led by their indomitable mother, Marie, the Reesers make a daring escape from under the watchful eyes of the Gestapo, fleeing their comfortable home in Czechoslovakia to safety and a new life in Canada. Their lives are saved, but all else is lost, including four beautiful and valuable paintings that Marie loved.
In all the years that follow, she never gives up hope that the paintings will be found and returned - symbols of their vanished world. The search to reclaim these pieces of their lost legacy spans more than 50 years of war and political upheaval. Marie and her son, Karl, would face Nazis and Communists, prejudice and corruption, before enlisting the help of two unlikely saviors - a brave Canadian diplomat and an honest smuggler - in the struggle for their return. The true story of four paintings and one family’s enduring spirit.
Led by their indomitable mother, Marie, the Reesers make a daring escape from under the watchful eyes of the Gestapo, fleeing their comfortable home in Czechoslovakia to safety and a new life in Canada. Their lives are saved, but all else is lost, including four beautiful and valuable paintings that Marie loved.
In all the years that follow, she never gives up hope that the paintings will be found and returned - symbols of their vanished world. The search to reclaim these pieces of their lost legacy spans more than 50 years of war and political upheaval. Marie and her son, Karl, would face Nazis and Communists, prejudice and corruption, before enlisting the help of two unlikely saviors - a brave Canadian diplomat and an honest smuggler - in the struggle for their return. The true story of four paintings and one family’s enduring spirit.
- GenresNonfiction
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First published April 1, 2010
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About the author
Kathy Kacer
46 books55 followersKathy Kacer was born in Toronto and has lived there all her life (with the exception of three years in New Brunswick). She has a Master’s degree in Psychology and worked for many years with troubled teens and their families. She stopped working full time in 1995 to pursue her dream of becoming a children’s author. That dream came true with the publication of her first book, The Secret of Gabi’s Dresser, in 1999. She has been writing ever since.
Her parents were both survivors of the Holocaust. Her mother survived the war in hiding; her father was a survivor of the concentration camps. Their stories of survival were an inspiration to Kathy as she was growing up. As an adult, she was determined to write their stories and pass them on to young readers. She went on to write more than twenty books, all focused on the Holocaust. These books include The Night Spies, The Diary of Laura’s Twin, To Hope and Back, Hiding Edith, the Whispers series, and The Magician of Auschwitz. Many of her books have won awards in Canada, the United States, and Israel. Her books have been sold in over twenty countries around the world.
In addition to writing, Kathy teaches at the University of Toronto (Continuing Studies). She also speaks to children in schools and libraries around the world about the importance of understanding the Holocaust and keeping its memory alive. In addition, she lectures in universities and colleges on the topic of teaching sensitive material to young children.
She is married and has two children, Gabi and Jake. Both children share her family’s love of stories.
Her parents were both survivors of the Holocaust. Her mother survived the war in hiding; her father was a survivor of the concentration camps. Their stories of survival were an inspiration to Kathy as she was growing up. As an adult, she was determined to write their stories and pass them on to young readers. She went on to write more than twenty books, all focused on the Holocaust. These books include The Night Spies, The Diary of Laura’s Twin, To Hope and Back, Hiding Edith, the Whispers series, and The Magician of Auschwitz. Many of her books have won awards in Canada, the United States, and Israel. Her books have been sold in over twenty countries around the world.
In addition to writing, Kathy teaches at the University of Toronto (Continuing Studies). She also speaks to children in schools and libraries around the world about the importance of understanding the Holocaust and keeping its memory alive. In addition, she lectures in universities and colleges on the topic of teaching sensitive material to young children.
She is married and has two children, Gabi and Jake. Both children share her family’s love of stories.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 2, 2010
This was a refreshing story of WWII without the horror factor. There are a lot of excellent books about the holocaust, but sometimes you need something that is a little happier. While the Reisers didn't have it easy, they did all make it out alive. It was an interesting book, though I didn't care much for the chapters about the man they hired to return their paintings. Full review at One Librarian's Book Reviews.
August 3, 2010
Restitution is the true story of one families' struggle to escape Czechoslovakia right after Hitler's invasion. Marie Reeser, the matriarch of the family enlists the aid of her husband, Victor's non-Jewish business associate, Alois Jirak to help her hideaway the families' valuables to claim back later. He is also given power of attorney. A big part of the belongings were four paintings which, she adored. She then arranges for her two children, Karl and Hana and herself to meet up with her husband, Victor in France. From there, they escaped to Toronto, Ontario Canada.
Soon after the war ends, Marie and Victor return to.. Read my full review here
Soon after the war ends, Marie and Victor return to.. Read my full review here
August 16, 2014
This is technically fiction, though it is one of those fiction books that blends history and fiction. It is more true than historical fiction but less true than fact.
I should point out that I usually don't like books like that, and if I had know that prior to reading this book, I most likely would not have read it.
It's not a bad book. It's an interesting and current look at an issue that still surronds the Holocaust. I admire Marie Reeser, and in many ways wish the book had more about her.
However, the type of book it is restricts it. It would've benefited from more interviews. It would have benefited from more tension or even a more even handed apporach to the question it raises. It isn't a bad book. I'm glad I read it, but in a way it is unfilling.
I should point out that I usually don't like books like that, and if I had know that prior to reading this book, I most likely would not have read it.
It's not a bad book. It's an interesting and current look at an issue that still surronds the Holocaust. I admire Marie Reeser, and in many ways wish the book had more about her.
However, the type of book it is restricts it. It would've benefited from more interviews. It would have benefited from more tension or even a more even handed apporach to the question it raises. It isn't a bad book. I'm glad I read it, but in a way it is unfilling.
October 28, 2010
Excellent read.Very infirmative and appealing.I new take on an old theme!Nice updated connection.Would highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews