The Woven Ones: A baby born in the ashes of atrocity untangles a web of secrets to find the soldier who saved her life

by Julie Z. Rosenberg

The Woven Ones is a powerful, true story that chronicles the lives of a woman, her daughter, and the American soldier who changed both their destinies through a serendipitous moment in the crucible of World War II. Based on firsthand accounts and meticulous research, this remarkable narrative weaves together history, survival, and the search for the truth.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2025

Reviews

[Jess Kimmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

My colleague’s mother was one of the few babies born in a concentration camp that survived. We receive the story of his grandmother, the Jewish prisoner that hid her pregnancy. His mother, the baby, that survived through unimaginable circumstances. The medic that saved the baby’s life. And Tom, the son of the baby; my colleague.

Such an honor to read this. To have a glimpse at this story, the history, the bravery, the beauty in strength.

Thank you so much to Julie Z. Rosenberg for dedicating so much of your time into bringing this story to all of us.

[Keturah Lamb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met the author recently, who is a friend of my MIL, and when she told me of the premise of her book I was immediately intrigued. It is an easy read although it is neither a pure work of nonfiction nor a novel. I would peg it as a fictionalized historical narrative with modern political commentary for middle-graders. I loved how the author showed the power in saving a single life, and how those who were saved were able to give back so much to the world through their own children who might not have been born, and through personal contributions to society.

My only complaint is it left me with many unanswered questions, the largest of which is: how did the baby survive even though her mother's milk was all dried up?
I also would've liked to see the central point of the book explored a little deeper. It's an often overlooked fact that abortions historically have been forced upon women by the men who victimized them or by those who wanted to eradicate entire bloodlines. Modern politics would like us to think this is a women's right, but history is proof that it's just another way women have been oppressed. This is why it was such a miracle any babies survived the WWII concentration camps.

[Olivia Lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This narrative non-fiction book was a wonderful read and left me longing to know more in the best possible way. I learned so much about an unknown-to-me part of WWII and its aftermath. The family story was compelling and the re-connections were surprising and heartwarming. My curiosity was sparked and I just want to learn more and more! I am grateful for this lovingly curated glimpse into Tom’s family.

I loved Julie’s writing style. If only every family had such a talented person to record their stories. Again, I am so thankful this work of art exists.