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Escaping the Whale. The Holocaust is over. But is it ever over for the next generation?
To everyone who knows her, 28-year-old Marcia Gold leads the perfect life. A high school guidance counselor in 1980 Brooklyn, New York who specializes in helping pregnant teens, Marcia thrives in her work. She also has a handsome, successful boyfriend who has won the approval of her Jewish, Holocaust-survivor family – no easy feat.
However, beneath the shiny surface lurks another reality. Plagued by frightening and debilitating panic attacks brought on by her family’s wartime legacy and exacerbated by the Iranian hostage crisis in the news, Marcia becomes convinced that “demons” are occupying her closet and her mind. Determined to keep her terrifying secret life a secret, Marcia is pushed closer and closer to a breaking point.
A series of crises finally forces the explosion Marcia can no longer contain. Determined to rid herself of her “demons,” she concocts a plan, desperate to be reborn as a new person. Unfortunately, she discovers that her plan creates its own problems. Can she find another path out of her psychic pain, one that will lead her to true normalcy?
However, beneath the shiny surface lurks another reality. Plagued by frightening and debilitating panic attacks brought on by her family’s wartime legacy and exacerbated by the Iranian hostage crisis in the news, Marcia becomes convinced that “demons” are occupying her closet and her mind. Determined to keep her terrifying secret life a secret, Marcia is pushed closer and closer to a breaking point.
A series of crises finally forces the explosion Marcia can no longer contain. Determined to rid herself of her “demons,” she concocts a plan, desperate to be reborn as a new person. Unfortunately, she discovers that her plan creates its own problems. Can she find another path out of her psychic pain, one that will lead her to true normalcy?
- GenresJewish
418 pages, Paperback
Published April 11, 2020
49 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 11, 2020
I just finished reading Escaping The Whale by Ruth Rotkowitz. I thought it was very well written, although very sad in so many ways - the fact that the protagonist was a 2nd generation child of the Holocaust, hiding so many fears, and not allowing anyone to know what she was experiencing, all the while taking place during the time period of the American hostage standoff in Iran. In the end, I just wanted to wrap my arms around Marcia to ease her pain and hug her until all of the hurt disappeared.
Judytoody
Sent from my iPhone
Judytoody
Sent from my iPhone
April 11, 2020
A wonderfully written book about Marcia, a woman trying to find her 'center' amidst the torture of being a second generation Holocaust survivor. As she tries manage a normal life, anxiety, fear, resentment and despair continually find it's way into her life. The characters that surround her seem to add to her destructive behavior.
For a first novel, Ms. Rotkowitz has done a wonderful job exploring the mind of a second generation Holocaust survivor.
For a first novel, Ms. Rotkowitz has done a wonderful job exploring the mind of a second generation Holocaust survivor.
April 12, 2020
In a time when people all over the world are seeking sanctuary and the television constantly reminds us that safety is fleeting for so many, the characters in this novel show us the possibility of reshaping our own lives as refugees from trauma, personal and global.
You don’t have to have been alive in 1980 to relate to the challenge of coming of age in a world enmeshed in international political brinksmanship and constantly changing definitions of freedom and belonging. Rotkowitz brilliantly demonstrates that the historical period fifty years ago is inextricably connected to the challenges we face now. This deeply personal, revealing story made me think about all the second-generation trauma survivors, children of refugees to the United States and elsewhere, currently struggling to establish their own independence and identity today.
What begins as the story of a young guidance counselor determined to make a difference in the lives of pregnant students quickly widens into a timeless story of a woman confronting the devastating traps her own choices are creating. The beautifully human portrayal of the main character broke my heart.
You don’t have to have been alive in 1980 to relate to the challenge of coming of age in a world enmeshed in international political brinksmanship and constantly changing definitions of freedom and belonging. Rotkowitz brilliantly demonstrates that the historical period fifty years ago is inextricably connected to the challenges we face now. This deeply personal, revealing story made me think about all the second-generation trauma survivors, children of refugees to the United States and elsewhere, currently struggling to establish their own independence and identity today.
What begins as the story of a young guidance counselor determined to make a difference in the lives of pregnant students quickly widens into a timeless story of a woman confronting the devastating traps her own choices are creating. The beautifully human portrayal of the main character broke my heart.
November 26, 2022
A superbly written novel about mental health, supressed feelings and family heritage. Escaping the whale is a great second-generation Jewish novel focusing on a character’s experiences as the daughter of Holocaust survivors. A must read.
August 29, 2020
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Escaping the Whale is haunting and atmospheric, yet emotional and vulnerable story, that creeps on you and leaves a mark.
I recently read an article about the post-traumatic stress that Holocaust survivors endure which fascinated me. Similarly, this book accurately depicts the psychological turmoil that Marcia faces that sends her life on a downward spiral.
There was one particular dialogue that Jason tells Marcia over their conversation, which is: “Sometimes you have to not let things get to you, Marcia. Otherwise, life just stops. You get nowhere.” There are many such passages in the story that beautifully summarizes my take on the story. Although WWII is over, humans as a species continue to fight and attack one another for the greater power. As a result, many become victims amidst all this and find it difficult to cope with reality. The story realistically depicts how a person like Marcia would suffers with mental health issues as the repercussion.
Speaking of Marcia, I thought she was wonderful as the main character. You know there is something different about her as soon as the author introduces her. At times, you just want to step into the pages and be by her side to help her. Moreover, even the supporting cast like Jason, Cheryl and Rochelle add well to the story.
However, the only minor criticism I have towards the novel is how it tends to get lengthy in certain places. For instance, the author provides counselling to various students like Lucy, Polly and Corrine, but they felt repetitive and redundant. Apart from that, this was a compelling read. Overall, I liked how the story dwells into the mind of next generation Holocaust Survivor.
April 19, 2020
From start to finish this book was intriguing, informative and relatable. Though it takes place in the 1980’s during the Iran Hostage Crisis, I found myself able to identify with Marcia the feeling one has when a global crisis takes over every news story, television channel and topic of conversation until it feels like it’s taken over your life. Survival, generational trauma, identity, teen pregnancy, decision-making and life challenges are just some of the themes that jump off the pages of this well written and well told story! Waiting for the follow up novel to see how Marcia would handle a country-wide quarantine!
Read
July 18, 2020I truly enjoyed reading this book. I think it would make a good read for a bookclub. On the surface, it was an entertaining story, with characters that I really cared for and about. Behind the scenes, and the psyches, lies a deep and buried history of family trauma that influences the character's mental well being, enjoyment of life and ultimately her decision making. While it is a page turner, the book offers many complex questions for group discussion.
Although this book involves the holocaust and the generations that survived and came after, anyone with families and family stories will be able to instantly relate.
Although this book involves the holocaust and the generations that survived and came after, anyone with families and family stories will be able to instantly relate.
Read
January 9, 2022I enjoyed this book tremendously. It centers around the complexities of being a child of Holocaust survivors and raises important questions about mental health and repressed emotions. It’s also as wildly contemporary as it is historical, and the writing style is very witty. Curious to read more by this author.
September 13, 2020
For those who grew up with parents and/or other family members who were Holocaust survivors, they have lived their entire lives accompanied by the Holocaust as if it were an additional living, breathing family member; a shadow cousin perhaps, always lurking in the background, ready to pounce at any given moment. Ask me, I know all about it. I’m a 2nd generation survivor, or as we’re now called … a ‘Descendant’.
Incidentally, I found the title interesting, linked to the notion of escape, being a Descendant and the fact that one canot escape one’s past or one’s roots. You see, I have a phobia about whales! I kid you not! It’s a real thing. Look it up, it’s called Cetaphobia. I know that here the whale is a figurative one, and when you read the book, you’ll understand where the connection comes in. But still, I found the title immensely fascinating.
For me, this was an intense and emotional read. The main character Marcia, is a school guidance counselor, having evolved from previously being a teacher. She seems to spend the majority of her time dealing with pregnant teens. She doesn’t call her Mom as often as she should, has pretty typical run-ins with her sister over the boyfriend that nobody likes, and continues her relationship with her own long-term boyfriend Jason, who everyone adores (although people do tend to wonder why they aren’t living together).
But what Marcia is hiding from everyone is that she is actually, slowly and quietly, but quite definitely, losing her grip on any sort of emotional stability she once had. She is beginning to lack the ability to cope with any of the shocking news that she is hearing and seeing in the world around her – rather difficult when the Iran hostage crisis is a daily reminder of the harsh realities of life. It’s front and centre of every news bulletin and it’s all everyone can talk about. Add to that the constant background nagging of her upbringing and her mother’s incessant stories about what she’d been through, it’s no wonder that Marcia is craving some sort of escape from her own head!
This is an in-depth study of spiralling mental illness and the lengths that an individual will go to, to hide it from others. The numerous studies done into the lives and upbringings experienced by descendants of survivors discuss trauma, or secondary trauma extensively: a form of post traumatic stress. This is surely what Marcia is experiencing. Her specific need to protect her mother from what she is feeling is indicative of so many second generation survivors who desperately feel that they cannot let their parents down or disappoint them in any way. So Marcia constantly tries to do the right thing, hold down her acceptable job, stay with her lovely boyfriend … all the while, screaming for a different life for herself … a life that is less safe, and vastly ‘other’ than what everyone expects from her.
Rotkowitz perfectly depicts so many of the complex issues experienced by 2nd generation survivors, and she portrays them so well that I found it uncannily chilling. Those who have absolutely none of their own knowledge or experience of the subject will gain a vivid picture of what life is like for those who have grown up in a post-Holocaust home, together with survivors.
This a 5-star read that should be added to the list of vital reading for those with an interest in Holocaust literature. It is made even more interesting by it’s highly original plot and in its distinctively different storyline.
Incidentally, I found the title interesting, linked to the notion of escape, being a Descendant and the fact that one canot escape one’s past or one’s roots. You see, I have a phobia about whales! I kid you not! It’s a real thing. Look it up, it’s called Cetaphobia. I know that here the whale is a figurative one, and when you read the book, you’ll understand where the connection comes in. But still, I found the title immensely fascinating.
For me, this was an intense and emotional read. The main character Marcia, is a school guidance counselor, having evolved from previously being a teacher. She seems to spend the majority of her time dealing with pregnant teens. She doesn’t call her Mom as often as she should, has pretty typical run-ins with her sister over the boyfriend that nobody likes, and continues her relationship with her own long-term boyfriend Jason, who everyone adores (although people do tend to wonder why they aren’t living together).
But what Marcia is hiding from everyone is that she is actually, slowly and quietly, but quite definitely, losing her grip on any sort of emotional stability she once had. She is beginning to lack the ability to cope with any of the shocking news that she is hearing and seeing in the world around her – rather difficult when the Iran hostage crisis is a daily reminder of the harsh realities of life. It’s front and centre of every news bulletin and it’s all everyone can talk about. Add to that the constant background nagging of her upbringing and her mother’s incessant stories about what she’d been through, it’s no wonder that Marcia is craving some sort of escape from her own head!
This is an in-depth study of spiralling mental illness and the lengths that an individual will go to, to hide it from others. The numerous studies done into the lives and upbringings experienced by descendants of survivors discuss trauma, or secondary trauma extensively: a form of post traumatic stress. This is surely what Marcia is experiencing. Her specific need to protect her mother from what she is feeling is indicative of so many second generation survivors who desperately feel that they cannot let their parents down or disappoint them in any way. So Marcia constantly tries to do the right thing, hold down her acceptable job, stay with her lovely boyfriend … all the while, screaming for a different life for herself … a life that is less safe, and vastly ‘other’ than what everyone expects from her.
Rotkowitz perfectly depicts so many of the complex issues experienced by 2nd generation survivors, and she portrays them so well that I found it uncannily chilling. Those who have absolutely none of their own knowledge or experience of the subject will gain a vivid picture of what life is like for those who have grown up in a post-Holocaust home, together with survivors.
This a 5-star read that should be added to the list of vital reading for those with an interest in Holocaust literature. It is made even more interesting by it’s highly original plot and in its distinctively different storyline.
June 5, 2025
Not great but I can't complain cause I'd read anything for $15 an hour
August 30, 2020
Set in the 1980’s, Marcia sees the Iran Hostage crisis unfold on TV….adding to her own tensions and anxieties. Marcia is the daughter of Holocaust survivors and struggles with her mental health as being constantly bombarded with news events at home and overseas. She is such a great character, I really felt for her.
Escaping The Whale is an emotion packed and incredibly moving tale of inherited trauma, life and finding your identity. It’s beautifully written with light touches of humour too. This would be a perfect read for a book club as there are so many parts just calling for discussion.
Thank you to Random Things Tours for the opportunity to be part of this blog tour, for the promotional material and an eARC of Escaping The Whale. This is my honest and unbiased review.
Escaping The Whale is an emotion packed and incredibly moving tale of inherited trauma, life and finding your identity. It’s beautifully written with light touches of humour too. This would be a perfect read for a book club as there are so many parts just calling for discussion.
Thank you to Random Things Tours for the opportunity to be part of this blog tour, for the promotional material and an eARC of Escaping The Whale. This is my honest and unbiased review.
September 13, 2020
Escaping The Whale by Ruth Rotkowitz is a highly charged emotional story of a daughter of Holocaust Survivors and the trauma that brings with it. Marcia Gold has what could be perceived as a perfect life. She is a school Guidance Counsellor who helps pregnant teenagers and has a supportive boyfriend. Underneath the perfection she is in reality battling demons and has panic attacks as well.These are quite clearly part of her trying to deal with her parents trauma from being holocaust survivors. She watches footage of the Iranian hostage situation at the time and this makes her even more aware of the fact that her trauma can be linked to present day issues and it can affect everyone. Marcia deals with these issues that are becoming bigger alone, she doesn't tell her boyfriend, or anyone due to the fact that she feels her issues aren't big enough to warrant help.Eventually, she gets to a point where she attempts to escape from everything and everyone but comes to a realisation that she will always come back to the root of the issue, it can't be escaped from.
I was totally engrossed in Marcia's journey and really felt like I wanted to save her but knew I couldn't. It takes a good storyteller to make you feel it is that real and Escaping The Whale is an excellent example of storytelling.
In my opinion this book is as important as an actual Holocaust survivor's story. Just because Marcia was not present in the camps, doesn't mean she can't be affected. So many familes are brought up with the brutal and horrific stories of the Holocaust and noone can tell me these children are not affected mentally with them. Just because it is a historical event for many doesn't mean it isn't trauma for the next generation and they never even realise it until they are unable to cope anymore.
I really felt for Marcia and like I say, just wanted to help in anyway possible, even just to say "You are good enough" in the times when she felt so unimportant. A brilliantly written book and one that should be read by everyone in my opinon.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours and the publisher for my copy of this heartbreaking and emotional book to review today.
I was totally engrossed in Marcia's journey and really felt like I wanted to save her but knew I couldn't. It takes a good storyteller to make you feel it is that real and Escaping The Whale is an excellent example of storytelling.
In my opinion this book is as important as an actual Holocaust survivor's story. Just because Marcia was not present in the camps, doesn't mean she can't be affected. So many familes are brought up with the brutal and horrific stories of the Holocaust and noone can tell me these children are not affected mentally with them. Just because it is a historical event for many doesn't mean it isn't trauma for the next generation and they never even realise it until they are unable to cope anymore.
I really felt for Marcia and like I say, just wanted to help in anyway possible, even just to say "You are good enough" in the times when she felt so unimportant. A brilliantly written book and one that should be read by everyone in my opinon.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours and the publisher for my copy of this heartbreaking and emotional book to review today.
December 26, 2021
Escaping the Whale by Ruth Rotkowitz. Thanks to @amsterdampublishing for the gifted copy for Holocaust Remembrance Month ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A child of Jewish Holocaust survivors, Marcia tries to live a normal life. Beneath the surface she faces secret anxiety and fears. Can she find a way out of the pain?
I was excited to read this because the main character is a guidance counselor. My degrees are in counseling and I was a school counselor before leaving the field. I really enjoyed that aspect of the story. I enjoyed getting to know Marcia as a person, as well as her inner thoughts and fears. You really get a close examination of another person and the secrets that they hold. I loved how the story explores not only how our past effects us, but the past of our family members as well.
“Whether or not she went to college or found a profession or vocation or got married, she would be happy. And she, Marcia, might not be. Not ever.”
A child of Jewish Holocaust survivors, Marcia tries to live a normal life. Beneath the surface she faces secret anxiety and fears. Can she find a way out of the pain?
I was excited to read this because the main character is a guidance counselor. My degrees are in counseling and I was a school counselor before leaving the field. I really enjoyed that aspect of the story. I enjoyed getting to know Marcia as a person, as well as her inner thoughts and fears. You really get a close examination of another person and the secrets that they hold. I loved how the story explores not only how our past effects us, but the past of our family members as well.
“Whether or not she went to college or found a profession or vocation or got married, she would be happy. And she, Marcia, might not be. Not ever.”
May 13, 2021
Escaping The Whale is an intimate portrait of a woman trying to find out who she is to those around her and herself-choosing the background of events of the Iran Hostage Crisis in the eighties, the connection and the disconnection of people around her towards the daily chaos. The challenge of her job as a guidance counselor in helping young girls make decisions, her peer's attitude towards her role, including that of her boyfriend, Jason. Her anger, resentment, unexplained dreams, nightmares all spiral Marcia deep into a funnel of despair. At the end of the story, Marcia makes the crucial decision for her survival, to find her "center Finding oneself can take forever. Living with the effects of trauma makes it a lifetime journey. Escaping the Whale is a wonderful choice for a book club. Many things to talk about. I would make sure there is plenty of wine.."
July 23, 2020
Escaping The Whale is a thought-provoking, well written account of a young woman's struggle to come to grips with her legacy and background. Marcia is a likable protagonist, and the reader is literally brought inside her head as she tries to first cover up then deal with her issues. A myriad of themes are explored that are relatable to many readers in our current times. I highly recommend this beautifully written, first published novel by Ruth Rotkowitz.
June 1, 2021
Emotional, intense, often relatable
Really well written..the lengthy introspection of the lead character may be necessary but not always appreciated. Disturbing for sure.
Not sure the ending was realistic as inner strength not evident through most of the book, but there it is at the end. This assessment comes as I could certainly see some of my own inner demons throughout..thought provoking for sure
Really well written..the lengthy introspection of the lead character may be necessary but not always appreciated. Disturbing for sure.
Not sure the ending was realistic as inner strength not evident through most of the book, but there it is at the end. This assessment comes as I could certainly see some of my own inner demons throughout..thought provoking for sure
October 29, 2024
As someone whose parents dealt with PTSD caused by WWII daily, I could identify with this story, albeit fictional. It is an excellent read for those interested in the long-lasting effects of the Holocaust or, indeed, any trauma.
March 28, 2021
I kept feeling that I should be really enjoying this. But I didn’t. Just wasn’t engaged
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews