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Life Writing
In the Unlikeliest of Places: How Nachman Libeskind Survived the Nazis, Gulags, and Soviet Communism
Annette Libeskind Berkovits thought her attempt to have her father record his life's story failed. But in 2004, three years after her father's death, she was going through his things and found a box of tapes—several years' worth—with his spectacular life, triumphs, and tragedies told one last time in his baritone voice.
Nachman Libeskind's remarkable story is an odyssey through crucial events of the twentieth century. With an unshakable will and a few drops of luck, he survives a pre-war Polish prison; witnesses the 1939 Nazi invasion of Lodz and narrowly escapes; is imprisoned in a brutal Soviet gulag where he helps his fellow inmates survive, and upon regaining his freedom treks to the foothills of the Himalayas, where he finds and nearly loses the love of his life. Later, the crushing communist regime and a lingering postwar anti-Semitism in Poland drive Nachman and his young family to Israel, where he faces a new form of discrimination. Then, defiantly, Nachman turns a pocketful of change into a new life in New York City, where a heartbreaking promise leads to his unlikely success as a modernist painter that inspires others to pursue their dreams.
With just a box of tapes, Annette Libeskind Berkovits tells more than her father's she builds an uncommon family saga and reimagines a turbulent past. In the process she uncovers a stubborn optimism that flourished in the unlikeliest of places.
Nachman Libeskind's remarkable story is an odyssey through crucial events of the twentieth century. With an unshakable will and a few drops of luck, he survives a pre-war Polish prison; witnesses the 1939 Nazi invasion of Lodz and narrowly escapes; is imprisoned in a brutal Soviet gulag where he helps his fellow inmates survive, and upon regaining his freedom treks to the foothills of the Himalayas, where he finds and nearly loses the love of his life. Later, the crushing communist regime and a lingering postwar anti-Semitism in Poland drive Nachman and his young family to Israel, where he faces a new form of discrimination. Then, defiantly, Nachman turns a pocketful of change into a new life in New York City, where a heartbreaking promise leads to his unlikely success as a modernist painter that inspires others to pursue their dreams.
With just a box of tapes, Annette Libeskind Berkovits tells more than her father's she builds an uncommon family saga and reimagines a turbulent past. In the process she uncovers a stubborn optimism that flourished in the unlikeliest of places.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2014
1 person is currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Annette Libeskind Berkovits
5 books49 followersAnnette Libeskind Berkovits was born in Kyrgyzstan and grew up in postwar Poland and the fledgling state of Israel before coming to America at age sixteen.
Despite being uprooted from country to country, Berkovits has channeled her passions into language study and writing. She has published two memoirs, short stories, selected poems, and now The Corset Maker, a historical novel. Erythra Thalassa: Brain Disrupted is her first poetry chapbook.
Her stories and poems have appeared in Silk Road Review: a Literary Crossroads; Persimmon Tree; American Gothic: a New Chamber Opera; Blood & Thunder: Musings on the Art of Medicine; and The Healing Muse.
Her first memoir, In the Unlikeliest of Places, a story of her remarkable father’s survival, was published by Wilfrid Laurier University Press in September 2014 and reissued in paperback in 2016. Her second memoir, Confessions of an Accidental Zoo Curator, was published in April 2017.
In her three-decade career with the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York, she spearheaded the institution’s nationwide and worldwide science education programs. Her achievements include the first-ever agreement to bring environmental education to China’s schools. The National Science Foundation has recognized her outstanding leadership in the field.
Despite being uprooted from country to country, Berkovits has channeled her passions into language study and writing. She has published two memoirs, short stories, selected poems, and now The Corset Maker, a historical novel. Erythra Thalassa: Brain Disrupted is her first poetry chapbook.
Her stories and poems have appeared in Silk Road Review: a Literary Crossroads; Persimmon Tree; American Gothic: a New Chamber Opera; Blood & Thunder: Musings on the Art of Medicine; and The Healing Muse.
Her first memoir, In the Unlikeliest of Places, a story of her remarkable father’s survival, was published by Wilfrid Laurier University Press in September 2014 and reissued in paperback in 2016. Her second memoir, Confessions of an Accidental Zoo Curator, was published in April 2017.
In her three-decade career with the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York, she spearheaded the institution’s nationwide and worldwide science education programs. Her achievements include the first-ever agreement to bring environmental education to China’s schools. The National Science Foundation has recognized her outstanding leadership in the field.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 5, 2014
The subtitle of this book says it all really. “How Nachman Libeskind Survived the Nazis, Gulags, and Soviet Communism”. Nachman Libeskind was a remarkable man and this biography is the story of his remarkable life. It’s the saga of a Jewish family before, during and after World War Two and an incredible tale of survival, courage, determination and, to a large degree, sheer luck. His daughter encouraged her father to record his life and three years after his death in 2001 she discovered he had done just that. She found a box of tapes on which he had recorded in great detail the trajectory of his journey to ultimate safety in the US. Based on these tapes, she compiled this wonderfully moving and compelling account of just how he managed to survive all that the 20th century threw at him and his family.
Annette Libeskind Berkovits herself forged a successful career at the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York, and her brother is the internationally renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. So this is not only their father’s story but also theirs, and as such is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to triumph over adversity.
Annette Libeskind Berkovits herself forged a successful career at the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York, and her brother is the internationally renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. So this is not only their father’s story but also theirs, and as such is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to triumph over adversity.
June 15, 2016
What a pity that reading has become a luxury, a guilty pleasure plucked from the frantic pace of twenty-first century life. Here's a sure testament to a book's vitality: Confronted by personal deadlines, and intending only a few minutes' preliminary perusal, I found myself immediately swept up in the story. I did not re-emerge until the final page had been turned and light was suffusing the dark sky. IN THE UNLIKELIEST OF PLACES: HOW NACHMAN LIBESKIND SURVIVED THE NAZIS, GULAGS, AND SOVIET COMMUNISM by Annette Libeskind Berkovits is a riveting account of the extraordinary life of the author's father. At the center of a biography that unfolds like a novel is Nachman Libeskind, an authentic contemporary hero. What is the source of the inextinguishable optimism that enables him to triumph over seemingly overwhelming odds? Larger than life and at the same time a passionate flesh-and-blood man, Libeskind remains unbowed amid the turbulence of a generational saga juxtaposed against one of history's most troubled and challenging times. This memorable work is an un-put-down-able read. Don't say you weren't warned!
June 17, 2016
This powerful memoir is more than a story of one man’s, Nachman Libeskind, experiences during some of the most horrific events of cruelty and persecution in the 20th century but more importantly it is a story of the triumph of the human spirit. Through all his personal suffering and setbacks Nachman never loses his moral compass and values of kindness, the importance of family and personal integrity. In the skillful hands of Annette Berkovits, Nachman Libeskind’s daughter, the world of Lodz, Poland, before World War II, comes alive, the vibrancy, the diversity, the struggles, and ultimate tragedies. This is also a love story, a story of a daughter whose fierce devotion of her father transforms and enriches both their lives. It is an unforgettable and inspiring story that I highly recommend.
June 15, 2016
What makes for resilience in the face of adversity and where does courage come from? For anyone who has ever asked themselves these questions, In the Unlikeliest of Places, is unforgettable memoir about an unforgettable man—Nachman Libeskind.
This loving tribute written by his daughter Annette Berkovits is, on one level, a thriller detailing his narrow escapes from the Nazis and the Soviet gulag; on the other, it’s proof -positive of his enduring optimism and a mindset that allowed him to find goodness in others. A haunting testament of the triumph of the human spirit over all manner of adversity, In the Unlikeliest of Places is highly recommended.
This loving tribute written by his daughter Annette Berkovits is, on one level, a thriller detailing his narrow escapes from the Nazis and the Soviet gulag; on the other, it’s proof -positive of his enduring optimism and a mindset that allowed him to find goodness in others. A haunting testament of the triumph of the human spirit over all manner of adversity, In the Unlikeliest of Places is highly recommended.
June 15, 2016
This book is the unforgettable memoir of Nachman Libeskind, as written by his daughter. What is remarkable about Nachman’s story is certainly his escape from the Nazis and imprisonment in a Soviet Gulag, but even more so is his positive outlook on life, despite his circumstances. Though Nachman endured unspeakable hardships, his love of life is breathtaking, reminiscent of Louis Zamperini in the true story, Unbroken. You will find Berkovits’s portrayal of her father both moving and inspiring. I highly recommend the book.
June 17, 2016
Haven't read it yet? Then I'll say this again.
This is a book that you continue to think about once you set it down. The events reveal people at their worst and their best and, for me, call into question the impulses of humanity and governments. The book is wonderfully crafted--the way the writing moves through time and place brings forward the connections of past to present and the lasting impact this history has on this family.
This is a book that you continue to think about once you set it down. The events reveal people at their worst and their best and, for me, call into question the impulses of humanity and governments. The book is wonderfully crafted--the way the writing moves through time and place brings forward the connections of past to present and the lasting impact this history has on this family.
September 15, 2016
In the Unlikeliest of Places is just absolutely beautifully written. Beyond her father's experience during and after the Holocaust, Annette Libeskind Berkovits delves much deeper to illustrate the contributions and sacrifices of immigrants, the struggles of refugees and life lessons taught by overcoming adversity. This book would be perfect for book discussion groups - lots of possibilities for great conversations in these pages!
April 9, 2015
This was an excellent book about the strength of one man to survive the brutality around him and to adapt to his surroundings. It reminded me of Unbroken in that regard. It is also a love story and a tribute to the Jews in eastern Europe who endured such atrocities.
May 8, 2018
A very well written book. I enjoyed it. History must be recorded.
August 31, 2016
This memoir traces Nachman Libeskind's family’s life in prewar Poland, his military service, time in a Soviet gulag and as a refugee in Central Asia, up to rebuilding his postwar life with his own family and immigration to Israel and the United States. In New York City, at close to fifty years old he learns English and throws himself into integration in American life. His daughter, Annette Libeskind Berkovits, who made a name for herself as head of science education programs at the Wildlife Conservation Society, lovingly and carefully tells his life story based largely on a collection of tapes her father recorded of himself telling these tales.
This oral history was coupled with her own research to give historical and cultural context and insight, as well as her lifetime of memories with her family. It’s a lot of information, but it works beautifully and the story evokes a range of emotions – her father is a genuinely charming, warm person whose observations are adorable and sweetly humorous, but there are passages that bring you to tears too. (And then an entertaining Hillary Clinton anecdote to make you happy again! It’s kind of a roller coaster.)
It helps that Berkovits is a gifted storyteller, and her writing makes for smooth reading. That wasn’t an easy task, because as she points out in the book’s introduction, she chose to jump between the past and the present in the narrative of her father’s life, loosely connecting events or recollections or ideas, mimicking the flighty way memory itself functions. It turns out to be an affecting choice, and it’s very well done as I didn’t find myself getting lost in the jumps at all. In fact, she really achieved her goal of writing a book that captures the fleeting nature and changing abilities of memory.
So how did he survive some of the most horrific events of the 20th century, as the subtitle says? Through kindness. Treating others well. Understanding instead of anger. Patience. Trying again, always while staying positive. But the main theme here, and what Berkovits said in an interview that she most wanted to be remembered about her father’s legacy, is that “…one must never forget history, but at the same time one absolutely cannot harbor bitterness that keeps one from moving forward in a positive way. My father always looked for the best in people he met. He felt strongly that everyone has something valuable to offer the world.” What an incredible gift he left when he made those tapes, and how amazing that she shared something so valuable with the rest of the world.
As an added point of interest, even if you’re not an architecture aficionado, the name Libeskind surely rings a bell. Daniel Libeskind is the architect responsible for such well-known and much-discussed structures as the Jewish Museum Berlin and the World Trade Center Master Plan, among many others. He’s Nachman’s second child; his heartfelt foreword to his sister’s book is fitting and a beautiful read too. It’s easy to see how a father who worked so hard, rebuilding his life almost completely anew multiple times over the course of living it, and who had such a passion for the arts, humanities, and contributing to the world in a kind, meaningful way, left as his legacy two children who’ve done just that – given a lot of rich, thoughtful art and meaningful work to the world.
This oral history was coupled with her own research to give historical and cultural context and insight, as well as her lifetime of memories with her family. It’s a lot of information, but it works beautifully and the story evokes a range of emotions – her father is a genuinely charming, warm person whose observations are adorable and sweetly humorous, but there are passages that bring you to tears too. (And then an entertaining Hillary Clinton anecdote to make you happy again! It’s kind of a roller coaster.)
It helps that Berkovits is a gifted storyteller, and her writing makes for smooth reading. That wasn’t an easy task, because as she points out in the book’s introduction, she chose to jump between the past and the present in the narrative of her father’s life, loosely connecting events or recollections or ideas, mimicking the flighty way memory itself functions. It turns out to be an affecting choice, and it’s very well done as I didn’t find myself getting lost in the jumps at all. In fact, she really achieved her goal of writing a book that captures the fleeting nature and changing abilities of memory.
So how did he survive some of the most horrific events of the 20th century, as the subtitle says? Through kindness. Treating others well. Understanding instead of anger. Patience. Trying again, always while staying positive. But the main theme here, and what Berkovits said in an interview that she most wanted to be remembered about her father’s legacy, is that “…one must never forget history, but at the same time one absolutely cannot harbor bitterness that keeps one from moving forward in a positive way. My father always looked for the best in people he met. He felt strongly that everyone has something valuable to offer the world.” What an incredible gift he left when he made those tapes, and how amazing that she shared something so valuable with the rest of the world.
As an added point of interest, even if you’re not an architecture aficionado, the name Libeskind surely rings a bell. Daniel Libeskind is the architect responsible for such well-known and much-discussed structures as the Jewish Museum Berlin and the World Trade Center Master Plan, among many others. He’s Nachman’s second child; his heartfelt foreword to his sister’s book is fitting and a beautiful read too. It’s easy to see how a father who worked so hard, rebuilding his life almost completely anew multiple times over the course of living it, and who had such a passion for the arts, humanities, and contributing to the world in a kind, meaningful way, left as his legacy two children who’ve done just that – given a lot of rich, thoughtful art and meaningful work to the world.
November 11, 2020
Reading this book again after several years, I find it even more moving and profound especially in these turbulent times. Nachman’s ability to confront the very worst of humanity with his enduring optimism and compassion for others is what makes reading about this remarkable man so compelling. Throughout his life - fleeing Nazi persecution, imprisoned, then in a brutal Soviet gulag, and later brutally interrogated by agents of the NKVD (the precursor to the KGB) Nachman survives because of the way he uses every opportunity and every advantage he has to help others. The book is gripping and inspirational in that we see that Nachman views every individual through the lens of our common humanity and not as “the other” a character trait that is sorely needed in our world today. This memoir is enlightening, timely, and inspirational. Just what is needed at this moment in time.
August 14, 2016
I usually overlook the occasional error when reading a book, but am sad to say that I had to give up reading 'In the Unlikeliest of Places' due to the amount of errors. For instance, it began to get very tiresome reading a whole string of words without spaces in between. This could be anything from a few words to most of a sentence, and was happening quite frequently.
I feel this would have been a great memoir about Nachman Libeskind and his survival against the Nazis and the Soviet gulag, and one that I know I would have enjoyed.
I feel this would have been a great memoir about Nachman Libeskind and his survival against the Nazis and the Soviet gulag, and one that I know I would have enjoyed.
June 16, 2016
Fascinating to follow the life of this courages man in a turbulant time in history. Written in a very visual way. Having been in Warsaw several times myself and knowing from friends what the second world war did in their lifes this book was even more important. I have recomended the book to them and people here in Holland. Theo Jeuken.
September 6, 2016
This is an amazing biography following the life of a truly fascinating character in Holocaust and post-war Europe. If you've every wondered what it felt like to fight for freedom and family, this is exactly the book to read. The writing is fantastic, and the author's perspective from being Nachman's daughter is really interesting. Definitely go pick up a copy!
September 15, 2016
Wow! What an extraordinary life Nachman Libeskind has lived. This story is powerful, triumphant, and inspiring. Do yourself a favor and read this amazing true story of life during Nazi Germany, I promise you won't forget it anytime soon. Even more touching, it was written by Nachman's daughter. Beautiful story!!
October 29, 2016
Truly an amazing story, very well told and an important contribution to pre- and post-WWII history. There are now, and will no doubt be many more people in the future who will be so grateful that Annette Libeskind Berkovitz and her father had the foresight to be sure that Nachman Libeskind's story was not lost.
June 18, 2016
It has been a year since reading this well crafted story of how Nachman Libeskind survived more adversity than is imaginable to triumph an optimistic and happy man. It stays with me. It inspires me. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
November 11, 2020
I read this gripping and heartfelt book in 2018 and it is a MUST READ. I was going through my notes and realized I had written a review that somehow was never submitted. Ms. Libeskind Berkovits' book is so telling, so emotional, so uplifting, and full of hope despite the circumstances. As a United States military veteran this book really resonated with me. Ms. Berkovits is an exceptional storywriter. So it's quite fitting she wrote 'In the Unlikeliest of Places' while listening to to her Dad's life stories in much the same way her Dad Nachman, many years earlier penned a priceless collection of Yiddish Folk Tales by listening to another great storyteller, his Dad Chaim. This book, despite the somber backdrop of World War II, is so thrilling and uplifting with all the twists and turns of her Dad Nachman's real life story that it feels like a movie. Annette Libeskind Berkovits is an author whose talents are displayed in a surprising variety of genres. In fact, I understand her newest book 'Erythra Thalassa: Brain Disrupted' is going to be available on Amazon starting 12 November 2020 and I am really intrigued as she is a writer who immerses her readers in such varied vivid worlds. Can't wait to read her next works!
September 20, 2014
I had a hard time with this book. It was a well-written account of the self-recorded story of Nachman Libeskind's life. It was a fascinating read, but it made me feel uncomfortable and wistful at the same time. Rather confusing, I know. To explain a little, I come from a family that has its own amazing stories of survival from the Nazis and the turmoil of WWII. I would LOVE to have the family stories I heard growing up recorded (hence the wistful aspect), but it has been almost impossible to get the stories recorded although I have tried several times. The tales made me feel uncomfortable because of how they mirrored some of my family's experiences and reminded me of how frightening trying to survive in such difficult circumstances can be. Overall I would recommend this book to anyone interested in personal biographies, as well as personal accounts of the years during and after WWII.
I received a copy of this book to peruse through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book to peruse through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2016
This is an extraordinary book since it is about the extraordinary life of an extraordinary person in more ways than one. Annette Libeskind Berkovits writes with intelligence and affection about her father's life and personality.
Not many people went through Nazism, Stalinism, the Gulag and Soviet Communism, to come out at the other end, strong and creative, as Nachman Libeskind did.
The part of the book about Israel, then America, is, in some ways, less intense and less dramatic than the initial narrative, but the author conveys very well in what ways the USA offered her father a new beginning, and eventually the opportunity to express his artistic and creative drive.
Overall, it is a fascinating life story that is well-written and makes it easier to understand many of the key events of the 20th century.
Not many people went through Nazism, Stalinism, the Gulag and Soviet Communism, to come out at the other end, strong and creative, as Nachman Libeskind did.
The part of the book about Israel, then America, is, in some ways, less intense and less dramatic than the initial narrative, but the author conveys very well in what ways the USA offered her father a new beginning, and eventually the opportunity to express his artistic and creative drive.
Overall, it is a fascinating life story that is well-written and makes it easier to understand many of the key events of the 20th century.
June 27, 2016
An incredible true story of survival in the face of unimaginable hardships. Berkovits writes with the love and respect you would expect from a daughter author, but the authenticity of this story, and her mastery of prose, are both evident from the first page to the last. Her portrayal of her father Nachman is pitch perfect as she describes a most lovable man with an unforgettable voice and passion for life.
June 15, 2016
How does someone survive the horrors of the Holocaust, and emerge with their humanity, humor and grace intact? Nacham Libeskind's daughter Annette Berkovits details how, in a moving memoir that will stick with you.
September 15, 2016
Thought-provoking, fascinating, and inspiring! What a great read!
December 13, 2016
A very well written book. I enjoyed it. History must be recorded.
December 19, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews