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PROBEDRUCK: What Silence Left Behind
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September 21, 2026
What Silence Left Behind by Viviane A. Grabik is a brilliantly written piece of historical fiction. The novel tells the story of the author’s grandfather, his family and what happened to them during World War II.
Prior to the war the Edelmans were a prosperous Jewish family living in the Polish city of Lodz. Benjamin was a well irespected textile merchant who operated from a place of integrity and humility. His wife, Perla, created a home filled with music, flowers, delicious food, grace and manners. It was a peaceful home where Benjamin, Perla and their children, sons Julek and Joziek, and daughter, Halina, thrived.
While the Edelmans had certainly experienced an element of antisemitism nothing could possibly prepare them for what was to come. Soon after Poland fell Benjamin’s business was is taken from him. Joziak has already gone to Switzerland to study medicine. Benjamin made the agonizing decision to send Julek to the east in hopes that he can safely go into hiding. Benjamin, Perla, and Halina left everything behind and traveled to Warsaw. They hoped the large Jewish community there could offer a measure of protection. What they found were deplorable living conditions, hunger, cruelty and fear.
In time they are moved into the Jewish ghetto and ultimately onto a train bound for Treblinka. Though I knew what would happen to the Edelmans at Treblinka I found myself desperately hoping for a different ending. By this point I truly loved this family.
This is a brilliant debut novel. Viviane Grabik brings humanity to one of the most inhumane times in human history. The characters are so richly described. Their struggle to maintain hope while living under a brutal regime greatly moved me. Benjamin, Perla, Julek, Joziek and Halina will stay with me always.
I highly recommend What Silence Left Behind by Biviane A. Grabik.
Prior to the war the Edelmans were a prosperous Jewish family living in the Polish city of Lodz. Benjamin was a well irespected textile merchant who operated from a place of integrity and humility. His wife, Perla, created a home filled with music, flowers, delicious food, grace and manners. It was a peaceful home where Benjamin, Perla and their children, sons Julek and Joziek, and daughter, Halina, thrived.
While the Edelmans had certainly experienced an element of antisemitism nothing could possibly prepare them for what was to come. Soon after Poland fell Benjamin’s business was is taken from him. Joziak has already gone to Switzerland to study medicine. Benjamin made the agonizing decision to send Julek to the east in hopes that he can safely go into hiding. Benjamin, Perla, and Halina left everything behind and traveled to Warsaw. They hoped the large Jewish community there could offer a measure of protection. What they found were deplorable living conditions, hunger, cruelty and fear.
In time they are moved into the Jewish ghetto and ultimately onto a train bound for Treblinka. Though I knew what would happen to the Edelmans at Treblinka I found myself desperately hoping for a different ending. By this point I truly loved this family.
This is a brilliant debut novel. Viviane Grabik brings humanity to one of the most inhumane times in human history. The characters are so richly described. Their struggle to maintain hope while living under a brutal regime greatly moved me. Benjamin, Perla, Julek, Joziek and Halina will stay with me always.
I highly recommend What Silence Left Behind by Biviane A. Grabik.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review