The Children of Willesden Lane. Beyond the Kindertransport: A Memoir of Music, Love, and Survival

by Mona Golabek, Lee Cohen

Based on the true story of her mother, Mona Golabek describes the inspirational story of Lisa Jura's escape from Nazi-controlled Austria to England on the famed Kindertransport.



Jewish musical prodigy Lisa Jura has a wonderful life in Vienna. But when the Nazis start closing in on the city, life changes irreversibly. Although he has three daughters, Lisa's father is only able to secure one berth on the Kindertransport. The family decides to send Lisa to London so that she may pursue her dreams of a career as a concert pianist. Separated from her beloved family, Lisa bravely endures the trip and a disastrous posting outside London before finding her way to the Willesden Lane Orphanage.

It is in this orphanage that Lisa's story truly comes to life. Her music inspires the other orphanage children, and they, in turn, cheer her on in her efforts to make good on her promise to her family to realize her musical potential. Through hard work and sheer pluck, Lisa wins a scholarship to study piano at the Royal Academy. As she supports herself and studies, she makes a new life for herself and dreams of reconnecting with the family she was forced to leave behind. The resulting tale delivers a message of the power of music to uplift the human spirit and to grant the individual soul endurance, patience, and peace.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Biography, Holocaust, World War II, Memoir, Historical

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 2002

Reviews

[María Ignacia Urzúa R. (te.conlibros)]

Una historia de amor, supervivencia, determinación y esperanza en medio de la Segunda Guerra Mundial.

En este libro la autora, Mona Golabek, relata la infancia y adolescencia de su madre, Lisa Jura, una niña prodigio de la música que vivia en Viena cuando Hitler entró con su ejército. Cuando esto ocurre, sus padres se ven obligados a tomar una decisión: enviarla a Londres través de un programa para niños víctimas de la persecución nazi. Asi es como Lisa va a terminar en una casa para refugiados en Willesden Lane.

Siempre me piden recomendaciones de libros para adolescentes (13-16 años) y este me parece una buena opción (De hecho, se lee en varios colegios de EEUU como introducción a la SGM).

Es una novela corta (200 páginas aprox), de narrativa liviana y rápida, basada en la vida de la mamá de la autora y el llamado "Kindertransport". Un programa humanitario británico que, entre 1938 y 1940, rescató a casi 10.000 niños, principalmente judíos, de territorios controlados por los nazis, enviándolos a Inglaterra. Estos niños viajaban solos, sin sus padres, y eran acogidos por familias británicas o en instituciones.

No solo aprendí sobre este nuevo "ángulo" de la SGM, sino que lo hice a través de los ojos de una niña que formó parte del programa. Al ser este el tono de la novela, no aborda hechos violentos ni muy oscuros, siendo una buena aproximación a estos hechos históricos para los más chicos.

Por otro lado, (para mi sorpresa y siendo alguien mas bien crítica de las historias de la SGM) me parece que el mensaje es muy original: el libro se centra en cómo el amor y las pasiones pueden ser fuente de determinación y valentía en los periodos más difíciles. A lo largo de toda la novela, Luisa Jura encuentra en el amor de su mamá y en su pasión por la música y el piano una llave de alegría y motivación para seguir. Me reafirmó lo importante que es encontrar ese refugio.

Fue una linda historia juvenil, de aprendizaje y con un mensaje que no está de más recordar.

(Tengan presente que no le doy estrellas a libros basados en hechos reales porque creo que no puedo rankear "vida" de otras personas - y como deciden contarla - con una puntuación :) )

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Fabulous book! It was a page-turner. I never wanted to put it down and was always eager to resume reading. I loved the writing style. I loved the true story. It is one of the better coming of age stories I’ve read. It covers Lisa Jura from age 14 (with some of her memories of earlier years) to age 21, with some follow up at the end about her future.

I appreciated that the main author’s note was at the beginning and not at the end of the book which is the most common place for it. I was glad to have the information she provided prior to reading the book. I was grateful to have information given at the end too, to learn the fates of certain people.

I wanted to and wish I had made a point to listen to the musical pieces mentioned that Lisa played. I wanted to hear the music around the time I read about it! I would have but it was too hard to put down the book long enough to search for a playable piece of music online, either in full or even short portions.

This book sat on my to read shelf for over a decade before I finally read it. I’m so glad that I finally read it.

This is a wonderful daughter-mother tribute, and for more than one generation in this family.

I can’t recommend this book highly enough. I especially recommend it for people interested in coming of age stories, the Holocaust, England during WWII, the Kindertransport, and especially pianists, and other musicians and music appreciators, and anyone looking for a great friendship story, and an inspirational true story. I loved it.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, the true story of Lisa Jura who came to England as part of the Kindertransport which rescued 10,000 Jewish children from the Nazis.

I saw Mona Golabek last year at the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood performing "The Pianist of Willesden Lane," a one-woman play based on this book in which she portrays her mother. It was one of the most moving and beautiful performances that I have ever seen (including Golabek's stunning piano virtuosity). I was moved to tears several times.

Here is a five minute preview to her show, followed by a review:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83fdh...

https://dcmetrotheaterarts.com/2018/0...

This moving book is a tribute to the triumph of music, art, beauty and the resilient human spirit over evil and adversity. Brava, Lisa Jura and Mona Golabek!

[N · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this inspirational memoir about the Holocaust and the power of music.

It has become my favorite memoir to teach to my high school students when studying about the Holocaust. It is not as harrowing as Elie Wiesel’s Night; but it’s a beautiful tribute by pianist Mona Golabek to her mother, Lisa Jura, who was part of the Kindertransport and shipped off to Britain for a better life as life got worse in Germany where she was originally from. Inspirational and plucky, Lisa is a real life heroine that Ms Golabek has fleshed out.

[Bibiana In Bookland · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25-4,5⭐️
Ha sido bastante interesante leer este libro y ver el punto de vista de una niña de 14 años en la época nazi. En este caso consigue huir de la zona más conflictiva y va a Londres, donde luchará por un sueño que tenía en común con SI madre, ser concertista de piano. Me ha encantado que la música fuera un puente de unión entre las personas, de diferentes maneras, me ha gustado lo que me ha transmitido. Se lee muy rápido, pues es una lectura sencilla y ágil que te atrapa en la vida de Lisa y la vemos crecer.

[Yibbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twice now I’ve read this book. Unfortunately, it was too long ago for me to remember my thoughts from that first time.
This is a hard book to read. The constant overwhelming fear, sorrow, uncertainty, and longing are hard to read about. It’s a book about children ripped from their parents who have banded together as a family to survive. Each child has their own grief to bear as they try to carry each other’s burdens as well. That is the setting for the story of Lisa’s hope, courage, and determination. Through her darkest days, she clings to the music her mother taught her to love. Slowly, it brings her even closer to her friends and into a new family and world.
I would recommend it to everyone. We should all know what evil allowed to flourish will do, and we should also know what one small act of goodness can do for others.
One thing that I do remember an impression from that first time, and now I am able to put it into words. The style and general vocabulary make me think it was geared toward young teens. Yet, the subject may be more suitable for older teens, and there were a few 'mild' curse words.

[Lorri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Children of Willesden Lane: Beyond the Kindertransport: A Memoir of Music, Love and Survival, by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen.

Lisa Jura was fourteen-years old and living in pre-World War II Vienna when her parents put her on a Kindertransport train leaving for England. Lisa was studying piano, and had hoped to become a concert pianist. Mona Golabek, her daughter, and author Lee Cohen bring us the story of Jura’s journey through the Kindertransport program, where she resided for six years at a hostel/orphanage located at 243 Willesden Lane, London.

It is there that Jura forms long-lasting friendships with the other Kindertransport residents, and it is where her sister eventually comes to live, through the same program. The hostel is also where she and the other residents struggle daily, without knowing what has happened to their parents and other family members, while trying to maintain a sense of life and stabilty in their environment.

Jura is determined to make something of herself and she works hard at a factory (forming strong bonds with the other workers), and returns after work to practice on the hostel piano, each day, with permission from the head matron, Mrs. Cohen. She strives towards becoming a concert pianist, and her goals and dreams begin to become realized through a scholarship she earned to attend The Royal Academy of Music. She was encouraged to apply for it by Mrs. Cohen, who realized Jura’s talents the first moment she (Cohen) heard Jura play the piano.

The book is harsh and raw, no emotion left hidden, and it is a compelling book on so many levels. We journey with Jura through her difficulties in finding her place in a foreign world. We are at times emotionally drained, and other times extremely inspired by Jura through her strength and perseverance to find identity, and to adjust to her life without her closest friend…her mother.

That Jura succeeded on all levels is a tribute to her willpower and devotion to her parents, and to her mother’s lasting words that kept her going through the harshest and most difficult of times, “Hold on to your music. It will be your best friend“. And, so it was.

The Children of Willesden Lane is a heart-wrenching and beautifully written memoir and tribute, to Mona Golabek’s mother, and to Jura’s entire family. Jura’s parents were sent to Auschwitz and never heard from.

[Javi reads and reads and reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

¿Cómo se le pone calificación a un libro que cuenta la historia real de alguien?

Un relato hermoso y desgarrador sobre una chica que se aferra a la música para no perder la cordura durante uno de los periodos más oscuros de la historia.

Sinceramente, no hay palabras.

[Sheila Griffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story that needed to be told, the love of music overcoming the heinous specter of genocide. The audio version had piano music inserted at relevant points in the narrative.

[Koren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had not heard of the Kindertransport, a train that took Jewish children from Austria and Germany, to London, to avoid the encroaching German armies of Hitler. The parents had to purchase the fare for the children to go and have a family arranged to take the child once they got there. So starts the story of Lisa Jurs, who was put on this train alone to go to London to avoid Hitler. But what happened to Lisa happened to many of the children. When they got to London the families that were suppose to take them no longer could take them. If there was no where for them to go they were taken to an orphanage called a hostel. The one Lisa ended up in was at Willesden Lane. From there I assumed the rest of the book would be about the atrocities endured at the orphanage, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was the opposite. The environment of the orphanage was postive and her love of the piano was nurtured. Even the garment factory Lisa worked at was a postive environment. I couldnt put this book down, as I so wanted to see if Lisa was reunited with her parents and sisters but I wont give that away. You will have to read the book.

[Kath Leco C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una obra maestra de principio a fin. 5 🌟

[Soany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gusta leer historias sobre la guerra nazi y los horrores del Holocausto.
Esta vez es un libro con hechos reales sobre una sobreviviente y como la música y su amor por el piano la ayudaron en tiempos difíciles.
Este libro es conmovedor, contando una historia que te hace sentir, reflexionar y pensar que tan duro debió ser huir y separarte de tus familiares y luchar por sobrevivir en medio de la guerra, los horrores y muertes. Peor si eras pequeño en un país solo.

Un libro que recomiendo leerselo a los jóvenes.

[Anastasia Hobbet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a research-driven choice. I needed to learn more, as close to first-hand as possible, about the British Kindertransport on the eve of World War II, a truly heroic program that took in 10,000 Austrian and German kids, most of them Jewish, as Hitler was scooping up their families for shipment to the concentration camps. Most of the kids, needless to say, never saw their families again. I say 'heroic' because England opened its doors to refugees even as other western nations turned a blind eye to what was going on, and refused to admit them. The last Kindertransport train arrived in London the day after England declared war on Germany, as Londoners desperately shoved their own kids onto the trains in a mass evacuation to protect them from German bombs. One of the characters in this memoir, a little girl, arrived on that train, having left behind her home, her family, her country, her language, and all her worldly possessions except those she could cram into a single small suitcase. It's an iconic scene.

As for the book itself, it's at some remove from its origin, unfortunately,and reads as a scrubbed-clean hagiography of its main subject, Lisa Jura Golabek. a piano prodigy from a Viennese family, who was lucky enough to get out of Austria, thanks to Kindertransport. After Lisa's death many decades later, her daughter put the book together with the help of a journalist. I don't envy that journalist, paid to galvanize the daughter's enshrined second-hand memories. She didn't succeed. But the naked facts of the time and place are enough to make this book worth reading. You don't hear much about the Kindertransport, and it should be a name we know as deeply and indelibly as 'The Holocaust'.

[Cynthia Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

UPDATE: I finished "The Children of Willesden Lane" and it was the perfect complement to the live performance. The book tells the whole story of a young girl being sent from Austria to England on her own in the middle of the Nazi takeover of Europe. It chronicles all the desperation and unexpected joys of living with other children whose parents either sent to a safe refuge or were in captivity or killed.

Though that sounds grim, the story is actually full of challenges and triumphs and bonding in ways that show the goodness of mankind in the face of such horror. I loved every minute of it and I highly recommend it for anyone who loves reading about the power of the human spirit in the face of desperate challenges.

*** Previous comments:
I had the great fortune to see the stage adaptation of this memoir last week and I was blown away by the sheer talent of author. Not only did she write the book and the play about her mother - who was a child prodigy - she acted her mother's role and played the piano, mixing the two together as she took the audience on Lisa Jura's desperate journey across WWII Europe, all alone, to the relative safety of Great Britain.

I have never experienced anything like Mona Golabek's performance. I was entranced from the outset all the way through the 90 minute performance. Ms. Golabek had a book signing directly afterwards, and I made sure I was first in line to buy the book. Then I downloaded the Kindle version when I got home.

Naturally, the book has a more detailed version of Lisa's story. It is well-written and compelling and I find myself racing through it. I'll write a proper review when I finish it.

[Linda Lipko]

This is an incredible book! It is the story of the author's family and in particular her mother Lisa Jura.

Ten thousand Jewish children were transported from Europe to England in an attempt to rescue as many children as possible from the grips of the Nazi regime intent on destroyed this loving, peaceful culture.

As she systematically observes the treatment of her family and neighbors, time ticks away as day by day more and more physical and emotional assaults occur.

Fortunate enough to land a precious seat on the Kindertransport, Lisa leaves behind all that is precious to her, except for the musical talent she holds in her heart.

This is a story of courage, of fear, of defeat and of survival. It is a unique story of children robbed from parental comfort, but given the blessing of life.

Arriving with little or no knowledge of foreign custom and language, teary, tired and worn children came to England seeking a home. Many gracious loving British people opened their homes and hearts.

While Lisa's family was promised a home for her, when she arrived her uncle told her there was no room for her. She eventually became a child of a large home on Willesden Lane near London. Through Lisa's eyes we learn of the adjustment and the emotional support given.

My review could not do justice to the beauty of the writing and the story. This book is first and foremost a tale that needs to be told again and again, and it is a wonderful homage to the brave people of England during WWII.

Highly recommended! ( )

[Caroline Mcphail-Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book immensely.

Stories that show how humans can overcome and triumph despite insurmountable odds make my heart sing with hope for humanity. This is a delightful read for any readers interested in the power to overcome as well as family, history, WWII, music, piano, strength, resiliency, hope, courage and oh so much more that is positive about humanity will enjoy this sweet read.

Shed a few tears even as I knew the final outcome which shows the power of the story.

Read, weep, and enjoy human triumph!

[Adrián · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una historia preciosa durante el holocausto. ¿Qué más se puede pedir?
Un libro muy recomendado y adictivo.

[Naiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

«¿Una jovencita no debería escuchar esto? —se preguntó Lisa—. ¡Pero si yo lo he visto, lo he vivido!».

[Deena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating, nuanced, and beautifully written book. While it by no means represents the experiences of all the kindertransport children, it provides a detailed description of the journey of several. It also gives us a very different view of the British home front, adding a nice depth to the narrative. Despite being written by the protagonist's daughter, it doesn't pull any punches: Lisa's dedication to her music occasionally led to emotions and behaviors that could be read as selfishness or self-centeredness (as is often the case in the employment of such talent, and I say that without criticism or judgment), and the reader is shown that. But the most important aspect of Lisa's story, and the most telling about what the people in it endured during those years, is the inspiration that the people around her derived from that dedication and from the music itself.

My only argument with this book, and it is a slight one stemming from my own background, is that it might have been a good choice to present it as a novelization (as Keneally did with Schindler). Not only is it derived from Lisa's memory, but then from Mona's as well. This is not to say that it is not credible, but my inner historian says that methodologically the conversations (and there are many) can in most cases only be "based on" or recreations of the type of thing that was probably said in such a circumstance. Further, the Author's Note points out that several characters are amalgamations of more than one person (again, as Keneally did in Schindler's List. That's not a bad thing; indeed, I tend to get irritated by a cast of too many characters to keep straight. But it might have made sense to categorize the "memoir" as a novelization.

This is a quick read, and well worth it.

[Jacqueline Masumian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe this book may have been intended for young readers, but it holds great rewards for adults, as well. A "memoir" of Mona Golabek's mother's life during World War II, it's the story of a child prodigy, a young pianist named Lisa Jura, who is saved from Nazi-threatened Austria by the Kindertransport program in Europe in 1938-39. Under this program a select number of Jewish children were shipped from countries being invaded by Hitler to homes and hostels in England. There they were raised for several years, never giving up hope of being reunited with their families.

This story (I put "memoir" in quotes above, as it would seem impossible for the author to know all of what was going on in her mother's heart at that time) is one of hope and fortitude, as a young girl holds on to her music, finds a piano wherever possible to develop her talent, and manages to gain admittance to the Royal Academy of Music and eventually realize her dream of being a concert pianist.

A remarkable book, it should be read by all young people today, educating them about World War II and what children and teens experienced at that time, as well as what it means to face adversity and survive. While not a great piece of literature, it tells an important story. It may be further enhanced by listening to the gorgeous piano music that is mentioned in the book.

Note: I acquired this book as a result of seeing the one-woman show The Pianist of Willesden Lane, performed with tremendous skill by the author, Mona Golabek. I highly recommend it, if it comes to your town!

[✧ hayley (the sugar bowl) ✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

➳ 4 ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚

so, i read this book a while ago, but from what i remember this was a great middle grade WWII novel. i read the young readers edition because that was the edition i acquired but i’ve heard it’s not much different from the original.

this book kind of introduced me to historical fiction/historical novels especially WWII ones. i remember really enjoying and i’d recommend it for young and old readers alike looking for a heartwarming, heartbreaking story of a young girl during the second world war.

the ending is very bittersweet and i enjoyed this book thoroughly. this memoir is not something you will easily forget.


୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆

[Susan Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story of Lisa Jura, one of approximate 10,000 Jewish children rescued from Nazis thru Kindertransport, and her piano playing. Just can't give it 4 stars because something about the writing is too simplistic, or something I can't quite put my finger on. I've just read other WWII books whose writing rings more true to me. (Own)

[Julie Biles · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audiobook was a ticket to a classical concert hall, a 5 star dramatic performance and a transcontinental European train traveling back to a time of unimaginable human tragedy combined with strength and courage that is otherworldly and downright limitless! Inspiring to say the least! Beautifully redemptive!

[Ruth Hoekstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a piano teacher and bought this book, unread, as a gift to one of my high school students. Months later, I've had the chance to read it myself. What a marvelously inspirational and true story! Appropriate for anyone learning about World War II, and especially for musicians. Very well written!

[Pía Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25
¡Lo disfruté mucho! Siento que dentro de los libros de la WWII es uno bueno para quienes comienzan a leer sobre este contexto. Te deja un lindo sentimiento en el corazón y la historia de Lisa y sus amigos te mantiene pendiente cada página.

[Mariana Montserrat · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Tienes que prometerme que te aferrarás a la música. Deja que se convierta en tu mejor amiga".

Este libro me lo llevé con calma, aunque no es difícil ni denso. De hecho, es muy accesible, tierno y conmovedor, ideal si estás comenzando a explorar historias sobre la Segunda Guerra Mundial.

Cuenta la historia real de Lisa Jura, una joven pianista judía enviada a Londres a través del Kindertransport para escapar del nazismo. Su historia está atravesada por la música, que funciona como refugio, resistencia y esperanza. Esa parte me pareció muy hermosa: cómo el arte puede sostenerte incluso en los momentos más oscuros.

No puedo decir que me voló la cabeza ni que me dejó marcada, pero sí me pareció un relato cálido y lleno de luz en medio de una época brutal. Lo recomendaría especialmente para quienes quieran empezar a leer sobre esta etapa histórica sin adentrarse todavía en lecturas más crudas o pesadas. Es un buen punto de partida, con un mensaje esperanzador en circunstancias adversas.

[Patri · Rating 5 out of 5]

4'5⭐

[Dakota Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read!

[Michal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like the title was a little deceiving as this book follows the traumatic journey of a single girl. It is an incredible story that kept me on the edge of my seat through the end.

[Dolceluna ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Una musica più forte delle bombe” è la biografia di Lisa Jura, la madre di Mona Golabek, autrice, insieme a Lee Cohen, di questo romanzo. E'la storia di una ragazza che si salva dalla guerra e dall’orrore delle deportazioni grazie all’amore dei genitori, al destino e la passione per la musica. Quando ha 14 anni e l’ombra di Hitler si affaccia sul suo paese, Lisa lascia infatti Vienne a parte alla volta dell’Inghilterra con il Kindertrasport, un programma particolare che ha l’obiettivo di salvare i bambini ebrei, offrendo loro l’opportunità di una nuova vita in un altro paese: è una scelta dolorosa dei genitori, che di figlie ne hanno altre due (una delle quali raggiungerà Lisa, anni dopo). In Inghilterra Lisa va ad abitare al Willesden Lane, una sorta di asilo per molti ragazzi ebrei e qui riscopre la passione per il pianoforte, che studierà fino ad approdare alla Royal Academy of Music, circondata dall’affetto di tanti altri ragazzi, orfani di guerra, come lei.
E’ la testimonianza di una fortuna, nonostante l’orrore del tempo, e del coraggio, della caparbietà e della passione della protagonista. La prova di quanto importante possa essere aggrapparsi a una passione, come la musica, in un momento difficile. Tutti dovrebbero avere delle passioni sane e felici, nella vita, dei lumi di speranza in grado di farci andare avanti a vivere.
Insomma, è una bella storia.
Peccato che io abbia avvertito, a più riprese, lo “stacco” troppo veloce fra un’azione e un’altra, fra un momento e l’altro nell’avventura di Lisa, e questo abbia storpiato un po’ la lettura, non consentendomi di apprezzarla pienamente. Poi ho scoperto che questo che ho letto altro non è che la riduzione, per giovani lettori, del romanzo “La pianista di Vienna” e dunque ho collegato questa storpiatura non a un difetto della narrazione o della traduzione, ma al tipo di edizione a effetto “ridotto” che, senza saperlo, ho comprato. Mi chiedo quale fosse la necessità di ridurre un libro di tale importanza, forse tagliare alcuni passaggi più cruenti relativi alle bombe, alla guerra? O forse una mera operazione di marketing per accaparrarsi giovani lettori? La volontà di proporre versioni per giovani lettori mi lascia sempre perplessa, e, in questo caso specifico, sono certa che un giovane lettore avrebbe potuto approcciarsi con cautela anche alla versione integrale.
Tuttavia, io questa ho letto e questa valuto. Con 3 stelline, non tanto per la sensazione di taglio ma perché, di fatto, resta una testimonianza importante ma non una lettura imperdibile.