Dora-Doreen

by Sophia Tova Stone

Based on a true story, this novel tells the harrowing journey of an orphaned child born to Jewish immigrant parents in Norway. Dora experiences great loss during the Holocaust and barely escapes Nazi pursuit on skis. Seeking refuge in Sweden during the remainder of the war, she eventually creates a new life in America, becoming an immigrant in her own right. Living in Reno, Nevada she faces challenges however soon falls in love, marries, and starts a family all the while finding and reconciling her Jewish identity. After twice divorcing the same man, Doreen ultimately finds solace in the love of her family. Her epic adventure from young girl to 105-year-old grandmother is both riveting and endearing.

480 pages, Paperback

First published January 18, 2022

About the author

This is Sophia Stone’s debut novel. She wrote this book as a tribute to her paternal grandmother’s journey as a Jewish woman living most of the 20th century. Growing up on the east coast and extremely involved with her Jewish community, Sophia often shared thoughts about life and Jewish identity with her “Granny”. By sharing this true story, Sophia compels her readers to gain a better understanding of the Jewish experience, and the will to survive as exemplified in the perseverance of Jews for generations. She currently lives in Colorado with her partner, his daughter, and their three dogs.

Reviews

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time and very talented author Sophia Tova Stone takes us on the inspiring life journey her grandmother Dora Doreen Stone made during her 105 years on Earth. I was captivated by the courage and resilience Dora exhibits as a child that this skilled writer reflects throughout her life. The authors sensitive perspective of Dora's life in France, Norway and Sweden during WWII gives the reader a truly realistic experience of what it took to survive occupation while supporting the resistance. Dora's determination to come to America and start a new life after the war was my favorite part of the book. A must read, a great book club choice and a wonderful book to gift to friends.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the lady and the book. Highly recommend!

[Vincent Culotta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fabulous. A compelling story of one woman's amazing, tragic, yet uplifting life. You follow Doreen Stone's live from a young child growing up in poverty in Oslo, orphaned at a young age, her flight from Nazi occupied Norway, and her emigration to the United States. Sophia Stone does a wonderful job capturing the essence of her grandmother's life and it is a tale that everyone should read. i couldn't put it down.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing story about a Jewish woman who escaped from Nazi invasion of Norway. It reminded me of my own grandmother who lived to be almost 101 who escaped to America from Estonia (though different circumstances). Such amazing women who lived under very difficult times.

[Heather Hendrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a stellar story! And written so beautifully.
This is a unique approach to the story of an incredible woman, Holocaust survivor, and ancestor who lived to the age of 105! I'm so grateful to Sophia Tova Stone for sharing this story in her beautiful book.