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Parallel Lives: The Remarkable Story of a Young Jewish Family Separated by World War II
Based on a true story. Liliana is a beautiful and educated young Jewish woman. She marries Henry and becomes a mother to Rebecca. She has a full life ahead of her in Poland, or so it seems.
The time period is the beginning of World War II, when the Germans invade Poland. To protect her, Liliana and Henry entrust Rebecca to their Christian friends. Shortly thereafter, Henry is among those taken to the concentration camp.
Time passes, and Liliana knows little about the fate of her husband or daughter. To survive, Liliana (now known as Helena) assumes the identity of a Polish aristocrat and ends up working for a German officer named Robert. In a twist of fate, Robert and Helena fall in love with each other and get married.
Unknown to Liliana, Henry survives and reunites with their daughter Rebecca. He finds a way to communicate with Liliana, only to find out that she started a new life. Liliana has yet to reveal her true identity to her German husband. Filled with guilt and longing for Rebecca, she thinks of putting an end to all of the lies.
Will Liliana finally overcome her fears and reunite with her daughter?
Parallel Lives is based on a true story. It brings the reader on a captivating journey of the “parallel lives” of a family who was separated by war. The journey takes the reader though a myriad of human emotions, love, jealousy, fear, despair, and freedom.
The time period is the beginning of World War II, when the Germans invade Poland. To protect her, Liliana and Henry entrust Rebecca to their Christian friends. Shortly thereafter, Henry is among those taken to the concentration camp.
Time passes, and Liliana knows little about the fate of her husband or daughter. To survive, Liliana (now known as Helena) assumes the identity of a Polish aristocrat and ends up working for a German officer named Robert. In a twist of fate, Robert and Helena fall in love with each other and get married.
Unknown to Liliana, Henry survives and reunites with their daughter Rebecca. He finds a way to communicate with Liliana, only to find out that she started a new life. Liliana has yet to reveal her true identity to her German husband. Filled with guilt and longing for Rebecca, she thinks of putting an end to all of the lies.
Will Liliana finally overcome her fears and reunite with her daughter?
Parallel Lives is based on a true story. It brings the reader on a captivating journey of the “parallel lives” of a family who was separated by war. The journey takes the reader though a myriad of human emotions, love, jealousy, fear, despair, and freedom.
- GenresHolocaust
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2018
178 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 4, 2020
Despite the author’s difficulty in writing, she did an incredible job in conveying her story. The story moved at a suspenseful pace and was heartwarming to be a part of these two parallel lives. It made me wonder how many times this story
happened to many survivors of the Jewish people.
happened to many survivors of the Jewish people.
December 9, 2019
Interesting plot supposed to be “based” on a true story but so badly written I couldn’t appreciate it at all.
March 3, 2020
A Holocaust Tragedy
The fact that the story was written in broken English made it difficult to read. However, since the author is not a native American, and more than likely English is her third language, I have to commend her for doing as well as she did. The writing was not extremely cohesive and I found myself having to look back at previous paragraphs to tie ideas together. It would have profited by a good proof-reading. Having said all that, the story itself was interesting - tragic and filled with sorrow and guilt. What an unbelievable time in the history of our world.
The fact that the story was written in broken English made it difficult to read. However, since the author is not a native American, and more than likely English is her third language, I have to commend her for doing as well as she did. The writing was not extremely cohesive and I found myself having to look back at previous paragraphs to tie ideas together. It would have profited by a good proof-reading. Having said all that, the story itself was interesting - tragic and filled with sorrow and guilt. What an unbelievable time in the history of our world.
May 31, 2019
I am very torn by this book. I loved the story. It is based on the truth but there are no author’s notes so it’s not clear who these people were. Or if the author is related. The conflicting part is the way the book is written. It must have been self-published as there is no editor that would let it be published like this. The sentences are short and declarative. The grammar is poor and there are misspelled words throughout. If you let that go, then the story is very compelling.
January 7, 2019
Parallel Lives is written by Lena Rotmensz. This is a fiction book based on a true story from the Holocaust. It is possible that incidents similar to this may have taken place in various places across Europe during the war.
Liliana Kopel and Henry looked forward to the birth of their first child. Henry was older than Lilian and loved her dearly. He was an antique dealer in the best store in Warsaw and he did very well. Liliana had a beautiful house with servants to care for it. She really had nothing to do during the day. When their daughter, Rebecca, was born, Liliana took care of her instead of turning her over to the nanny. Both Henry and Liliana adored Rebecca. However, when the Nazis invaded Poland, things got really bad and they turned to Gentile friends to help them. These friends took them into their home to protect them. They also saved many of the treasures that Henry had gathered in his career. These friends had documents forged that gave Liliana a Polish identity as she was blond and blue-eyed. Unfortunately, Henry looked typically Jewish. They had documents made for Rebecca as their own child. Liliana and Henry both knew these were the best protection she had. One day, Henry did not return to the house and eventually Liliana left the home to look for him. Unfortunately, she was picked up by the Nazis and taken away. She ended up in Auschwitz where she was immediately taken in by an officer as his secretary since she could speak and read several languages. He treated her well and they fell in love. She could not reveal that she was really Jewish to him now or later. He got her out of the camp and to his hometown where he married her. She was sure Henry had been killed. However, all she could think of was her daughter. After the war it was difficult for her as she could not overtly look for Rebecca without revealing she was Jewish. By then, she had two sons to worry about too.
Henry did manage to survive and after the war looked up his friends and was reunited with Rebecca. He managed to do very well in his business concerns although he had stayed in Poland under Communism. He was able to bring up his daughter under trying circumstances. All this time, they thought Liliana had died of pneumonia in the camp. It wasn’t until he managed to get to Israel that a friend told him that he had been the one to take “her” body out of the house where she supposedly died and that body definitely was not Liliana. Henry begins trying to find out what happened to Liliana although he doesn’t tell Rebecca as he didn’t want to get her hopes up.
After finding her, Henry only contacted her, he did not go see her. Thus, began a long letter-writing relationship between Henry and Liliana trying to decide if it was best for Rebecca to know her Mother was alive or continue to believe she was dead. Part of the problem is Liliana’s husband who doesn’t want his sons to know they are considered Jewish because their Mother was.
Once you set out to deceive, you can get tangled up in that deceit and be unable to get untangled. That is where Henry and Liliana were.
The book is very good and brings up some poignant points that bear looking into.
Liliana Kopel and Henry looked forward to the birth of their first child. Henry was older than Lilian and loved her dearly. He was an antique dealer in the best store in Warsaw and he did very well. Liliana had a beautiful house with servants to care for it. She really had nothing to do during the day. When their daughter, Rebecca, was born, Liliana took care of her instead of turning her over to the nanny. Both Henry and Liliana adored Rebecca. However, when the Nazis invaded Poland, things got really bad and they turned to Gentile friends to help them. These friends took them into their home to protect them. They also saved many of the treasures that Henry had gathered in his career. These friends had documents forged that gave Liliana a Polish identity as she was blond and blue-eyed. Unfortunately, Henry looked typically Jewish. They had documents made for Rebecca as their own child. Liliana and Henry both knew these were the best protection she had. One day, Henry did not return to the house and eventually Liliana left the home to look for him. Unfortunately, she was picked up by the Nazis and taken away. She ended up in Auschwitz where she was immediately taken in by an officer as his secretary since she could speak and read several languages. He treated her well and they fell in love. She could not reveal that she was really Jewish to him now or later. He got her out of the camp and to his hometown where he married her. She was sure Henry had been killed. However, all she could think of was her daughter. After the war it was difficult for her as she could not overtly look for Rebecca without revealing she was Jewish. By then, she had two sons to worry about too.
Henry did manage to survive and after the war looked up his friends and was reunited with Rebecca. He managed to do very well in his business concerns although he had stayed in Poland under Communism. He was able to bring up his daughter under trying circumstances. All this time, they thought Liliana had died of pneumonia in the camp. It wasn’t until he managed to get to Israel that a friend told him that he had been the one to take “her” body out of the house where she supposedly died and that body definitely was not Liliana. Henry begins trying to find out what happened to Liliana although he doesn’t tell Rebecca as he didn’t want to get her hopes up.
After finding her, Henry only contacted her, he did not go see her. Thus, began a long letter-writing relationship between Henry and Liliana trying to decide if it was best for Rebecca to know her Mother was alive or continue to believe she was dead. Part of the problem is Liliana’s husband who doesn’t want his sons to know they are considered Jewish because their Mother was.
Once you set out to deceive, you can get tangled up in that deceit and be unable to get untangled. That is where Henry and Liliana were.
The book is very good and brings up some poignant points that bear looking into.
March 23, 2019
I knew from the first few pages I would have trouble reviewing this book. The story was captivating, but it was often difficult to read due to editing. However, the more I turned the pages, the more it felt as if the author was sitting next to me, telling the story aloud. I began to pass over grammatical errors and anticipate places where words would be out of place. Once I was able to do this, I was able immerse my heart into this story. I cannot imagine life during the Holocaust, but it was, also, very difficult to make it past the first few chapters when decisions were made by this young mother that would change the lives of so many.
Covering 5 decades of deception, it was impossible to lay this book down. There were times I wanted to shake Helena, but there were just as many times I wanted to wrap my arms around her to let her know I understood the choices she made.
This book touched on a side of World War II I had never explored. It shared the side of the Germans who were not Hitler followers by choice and how their lives changed after the war.
Covering 5 decades of deception, it was impossible to lay this book down. There were times I wanted to shake Helena, but there were just as many times I wanted to wrap my arms around her to let her know I understood the choices she made.
This book touched on a side of World War II I had never explored. It shared the side of the Germans who were not Hitler followers by choice and how their lives changed after the war.
May 23, 2019
"Parallel Lives", by Leana Rotmenz kept my interest at all times. I believe this book is based on a true story. In the beginning, Henry, Liliana and their daughter Rebecca lead a good life. However, when the Nazi's took over Poland all that changed for this Jewish family. Lilliana gets separated from Henry and Rebecca. She believes they are dead. A German Officer takes her in. Ultimately, they fall in love and get married. However, there is a very high emotional price for Lilliana. She pretends she is a Polish Christen woman named Helena.
As a reader, I didn't understand why Lilliana didn't look for Rebecca and Henry after the war. I had to admire her first husband, Henry. He was a true survivor. He was also an excellent father to their daughter Rebecca.
This book also gives insight into Step Families. In realty, most people are out for the best interests of their own children. In conclusion, "Parallel Lives", is worth reading.
As a reader, I didn't understand why Lilliana didn't look for Rebecca and Henry after the war. I had to admire her first husband, Henry. He was a true survivor. He was also an excellent father to their daughter Rebecca.
This book also gives insight into Step Families. In realty, most people are out for the best interests of their own children. In conclusion, "Parallel Lives", is worth reading.
January 24, 2019
A very good book
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. I find that I most enjoy reading books of the Wii era concerning the nazI and jewish fate. It maybe my age. I was born in 1950 and remember hearing and seeing news reels about the atrocities that occurred to the Jewish people. It has stuck with me all my life. I read almost everything I can find. I just need and want to understand how one race could be so deluded and led by evil to do what was done to another race of innocent people. This was a story of three people doing what it took to survive that time to insure their future generations would survive. A love story.
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. I find that I most enjoy reading books of the Wii era concerning the nazI and jewish fate. It maybe my age. I was born in 1950 and remember hearing and seeing news reels about the atrocities that occurred to the Jewish people. It has stuck with me all my life. I read almost everything I can find. I just need and want to understand how one race could be so deluded and led by evil to do what was done to another race of innocent people. This was a story of three people doing what it took to survive that time to insure their future generations would survive. A love story.
March 17, 2019
Great read
This was a very interesting read of one story’s life and how it was ripped apart, literally, by war. It spans the main lives of the characters, and is a complex page turner. My only criticism is that it could use another proof read. There were several places where words were left out and I had to try and figure out how the sentence was supposed to read and wrong words were used, i.e. “it” instead of “is”. Despite that, I would still recommend reading this book.
This was a very interesting read of one story’s life and how it was ripped apart, literally, by war. It spans the main lives of the characters, and is a complex page turner. My only criticism is that it could use another proof read. There were several places where words were left out and I had to try and figure out how the sentence was supposed to read and wrong words were used, i.e. “it” instead of “is”. Despite that, I would still recommend reading this book.
April 3, 2019
This book was difficult to read in the beginning because of the choppy writing style and grammatical errors, but the story grabbed me and soon I was able to get past the issues. As someone else stated in another review, it was like the author was sitting next to me, telling me the story. I really loved the story and thought about it when I wasn’t reading it. Four stars only because of the poor writing style.
June 24, 2019
The setting is World War II Poland (before) and Germany (after), for Lilliana/Helena. It is a story of love and sacrifice, based on a true story. The writing itself was not well structured, and I suspect it was either transcribed from another language or the author’s first language is not English. This made reading it difficult at first, but once I settled into the story, it lent a certain charm to the narration. I came to enjoy the characters. Overall a good read.
January 24, 2020
Another Reminder of the lasting consequences to WWI's survivors.
I have read numerous books about World War II and the Holocaust. I am so amazed at how this war affected so many lives and has had a lasting effect on the future generations of the survivors. I recommend reading this book as another reminder to the decisions and sacrifices that were made during this awful time in history .
I have read numerous books about World War II and the Holocaust. I am so amazed at how this war affected so many lives and has had a lasting effect on the future generations of the survivors. I recommend reading this book as another reminder to the decisions and sacrifices that were made during this awful time in history .
September 6, 2018
Parallel lives review
Well written fascinating story about harrowing times of Second World War. Real page turner I couldn’t stop reading until the unexpected end. The people described very vividly with the excellent recognition of human characters.
Well written fascinating story about harrowing times of Second World War. Real page turner I couldn’t stop reading until the unexpected end. The people described very vividly with the excellent recognition of human characters.
February 16, 2019
Parallel lines
I thought this was a well written book with a different perspective. Most Jewish survivors of the holocaust did not have the resources at wars and and had a long road to start rebuilding their lives
I thought this was a well written book with a different perspective. Most Jewish survivors of the holocaust did not have the resources at wars and and had a long road to start rebuilding their lives
March 1, 2019
Remarkable story Indeed!
I read many books about the Holocaust. This was among the best. The author had such an interesting way of telling the story. I felt like I knew all the characters personally.
I read many books about the Holocaust. This was among the best. The author had such an interesting way of telling the story. I felt like I knew all the characters personally.
April 28, 2019
Great Story
This story was so remarkable,it followed the lives of two people and the heartbreak and love that was so divided by war! The goodness survived along with the love and for that I am grateful! Loved the book!
This story was so remarkable,it followed the lives of two people and the heartbreak and love that was so divided by war! The goodness survived along with the love and for that I am grateful! Loved the book!
May 1, 2019
Fascinating telling of events.
There are some grammatical errors throughout the story, such as incorrect use of verb tenses, but the narrative kept me interested. I read it through the end. Enjoyed it.
There are some grammatical errors throughout the story, such as incorrect use of verb tenses, but the narrative kept me interested. I read it through the end. Enjoyed it.
November 17, 2019
Parallel Lives
I found it a fascinating read and could not put it down
I found the writing rather bland. Like someone taking in a voice with no emotion
Also found quite a few writing errors.
Sad story.
I found it a fascinating read and could not put it down
I found the writing rather bland. Like someone taking in a voice with no emotion
Also found quite a few writing errors.
Sad story.
November 20, 2019
Very interesting and compelling story. BUT - No authors notes as to how this was a true story or how the author was involved. The book could have been written by a child. Awful grammar, immature writing style... I read down the middle for 1/4 of it.
January 31, 2021
Based On True Event?
I enjoyed this book and especially appreciated the information that I , as a Gentile , might not know. I am curious - was this based on a true story? Thank you.
I look forward to future books.
I enjoyed this book and especially appreciated the information that I , as a Gentile , might not know. I am curious - was this based on a true story? Thank you.
I look forward to future books.
June 10, 2021
This was an excellent read, the characters were well developed and you felt you knew what they were thinking (only to find out differently)... The only character not fully explained was Sarah's background........ we were teased ut it should have been revealed to Helena. The story ended abruptly...
May 25, 2023
Very interesting reading!
I loved the way this book was written. This complex story was easy to follow & drew the Reader in right away. It was easy to fall in love with Helene & her family.
I loved the way this book was written. This complex story was easy to follow & drew the Reader in right away. It was easy to fall in love with Helene & her family.
October 22, 2018
Great story but poorly written. Sentence structure is that of an elementary schooler.
November 28, 2018
Good book
This was an interesting twist on the holocaust and WW 2. I throughly enjoyed the story. I will recommend to others.
This was an interesting twist on the holocaust and WW 2. I throughly enjoyed the story. I will recommend to others.
January 27, 2019
Great storytelling!
The story kept me wanting to see what would happen next with the characters of the story. I recommend reading this great story about life during and after WW2.
The story kept me wanting to see what would happen next with the characters of the story. I recommend reading this great story about life during and after WW2.
February 7, 2019
An unusual love story
This was well written and in my opinion kept the readers interest. It reminded you of how people deal with others who are not like them.
This was well written and in my opinion kept the readers interest. It reminded you of how people deal with others who are not like them.
March 28, 2019
Good story!
I find books about WWII are very interesting & makes me appreciate my life here in America! Take the time to read!
I find books about WWII are very interesting & makes me appreciate my life here in America! Take the time to read!
April 27, 2019
Two Lives
I thought this story was intriguing, and once started I couldn’t stop reading. A lot of research was done to make the book accurate.
I thought this story was intriguing, and once started I couldn’t stop reading. A lot of research was done to make the book accurate.
June 9, 2019
Sad
It's written as a true story, a sad story to me. I totally believe that this could have happened in that war.
It's written as a true story, a sad story to me. I totally believe that this could have happened in that war.
February 1, 2020
The story is intriguing but I found it hard to get past the author’s mediocre writing style.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews