Tutti's Promise

by K. Heidi Fishman

A promise kept is like the twinkling stars in the night sky . . . a constant reminder of something important that makes you who you are.

Can nine-year-old Tutti keep a promise—and a secret? Her family’s life may depend on it.

In the early 1930s, life for the Jews is on the brink of ruin: Hitler has come to power, and the golden memories of happy times are fading fast.

One young couple, Margret and Heinz Lichtenstern, decide to flee Germany with their parents and daughter, Tutti. They move to Amsterdam, where Heinz is able to continue his work . . . and where there seems to be hope for the future. Two years later, Tutti’s brother is born, and the family is prospering.

But then Germany invades the Netherlands. And in the pre-dawn hours of May 10, 1940, the Lichtensterns suddenly learn that they have not moved far enough.

This is the true story of what the Lichtensterns endured under the Nazis. Told by Tutti’s daughter, Heidi, and filled with historical documents and photos, it vividly recreates how one family conquered fear and heartbreak to survive. Theirs is a tale of both unimaginable devastation and lucky surprises—raids, sabotage, helpful friends and strangers, and a very special gift. ​

One family. One remarkable story. And in the end . . . a promise kept.

For ages 10 and up

Genres: Nonfiction, Holocaust, History, World War II

234 pages, Paperback

Published April 24, 2017

Reviews

[Marta Tandori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tutti’s Promise is a poignant and at times, heartbreaking, true account of one family’s ordeal of survival during the Holocaust in the Netherlands. The story is told through the eyes of the Lichtenstern’s eldest child, Tutti, and what gives the book even more impact is the array of old family photos and documents saved by the Lichtenstern family. The book is written by Tutti’s daughter, K. Heidi Fishman, and targets young readers.

Heinz Lichtenstern, his wife, Margret, and their young daughter, Ruth (Tutti) and the two sets of grandparents were Jews living in Germany. Heinz and his father, Oscar, worked in a metals trading company called Oxyde, whose owner was also Jewish. In 1935, when the Nazis decreed that Jews were no longer German citizens, the owner of Oxyde decided to relocate his business to Amsterdam and the Lichtenstern family, along with both sets of grandparents, moved to Amsterdam as well where Tutti’s brother, Robbie, was born a few years later. However, in 1940 when the Nazis invaded the Netherlands, Tutti’s family discovers with horror that they haven’t moved far enough from the clutches of the Nazis.

Tutti’s idyllic life is soon turned upside down when the family is forced to move several times; each time into smaller apartments and soon, the Nazis force the Jews to follow new rules, making life exceedingly difficult. Curfews are imposed, all Jews over the age of six must wear yellow stars sewn onto their clothing and soon, Jews can no longer own any businesses. Rumors begin to swirl around them of forced deportations to Polish work camps and ghastly living conditions in Polish ghettos. Tutti’s father, along with close family and friends, scrape together as much money as they can before Heinz contacts a close family friend to give him the money with the hope that he can secure South American passports for him and his family, his parents and in-laws as well as their close friends. The friend leaves with the money, promising to do what he can. In the meantime, conditions around Tutti and her family continue to deteriorate, with raids in Jewish neighborhoods becoming commonplace. Families are being removed to two transit camps, Westerbork and Vught, with many other Jewish refugees ultimately being sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau – one of three extermination camps in Poland. It is during one of these raids that both sets of Tutti’s grandparents are taken away. Until now, Tutti’s father has managed to keep the family safe but in September, 1943, it appears as though their luck has run out when he receives the letter he has been dreading; that he and his family are being sent to the transit camp, Westerbork, and that they must report to police headquarters the next day. It is then that Tutti and her family go underground, deciding to hide at the house of Heinz’s trusted co-worker. Little do any of them know that their horrific ordeal has only just begun…

What makes Tutti’s Promise so compelling is the point of view through which the story is told. Since it’s told through the eyes of Tutti, who is a young girl at the time, the reader is aware of the changes that are taking place, as told by Tutti. Her parents’ fears are palpable but controlled as both parents, especially Margret, strive to keep life as normal as possible for Tutti and her brother, even when they are at the transit camp, Westerbork. With disease and illness running rampant throughout the camp, Margret makes the children wake up in the middle of the night to wash in order to stay clean since keeping clean means keeping healthy. The unexpected reunions with the grandparents were wonderful surprises while the five-note whistle Heinz’s family had always used to find each other in a crowd also proved instrumental in these reunions. The random acts of kindness also made an impression, like the episode at the camp when one of the guards, who had been a waiter Heinz had been kind to in the earlier days, gave Heinz an opportunity to steal some vegetables so that Heinz’s family could have better food.

While this story is certainly one of courage, perseverance, determination and hope, it’s also a story that illustrates how resourceful humans can be when their lives are on the line. Whether you’re young or older, Tutti’s Promise is one of those books that will stay with you for a long time.

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an excellent book; so heart-rending.
Tutti is a little girl growing up in 1930’s Amsterdam, with loving parents, a younger brother, and two sets of grandparents living nearby. Her parents had fled Germany soon after their marriage, when Hitler came to power and Jews began being persecuted. They are fairly prosperous and feeling safe in their adopted country…until they are not.
This book was written by Tutti’s granddaughter, who grew up hearing stories about the struggles her Jewish family endured during WW2. Tutti herself visits schools and relates her experiences to children who have just begun to learn about the Holocaust.
Many of the precautions the family had to take to survive will ring a familiar note with anyone who has read “The Diary of Anne Frank.” At one point, Tutti’s family also took refuge in the attic of friends. I grew misty-eyed as I read of she and her brother, very young children at the time, having to keep absolutely silent, with no books or toys, and very little food. As a mother, and a former kindergarten teacher, this really hit hard with me.
This book should be in every classroom, a valuable tool for teaching children the damage that hate and prejudice can cause when left unchecked.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tutti's Promise is a poignant nonfiction book about the survival of a jewish family during WWII. Tutti's parents moved to the Netherlands when Hitler began his rise to power. They had lived there for four years when the Nazis invaded the Netherlands and began to murder and deport the Jewish people to camps. Heinz Lichenstein worked in a metals trading company called Oxyde, which relocated to Amsterdam in 1935. Heinz, his wife Margret, daughter Ruth (Tutti), son Robbie and both sets of parents were living peacefully in Amsterdam, never expecting that the Nazis would invade a neutral country. Due to his job, the Lichensteins were allowed to stay in Amsterdam for quite awhile but eventually sent to Westerbork, a transport camp and eventually to Theresienstadt, a transit camp located in the town of Terezín, now part of the Czech Republic. This is the story of the family and who and how they survived.

The story is shared as part of a presentation that Tutti gives to schools. It is a gentler story than some I have read, but it is still shows the harsh realities, the lack of food, the cruelty and the deaths of loved ones. The book is written by Tutti's daughter, Heidi Fishman. I don't think I have read many stories from the eyes of a child and it was interesting to read her thoughts. This is a story of courage, perseverance, determination and hope, it’s also a story that illustrates how resourceful humans can be when their lives are on the line. It also showed that there were a number of good people willing to help and if it hadn't been for some of them, the Lichensteins never would have survived. In the author's notes, she talks about why Tutti still did these talks, and it was so they would never forget, that this would never happen again. I sure hope that is the case.

[Tehila · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written memoir for the pre-teen or sensitive teen reader. I will be sharing it among my friends, and then donating it to a local library.

Tutti’s Promise was written by Tutti’s daughter; Tutti herself still travels to schools to relate her experiences.

Tutti’s family is among the fortunate who survived the holocaust. I am sure they went through much more than is recounted here, and would read the grown-up version if it is ever written.

I received a free copy of this book for review purposes.

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like to mark Holocaust Memorial Day by reading a book about the Holocaust; K. Heidi Fishman's biography of her mother, Tutti, was my choice for 2017. I must admit that it was not at all what I was expecting. Throughout, I had the feeling that it was far more tailored to a younger audience; whilst the writing was not really dumbed down, a lot of the earlier chapters felt too simplistic for an adult to read. It took a while for me to find Tutti's Promise engaging, but it did pick up a bit. Whilst not my favourite book about the Holocaust, it is certainly a story of courage which deserves to be told.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tutti’s Promise is by K. Heidi Fishman. Although this is classified as fiction, it is the true story about Heidi’s mother as told to her and other works she used for verification. She tells of their courage and their unrelenting hope for the future. She wrote this for middle and high school students and includes questions and other information for teachers as well as a video and video clips of her Mother’s Shoah testimony. I would definitely recommend it for use in middle schools
Tutti was born in Germany in July, 1935. Her Father, Heinz, was a mental trader for Oxyde which was owned by a Jew. Her Grandfather had worked for them as well. She had a little brother, Robbie who was born in 1938 in the Netherlands. Her life was wonderful until 1940 when the Nazis invaded, then it changed and she had to attend a different school, had a curfew, had restrictions, and finally wore the star. None of these did she understand. Her Father tried to keep them safe. His friend Egbert de Jong worked for the Nazis in the metals trade, the position he held before the takeover. He tried to convince Heinz to work for them too; but he refused. Another friend, Baron Fredrich Oppenheimer also presented him a chance to hide in the open as a German officer; but he refused. Both told him what was happening to the Jews all over Europe. He refused to work for the Germans; but gave Egbert all the money he had gathered to purchase South American passports for his family and others whose pictures and statistics he gave him.
Before they could get the passports, they were to report to be sent to Westerbork. Instead, they went into hiding. Being cooped up in a small room wasn’t easy for Tutti and Robbie; but they soon adapted. Meanwhile, the Passports from Paraguay arrived. Thinking they would excuse the family from deportation, Heinz went to report; but they didn’t look at the passport and sent the family to Westerbork in the prison area because the didn’t show up when told to. The good part was they were reunited with both their maternal and paternal grandparents. Heinz saw the Germans needed someone to sell the scrap metal they acquired. Heinz and two friends took on the job and their families moved back to Amsterdam while 2,000 Jews inside the camp were exempted from deportation. Heinz had found out that they were to sabotage the metal created and made it less pure and softer. In 1944, upon being returned to Westerbork, the family was allowed to stay together and were no longer considered criminals. Grandparents were sent to Theresienstadt.
Father purchased a doll for Tutti. In the doll’s head he had put all the money the family had. She promised to keep it a secret and to do whatever she had to do to keep her doll and her secret. When the men were called to report to duty to build a new camp in Poland, Heinz showed the passport to the officer. It worked and he was sent back home. Due to Father’s position, the commandant of the camp came to tell him to get his family ready for transport to Theresienstadt. Joined both sets of grandparents in Theresienstadt until maternal grandparents were sent to Poland. The others were liberated at Theresienstadt and returned to the Netherlands. Heinz went back to Oxyde and became director. The things they had given a neighbor to keep were lost forever while the photographs of their family which had been given to the nanny to keep, were returned.
Heidi Lichtenstern Fishman wrote this book specifically for middle school students, although it appeals to adults too. She includes a section that tells what happened not only to the family but also her friends and her parents’ friends. It contains a glossary and a section of historical notes as well as a bibliography. Tutti’s video testimony is at www.kheidifishman.com. There is a section for educators which has questions as well as film clips of specific things she talks about. Her Grandfather kept a diary in the camps; but it was lost. He did recreate it after the war and it is included with a translation.

[Sigourney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received from NetGalley for review.

‘I hope you learned something from my story. It’s a story of hope and perseverance. It’s a story of courage and compassion and luck. Most of all, it’s a story that reminds us that we must never forget what prejudice and hatred can lead to if we don’t confront them together.’ – Tutti Lichtenstern Fishman

Tutti’s Promise is an account of Tutti (Ruth) and her family’s experience of being Jewish in the Netherlands during WWII. Having already left Germany for Amsterdam when Tutti and her younger brother, Robbie, were young, they suddenly found themselves further targeted by Hitler and the Nazis for their faith when Germany invaded the Netherlands in May 1940. As most people know, some six million Jews (alongside many other people the Nazis deemed ‘inferior’) were murdered during the Holocaust, and this is something that can never be forgotten. Tutti’s Promise delivers a heart-breaking story of the terrible circumstances Jewish people found themselves in during the war, and feels even more important given what’s happening in the world right now.

K. Heidi Fishman recounts her mother’s story, documenting the fear and heartbreak the family lived through, alongside the immense courage and will they had during the darkest times – the small ways in which Tutti’s father, Heinz, tried to sabotage the Nazis may not have had any effect, but it was so incredibly brave for him to try and do something, anything, whilst imprisoned at Westerbork (a detention and transit camp). I found myself moving between fear, hope, and terrible sadness as I read what happened to Tutti’s family and it will always baffle me how people could believe that there was something inherently wrong with a group of people because of their religion, race, or sexuality.

The writing is simple and easy to read, and at first I thought it wouldn’t be as emotional a reading experience because of this, but I was wrong. Even though the prose is simple and to the point, the actual events make it an extremely harrowing and emotional story to read. Tutti and her family experience extreme hardships and a wild array of emotions, and I don’t think I will ever be able to read a memoir or story from WWII and not be moved; everything regarding the war and Holocaust is incredibly emotive in some way and this is no exception, especially as Tutti and Robbie were so young when they experienced it all. The accessibility of the writing makes this an excellent resource for younger readers who are beginning to learn about the Holocaust, as it is very informative without being overly wordy – the use of historical pictures and documents also add another dimension of realness, and I found them fascinating.

I’ve felt this way about pretty much every book about WWII and the Holocaust that I’ve ever read: this is such an important story to tell that I can barely articulate it. These stories need to be told, need to be understood, and need to be taken seriously so that they never happen again. Most people seem to understand this and even when the world seems a terrifying place (recent events especially) I’m always reminded of something Fred Rodgers said, ‘when I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”’. Even with all the hardship and hate, there will always be people helping, speaking out against wrongdoing, and telling their stories – just like Tutti – in the hopes that one day they won’t need and that the world will realise we are all human, and we all matter.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled with my rating because "Tutti" or as I refer to her Mrs. Fishman has been a guest speaker at my school for over 6 years. She is an amazing person and the students love to hear her story of survival. The story she tells in about an hour and differs year to year. The book written by her daughter fills in a lot of the gaps. The research it took to accurately complete the memories of a young girl is more than impressive. I really enjoyed how smoothly the plot comes together and I will encourage my reluctant 8th grade readers to pick this up. I also respect the author's decision not to focus on the horrors of the Holocaust because Mrs. Fishman herself states she did not truly comprehend what was going on until she was older.

[Patti L. Kommel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a poignant, personal family story...my mother-in-law has spoken as well as a survivor to children. Hit home from the moment that you opened the book, on what it felt like as a child to live through that time period. The lost childhood, the instant growing up that had to be achieved and enforced was incredible to read. Makes you think how would I handle this, whom would I trust, would I be able to continue surviving. I want to say that I could but this gives you pause. Beautifully written.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad more first hand accounts are coming out in recent years. Not to in anyway dismiss Anne Franks diary, but I think other perspectives are important. This book was just as remarkable and just as heart-stopping. There just aren't enough words to express the horror of history. These survivor tales are so important, they need to be told to everyone.
I received a Kindle ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

[David Trawinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent remembrance of the Author’s mother’s experiences in World War II as a young girl. This Holocaust tale is very powerful in that it is geared toward young readers. It is written in such a manner as to be very understandable to pre-teens. I can think of no better way to introduce young readers to this topic as the writing respects the gravity of the topic but without the intense graphic descriptions of other books. My compliments to the author.

[Ursula · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving story told from the dual perspective of a child and of genuine historical evidence.

The first-person narrative of a child sheltered as much as possible from the barbarity of occupation and imprisonment is very poignant, paticularly as the reader understands so much more of the situation with the benefit of historical hindsight.

[Marzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Tutti's Promise is a wonderful book for familiarizing children with the actual experience of internment in concentration camps during the Holocaust. This book would be a great companion piece for the classic Anne Frank's Diary, providing us with the personal experience of Tutti Lichtenstern, a little girl who lived through the Holocaust imprisoned at first Westerbork and then at Theresienstadt. Tutti, or Ruth, who not only survived but now lectures on the Holocaust in schools, was truly one of the lucky ones, since so few Jewish people who were sent to camps managed to survive until the end of the war. Millions died, only a few thousands survived, the Lichtensterns among them. Tutti, her brother, parents and paternal grandparents are amazingly lucky. Their poignant story of their struggle to survive, and of their family that was lost along the way, is driven home with visuals, with language info, all in a fashion that is accessible for younger teens.

This book is beautifully put together. Most of all, it is so very timely. It should be read in schools, children's book clubs, and dare I say, by adults?

[Sue Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful and actually uplifting story of family courage despite the tough and extremely sad time in history covered. Not the best written piece but though provoking. Would recommend for teens plus.

[Bonnie Carlson-Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books about the Holocaust, both as a child and as an adult, but this book ( written for age 10 and up) is outstanding. It is written from a child's (Tutti's) perspective and takes the reader along an arc of history from before WWII to the aftermath and provides vivid insights into life at that time for many Jews. The book includes descriptions, vocabulary and explanations suitable for younger readers. K. Heidi Fishman has done a remarkable job of capturing her family's tragic history with a message of hope, optimism and the power of both small and large kindnesses.

[Libby Dilling · Rating 4 out of 5]

read

[Alicia Primer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Survivor’s Holocaust story told for young people. Full of unlikely optimism.

[Audrey Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read…. Thankful to have found it at the museum!

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book may be targeted toward a younger reading audience, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's considered a novel, but the author used numerous family photographs and documents to tell her mother's family's story during World War II. The family was extremely lucky to survive the war with their nuclear family intact, especially considering it included two small children. The ingenuity of the family was remarkable. Holocaust survivor stories become more precious and cherished as each day passes since their numbers are so sparse. I received an ARC through NetGalley.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving, memorable and compelling. Written by the main character's daughter, this is the true story of a young Jewish girl (Tutti) and her family who experienced life under Nazi rule in Holland. It brings to life the reality of what happened to their family and to other Jewish families at that time.

[Videoclimber(AKA)MTsLilSis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring story of family, hope, and redemption. I love that this story is told from the perspective of a young girl (the author's mother). I guess you don't realize how different an experience a horrible time is for adults and children. Tutti's parents do their best to keep the unexplainable truth from their children. Tutti's family maintains a strenth and faith that not many could sustain. Tutti's story will surprise you. I have had the privilege of meeting Eva Mozes Kor. I would love to meet Tutti and tell her how inspiring she is.

*Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for allowing me to read this story in exchange for an honest review*

[Paris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly inspiring story of a brace family during the Holocaust. I have no doubts that Tutti's Promise will be as thought provoking as Anne Frank's Diary. An essential read for all older children learning about WW2.

[January Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for those interested in this time of History. Tragic, heartbreaking and truly remarkable.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving fictionalized account of the author's mother's experiences during the Holocaust. While appropriate for middle school students, the book includes realistic details of life in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam and the Westerbork and Theresienstadt camps. The wealth of family photographs and images of actual documents that accompany the narrative, such as the picture of Tutti leaving for her "date" with her uncle and the transport list to Auschwitz that includes her maternal grandparents, make the story real in a way that few other books have been able to. The comparison of her family tree before and after the war is especially poignant. The book should be on every recommended reading list for teaching older children about the Holocaust.

[Ilana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a family story, this book offers a valuable contribution to the history of the Shoah in Europe, particularly The Netherlands. It can be used in middle schools classes for teaching about Shoah, but it is generally a recommended read to anyone that want to know more about the tragic episodes of the fate of the world Jewry. This story of the Lichtenstern family of coping with the terrible trials of fate is one of the many examples of resilience and courage, creativity and refuse to give up to hate during the WWII. It also offers information about the daily life in the Theresienstadt concentration camp through the innocent eyes of Tutti, a little girl who grew up assuming adults' responsibilities from a very early age. A must-read for anyone interested in this historical period of time.
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the 1930's, Hitler has risen to power and the Jews are on the brink of losing the life they knew. Happy times spent with family and friends are disappearing. The Lichtensterns are leaving Germany and moving to Amsterdam. It is initially a good move for them but Hitler has invaded Amsterdam. They go into hiding but it doesn't last. Why? What will happen to them?

This is a nonfiction book of the holocaust seemed throu Tutti's eyes. She doesn't always understand why things were changing. She is too smart for her parents explanations. It is an eye opening story to see how they survive daily. Fortunately they have surprises, helpful friends that help them survive. This is a tale to be read by everyone regardless of age.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Net-galley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidi Fishman’s painstaking research of her family’s experience pays off in this powerful story of her mother, uncle, and  grandparents' survival of Word War Two and the Holocaust.  Heidi’s grandfather uses his business brilliance and connections to keep his family safe, and quite possibly contribute to the German’s building unsafe military airplanes and land vehicles.  Her grandmother's instincts and wit keeps her family safe as she tries to keep their fears at bay.  However, it is Tutti’s ability to keep her brother safe and her father’s secret at such a young age that truly touched my heart.