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A Brilliant Life: My Mother’s Inspiring True Story of Surviving the Holocaust
The powerful, true story of a Holocaust survivor told by her daughter—a tale that reminds us of the resilience of the soul and the ability of the heart to heal. As Mira is nearing the end of her life, her daughter Rachelle wants to find out how her mother had lived through four concentration camps, including Auschwitz, and a Death March. There was a mystery to her survival, it seemed—which perhaps had something to do with the strange things that always happened around her. And, incredibly, when giving testimony later in life, she says that it was during this time—despite witnessing the depths of man’s cruelty—that she learned about “the goodness of people.” Born in Czechoslovakia, Mira was only 12 years old when World War II broke out. At 88, living in Australia, she is diagnosed with cancer, and her journalist daughter decides to interview her to distract her from her illness. What Rachelle discovers about her mother helps her fit together the jigsaw pieces of her own life. A Brilliant Life portrays not only how remote a prospect it was to live through the Holocaust, but what it is like to be the child of a survivor. A story of love, loss, wonder and the deepest kind of faith, A Brilliant Life questions the role that fate, chance and destiny play in one's life. It is a tribute to family, a story of incredible resilience and a chronicle of the deep connection between mother and child that not even death can destroy.
304 pages, Paperback
Published November 28, 2023
277 people are currently reading
9053 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
March 21, 2024
***Shortlisted for the ABIA 2024 Matt Richell New Writer of the Year Award***
Beautiful. Which is a strange thing to say considering the subject matter, but it is. Filled with infinite sadness, yet also with lots of hope. Without which there is nothing.
”Everything in life is a coincidence.”
Miriam “Mira” Unreich was a pretty, petite brunette with a dimpled smile that charmed everyone. Living happily with her close knit family in a tiny village in Slovakia (then Czechoslovakia) where her family ran the local haberdashery. Although nearing the end of the war, Nazism had finally cast its shadow over her small community. It was 1944, and on the day they were about to flee their home, unbelievable tragedy struck. The youngest of five children, seventeen year old Mira found herself along with so many others of the Jewish faith rounded up and placed in a concentration camp. And it was not only one, but four that she somehow survived, including Treblinka and Auschwitz.
It’s still always unbelievable to read a story like this and to realise that it happened. It wasn’t make believe. The horror was real. And yet, when asked how she survived, Mira’s reply was that”In the Holocaust, I learned about the goodness of people.” This is what pulled her through. Small acts of kindness, sometimes from the unlikeliest of people (such as prison guards and camp commandants). Mira also believed in coincidences. So many coincidences and lucky hands of fate occurred during her life, that she could not think otherwise.
Ironically, to be tattooed with a number on her forearm meant that she would have a chance of survival. As sadly those without a mark were either shot or sent to the gas chambers.
Mira’s story reminded me in many ways of Eddie Jaku’s The Happiest Man on Earth. In that despite going through such pain and trauma, they both chose joy, and to see the goodness in others, rather than focus on the hurt which could have destroyed them.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
There’s a wonderful blend of tradition, religious days, customs and festivals which are spoken about throughout the book. I learned so much about the Jewish faith, and how people tried to retain it during the grimmest of times, and also celebrated to the full in happier times.
What stuck me as extremely sad was that after victory was declared and the war was over, the survivors of the concentration camps were not always helped or welcomed back into the world with open arms. Often they were treated with hostility or suspicion, sometimes even asked outright how they had managed to survive when so many others hadn’t.
Like Eddie Jaku, Mira eventually moved to Australia, creating a happy home in Victoria. Despite living in many countries after the war, this is where she felt the most settled, with the wide open spaces giving her the feeling of freedom and space to breathe.
This story shows how important family and love is, how it can provide you with the resilience to dig deep and try to pull through dire circumstances, even if your family are no longer by your side, but with you in spirit. In Mira’s case, having very real dreams of her beautiful Mum, as if she had been physically cradled by her.
Written by Rachelle Unreich, one of Mira’s daughters, this is a vibrant, heartfelt tribute to her Mum’s life. Rachelle wanted to discover as much as she could of her Mum’s story when Mira was sadly diagnosed with cancer and given months to live. It makes me think of how much we really know about our parents, do we ever make the time or bother to ask what trials and tribulations and also happiness and successes they had. What makes them tick?
I’ve also been pondering on how as more and more of these amazing people who have lived through so much are no longer with us, will their stories still be told and still be remembered? We have so much to still learn.
This an absolutely beautiful and poignant, and I’ll carry it with me a for a long time. I recommend this to anyone and everyone who enjoys a well written story that is actually true.
”Identity embeds itself in different ways: in sound, in feeling, in memory.”
Shout out to Randwick City Library for having a copy. I hope that lots and lots of people read this.
Beautiful. Which is a strange thing to say considering the subject matter, but it is. Filled with infinite sadness, yet also with lots of hope. Without which there is nothing.
”Everything in life is a coincidence.”
Miriam “Mira” Unreich was a pretty, petite brunette with a dimpled smile that charmed everyone. Living happily with her close knit family in a tiny village in Slovakia (then Czechoslovakia) where her family ran the local haberdashery. Although nearing the end of the war, Nazism had finally cast its shadow over her small community. It was 1944, and on the day they were about to flee their home, unbelievable tragedy struck. The youngest of five children, seventeen year old Mira found herself along with so many others of the Jewish faith rounded up and placed in a concentration camp. And it was not only one, but four that she somehow survived, including Treblinka and Auschwitz.
It’s still always unbelievable to read a story like this and to realise that it happened. It wasn’t make believe. The horror was real. And yet, when asked how she survived, Mira’s reply was that”In the Holocaust, I learned about the goodness of people.” This is what pulled her through. Small acts of kindness, sometimes from the unlikeliest of people (such as prison guards and camp commandants). Mira also believed in coincidences. So many coincidences and lucky hands of fate occurred during her life, that she could not think otherwise.
Ironically, to be tattooed with a number on her forearm meant that she would have a chance of survival. As sadly those without a mark were either shot or sent to the gas chambers.
Mira’s story reminded me in many ways of Eddie Jaku’s The Happiest Man on Earth. In that despite going through such pain and trauma, they both chose joy, and to see the goodness in others, rather than focus on the hurt which could have destroyed them.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
There’s a wonderful blend of tradition, religious days, customs and festivals which are spoken about throughout the book. I learned so much about the Jewish faith, and how people tried to retain it during the grimmest of times, and also celebrated to the full in happier times.
What stuck me as extremely sad was that after victory was declared and the war was over, the survivors of the concentration camps were not always helped or welcomed back into the world with open arms. Often they were treated with hostility or suspicion, sometimes even asked outright how they had managed to survive when so many others hadn’t.
Like Eddie Jaku, Mira eventually moved to Australia, creating a happy home in Victoria. Despite living in many countries after the war, this is where she felt the most settled, with the wide open spaces giving her the feeling of freedom and space to breathe.
This story shows how important family and love is, how it can provide you with the resilience to dig deep and try to pull through dire circumstances, even if your family are no longer by your side, but with you in spirit. In Mira’s case, having very real dreams of her beautiful Mum, as if she had been physically cradled by her.
Written by Rachelle Unreich, one of Mira’s daughters, this is a vibrant, heartfelt tribute to her Mum’s life. Rachelle wanted to discover as much as she could of her Mum’s story when Mira was sadly diagnosed with cancer and given months to live. It makes me think of how much we really know about our parents, do we ever make the time or bother to ask what trials and tribulations and also happiness and successes they had. What makes them tick?
I’ve also been pondering on how as more and more of these amazing people who have lived through so much are no longer with us, will their stories still be told and still be remembered? We have so much to still learn.
This an absolutely beautiful and poignant, and I’ll carry it with me a for a long time. I recommend this to anyone and everyone who enjoys a well written story that is actually true.
”Identity embeds itself in different ways: in sound, in feeling, in memory.”
Shout out to Randwick City Library for having a copy. I hope that lots and lots of people read this.
Read
January 4, 2024I’m not rating this since it’s a personal story about surviving the Holocaust and these stories should be told.
December 15, 2025
Heartfelt memoir
A Beautiful memoir about, love, hope, and survival even thru seeing the worst situations humanly possible - read in 2 days!
A Beautiful memoir about, love, hope, and survival even thru seeing the worst situations humanly possible - read in 2 days!
April 23, 2024
found this book very interesting and emotional about the author's mother and family experience in the camps and about what happened with general history added too.
November 17, 2023
Solid 4.75 stars. Thanks for this ARC provided to me by the publisher. A Brilliant Life by Rachelle Unreich portrays the true story of her mother’s remarkable life, surviving the Holocaust, surviving the aftermath of the Holocaust, moving from country to country with young children, searching for someplace that felt safe and secure. I believe that the title of this book really does reflect the life lived to the fullest, not dwelling on the past, not fretting about the future, but moment by moment, even as she lay dying of cancer. Yes there were hard times, yes there was devastating tragedy, yes there was starvation and heartache, but Mira’s life truly was breathtaking and brilliant. A Holocaust survivor story with hope instead of one filled only with despair. Highly recommended.
August 8, 2024
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
A Brilliant Life is a story told with heart and soul, journalist Rachelle Unreich gives the reader an incredible and moving memoir about her beloved mother Mira’s life.
Mira was a Holocaust survivor and as she nears the end of her life, her daughter decides to interview her about it to distract her from her illness. This is a story of courage, sadness and survival alongside the goodness of people. The book is also written from the testimonies Mira previously gave for Holocaust history along with the author’s meticulous research.
Mira was twelve when World World II broke out, she endured and unbelievingly survived four concentration camps! This memoir tells the grim account of her experiences during those times and also focuses on the positives of her truly remarkable and brilliant life. The accounts of the concentration camps were absolutely heartbreaking but the amazing acts of kindness from people during those times were incredible.
The story beautifully captures the powerful connection between a mother and child. Mira loved her life and focussed on the joys of it and those that had helped her, some risking their own lives rather than dwelling on the people who had tried to destroy her.
Publication Date 01 November 2023
Publisher Hachette Australia
Thank you so much to Rachelle Unreich for sharing your mother’s story with me, it’s a loving and beautiful tribute and shows the importance of documenting family history and so much more. This is a truly special book!
A Brilliant Life is a story told with heart and soul, journalist Rachelle Unreich gives the reader an incredible and moving memoir about her beloved mother Mira’s life.
Mira was a Holocaust survivor and as she nears the end of her life, her daughter decides to interview her about it to distract her from her illness. This is a story of courage, sadness and survival alongside the goodness of people. The book is also written from the testimonies Mira previously gave for Holocaust history along with the author’s meticulous research.
Mira was twelve when World World II broke out, she endured and unbelievingly survived four concentration camps! This memoir tells the grim account of her experiences during those times and also focuses on the positives of her truly remarkable and brilliant life. The accounts of the concentration camps were absolutely heartbreaking but the amazing acts of kindness from people during those times were incredible.
The story beautifully captures the powerful connection between a mother and child. Mira loved her life and focussed on the joys of it and those that had helped her, some risking their own lives rather than dwelling on the people who had tried to destroy her.
Publication Date 01 November 2023
Publisher Hachette Australia
Thank you so much to Rachelle Unreich for sharing your mother’s story with me, it’s a loving and beautiful tribute and shows the importance of documenting family history and so much more. This is a truly special book!
January 10, 2024
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
4.5 stars
🕍A ray of light despite a thick shroud of a life lived in darkness, A Brilliant Life is a family memoir from experienced journalist Rachelle Unrich. An unbelievable tale of her mother’s experiences of sheer persecution, cruelty, grit, escape, determination, devastating loss and magical happenings, A Brilliant Life is an incredibly moving spiritual memoir from Rachelle Unreich.
🕍Over seven decades ago, The Age and Harper’s Bazaar journalist Rachelle Unreich’s mother Mira was released from a German concentration camp, in the days, weeks, years and decades that followed Mira lived the secret of her miraculous survival tale. In her dying days, Rachelle was able to trace back and chronicle her mother’s truly devastating but awe-inspiring journey of survival. Told with a gentle balance of humility, fact, reflection, faith and hope, A Brilliant Life is an absolute must read.
🕍Unreich’s writing style is clear, poised, factual, meditative and personalised. The author is warm, frank, open and honest, inviting the reader to be a vital part of the journey that is Mira’s amazing life. A Brilliant Life offers a full history of life before, during and post war, tracing right through to modern Australian life after Mira’s resettlement in Australia, this is an extraordinary account of Mira’s life. Despite the despair, Mira’s life was still defined by acts of courage, sheer coincidence, mystical happenings and above all acts of kindness in the face of so much hate. I especially liked the inclusion of a mid-way photo collage, making this story even more personal for the reader.
🕍Rachelle Unreich, the youngest daughter of Mira Unreich, has succeeded in composing a memorable and respectful tribute to her admired mother. I urge you to read this survival tale, it will fill your heart with hope, expectation, love and goodness, despite the harrowing history that surrounds Mira’s life.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫4.5 stars
4.5 stars
🕍A ray of light despite a thick shroud of a life lived in darkness, A Brilliant Life is a family memoir from experienced journalist Rachelle Unrich. An unbelievable tale of her mother’s experiences of sheer persecution, cruelty, grit, escape, determination, devastating loss and magical happenings, A Brilliant Life is an incredibly moving spiritual memoir from Rachelle Unreich.
🕍Over seven decades ago, The Age and Harper’s Bazaar journalist Rachelle Unreich’s mother Mira was released from a German concentration camp, in the days, weeks, years and decades that followed Mira lived the secret of her miraculous survival tale. In her dying days, Rachelle was able to trace back and chronicle her mother’s truly devastating but awe-inspiring journey of survival. Told with a gentle balance of humility, fact, reflection, faith and hope, A Brilliant Life is an absolute must read.
🕍Unreich’s writing style is clear, poised, factual, meditative and personalised. The author is warm, frank, open and honest, inviting the reader to be a vital part of the journey that is Mira’s amazing life. A Brilliant Life offers a full history of life before, during and post war, tracing right through to modern Australian life after Mira’s resettlement in Australia, this is an extraordinary account of Mira’s life. Despite the despair, Mira’s life was still defined by acts of courage, sheer coincidence, mystical happenings and above all acts of kindness in the face of so much hate. I especially liked the inclusion of a mid-way photo collage, making this story even more personal for the reader.
🕍Rachelle Unreich, the youngest daughter of Mira Unreich, has succeeded in composing a memorable and respectful tribute to her admired mother. I urge you to read this survival tale, it will fill your heart with hope, expectation, love and goodness, despite the harrowing history that surrounds Mira’s life.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫4.5 stars
July 26, 2023
Title: A Brilliant Life - My Mother's Inspiring True Story of Surviving the Holocaust
Author: Rachelle Unreich
Genre: Biography, History, Holocaust
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)
Review:
"A Brilliant Life" is a profoundly moving and unforgettable account of survival and resilience during one of the darkest periods in human history - the Holocaust. Authored by Rachelle Unreich, this gripping biography is a heartfelt tribute to her mother's courage and strength, providing an intimate look at the harrowing experiences endured during those tumultuous times.
The book commences by introducing readers to Rachelle's mother, whose story unfolds with remarkable candor and sensitivity. The narrative is a powerful blend of historical events and personal recollections, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and horrors her mother faced while trying to survive amidst the persecution and chaos of the Holocaust.
Rachelle Unreich demonstrates an exceptional ability to capture the essence of her mother's emotions and experiences, transporting readers back in time to witness the anguish and resilience of those who lived through such trying circumstances. The detailed descriptions and rich storytelling immerse readers in the harrowing reality of the Holocaust, evoking profound emotions throughout the journey.
One of the book's strengths lies in its exploration of the profound bond between a mother and her daughter, which shines through amidst the darkness of the Holocaust. Rachelle's unwavering love and admiration for her mother are evident in every word, adding a layer of tenderness to the narrative that resonates deeply with the readers.
"A Brilliant Life" not only serves as an essential historical document but also as an important reminder of the human spirit's capacity to endure and find hope even in the face of unimaginable adversity. The author's ability to portray her mother's resilience and determination leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the importance of cherishing and learning from the stories of survivors.
Throughout the book, Rachelle Unreich navigates a delicate balance between recounting historical facts and presenting the human side of the Holocaust. This balance makes the book both informative and emotionally compelling, appealing to both history enthusiasts and those seeking inspiring tales of survival.
In conclusion, "A Brilliant Life" is an extraordinary testament to the strength of the human spirit, a touching homage to a survivor's journey, and a valuable historical account of the Holocaust. Rachelle Unreich's writing is poignant, heartfelt, and deeply engrossing, making this biography a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the human experience during one of the darkest chapters in history. It is a profound tribute to all Holocaust survivors and a call to remember and honor their stories for generations to come.
Author: Rachelle Unreich
Genre: Biography, History, Holocaust
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)
Review:
"A Brilliant Life" is a profoundly moving and unforgettable account of survival and resilience during one of the darkest periods in human history - the Holocaust. Authored by Rachelle Unreich, this gripping biography is a heartfelt tribute to her mother's courage and strength, providing an intimate look at the harrowing experiences endured during those tumultuous times.
The book commences by introducing readers to Rachelle's mother, whose story unfolds with remarkable candor and sensitivity. The narrative is a powerful blend of historical events and personal recollections, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and horrors her mother faced while trying to survive amidst the persecution and chaos of the Holocaust.
Rachelle Unreich demonstrates an exceptional ability to capture the essence of her mother's emotions and experiences, transporting readers back in time to witness the anguish and resilience of those who lived through such trying circumstances. The detailed descriptions and rich storytelling immerse readers in the harrowing reality of the Holocaust, evoking profound emotions throughout the journey.
One of the book's strengths lies in its exploration of the profound bond between a mother and her daughter, which shines through amidst the darkness of the Holocaust. Rachelle's unwavering love and admiration for her mother are evident in every word, adding a layer of tenderness to the narrative that resonates deeply with the readers.
"A Brilliant Life" not only serves as an essential historical document but also as an important reminder of the human spirit's capacity to endure and find hope even in the face of unimaginable adversity. The author's ability to portray her mother's resilience and determination leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the importance of cherishing and learning from the stories of survivors.
Throughout the book, Rachelle Unreich navigates a delicate balance between recounting historical facts and presenting the human side of the Holocaust. This balance makes the book both informative and emotionally compelling, appealing to both history enthusiasts and those seeking inspiring tales of survival.
In conclusion, "A Brilliant Life" is an extraordinary testament to the strength of the human spirit, a touching homage to a survivor's journey, and a valuable historical account of the Holocaust. Rachelle Unreich's writing is poignant, heartfelt, and deeply engrossing, making this biography a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the human experience during one of the darkest chapters in history. It is a profound tribute to all Holocaust survivors and a call to remember and honor their stories for generations to come.
March 4, 2024
This is a touching family history that the author, Rachelle, built from interviews with her 89-year-old mother, Mira before she passed away from cancer. The book uncovers the horrors of the Holocaust and Mira's incredible resilience and optimism. Despite everything, Mira maintained her faith in humanity and taught Rachelle the importance of finding hope in dark times. The book also reflects on the intergenerational strength and the bond between a mother and daughter.
While reading the book, it feels like the author is simply transcribing all the stories. The book presents history through Rachelle's own thoughts and knowledge of what happened before the war and the POV of Mira. The book highlights the theme that the world is a crazy place, and coincidences happen. Despite this, it was Mira's unwavering attitude towards her faith that stood out the most. She maintained faith in humanity, the prospect of a better tomorrow, herself, and the universe. This belief leaves the readers feeling hopeful.
If you want to listen to the author's interview, you can go to my podcast at: https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo....
While reading the book, it feels like the author is simply transcribing all the stories. The book presents history through Rachelle's own thoughts and knowledge of what happened before the war and the POV of Mira. The book highlights the theme that the world is a crazy place, and coincidences happen. Despite this, it was Mira's unwavering attitude towards her faith that stood out the most. She maintained faith in humanity, the prospect of a better tomorrow, herself, and the universe. This belief leaves the readers feeling hopeful.
If you want to listen to the author's interview, you can go to my podcast at: https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo....
December 1, 2023
Rachelle Unreich takes us through the story of her mother, Mira’s, life, and it will stay with you long after you read it.
Many aspects of this story are familiar to those of us who read about the atrocities of WWII often. The at first slow effort to take away the humanity of the Jewish people and so many other groups, which the turned to a concentrated effort to eliminate these people from the face of the earth. Reading about this from Mira’s point of view makes it even more haunting and heartbreaking.
Where this story differs is the positive things Mira found in what was happening to her. The extra food, the help escaping, the help at various camps. No matter what was happening, Mira always found a way to survive and focus on what she called coincidences that colored her life.
The theme of family and loved ones is big in this book and flows through it to the last page.
I don’t know if I would be able to look at things the way Mira did. Reading this book has not only deepened my awareness of this awful time in history, but it has encouraged me to try to look at various things in my own life in a different way.
Thank you, Rachelle, for writing this book. I cannot get it out of my head and I was not ready to say goodbye to you and your family.
I highly recommend this book for the story, the perspective, and the reminders that were so timely in my own life.
Thank you to Harper Perennial for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.
Many aspects of this story are familiar to those of us who read about the atrocities of WWII often. The at first slow effort to take away the humanity of the Jewish people and so many other groups, which the turned to a concentrated effort to eliminate these people from the face of the earth. Reading about this from Mira’s point of view makes it even more haunting and heartbreaking.
Where this story differs is the positive things Mira found in what was happening to her. The extra food, the help escaping, the help at various camps. No matter what was happening, Mira always found a way to survive and focus on what she called coincidences that colored her life.
The theme of family and loved ones is big in this book and flows through it to the last page.
I don’t know if I would be able to look at things the way Mira did. Reading this book has not only deepened my awareness of this awful time in history, but it has encouraged me to try to look at various things in my own life in a different way.
Thank you, Rachelle, for writing this book. I cannot get it out of my head and I was not ready to say goodbye to you and your family.
I highly recommend this book for the story, the perspective, and the reminders that were so timely in my own life.
Thank you to Harper Perennial for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.
November 30, 2023
{3.5 stars}
Mira is dying and her daughter wants to know more about her history. They currently live in Australia but she knows her mother and her family were victims of the Holocaust. The story flips back and forth in the beginning as we get to know Mira now and as a youth in Czechoslovakia as the war reached her small village. We hear about her family first in hiding and then separated, where Mira ends up in being moved through various concentration camps suffering more and more leading up to the Death March and her final liberation. It then goes on to tell her post war struggles and how she ended up in Australia.
What I really appreciated about this story was that amidst all of the struggles, pains and horrors of the Holocaust, Mira told her stories focused on the kindnesses she experienced and the little moments that made a difference to her survival. It was a take on a Holocaust story that I hadn't heard before. I so admired her resilience and her desire to move on with her life and not let suffering and loss define her. My only issue with the book was the chunk at the end that focused more on the daughter's life, I get what she was trying to do by emphasizing the legacy of her mother and embracing her faith but that bit was a little too long and lacking the drama and intensity of the first 2/3s of the book.
Thanks to Harper for the gifted copy. All opinions above are my own.
Mira is dying and her daughter wants to know more about her history. They currently live in Australia but she knows her mother and her family were victims of the Holocaust. The story flips back and forth in the beginning as we get to know Mira now and as a youth in Czechoslovakia as the war reached her small village. We hear about her family first in hiding and then separated, where Mira ends up in being moved through various concentration camps suffering more and more leading up to the Death March and her final liberation. It then goes on to tell her post war struggles and how she ended up in Australia.
What I really appreciated about this story was that amidst all of the struggles, pains and horrors of the Holocaust, Mira told her stories focused on the kindnesses she experienced and the little moments that made a difference to her survival. It was a take on a Holocaust story that I hadn't heard before. I so admired her resilience and her desire to move on with her life and not let suffering and loss define her. My only issue with the book was the chunk at the end that focused more on the daughter's life, I get what she was trying to do by emphasizing the legacy of her mother and embracing her faith but that bit was a little too long and lacking the drama and intensity of the first 2/3s of the book.
Thanks to Harper for the gifted copy. All opinions above are my own.
March 15, 2024
A moving tribute to the life of the writer's mother who survived four different concentration camps and a death march. I enjoyed the story itself and was near tears a few times. Also, there were times when the writing style was more distanced and journalistic, which I didn't enjoy as much. 3.25/5
January 12, 2025
A deeply emotional and powerful story of one woman’s experience during the Holocaust. Mira’s story is written by her daughter, Rachelle which I believe is a key part of Mira’s story: love, faith and family which led to her profound resilience. In some of her most harrowing times, it was the vivid dreams of her mother’s love, voice and wisdom that gave her the power to keep on.
Mira was taken to her first concentration camp at the age of 17, quickly witnessing the death of her father and ultimate demise of her mother, before being separated from her siblings. It’s a heartbreaking tale, but what I found most interesting was how Mira remarked on her ability to survive such a horrific time… In A Brilliant Life, Mira shares through Rachelle’s pen that her ability to survive was due to the goodness of people, and although she had nothing to offer to benefit those that helped her, goodness prevailed.
this is a book I won’t soon forget, and Mira’s name is one I’ll remember as: peace, wonderful, ocean, goodness/kindness, abundance and bitter.
Mira was taken to her first concentration camp at the age of 17, quickly witnessing the death of her father and ultimate demise of her mother, before being separated from her siblings. It’s a heartbreaking tale, but what I found most interesting was how Mira remarked on her ability to survive such a horrific time… In A Brilliant Life, Mira shares through Rachelle’s pen that her ability to survive was due to the goodness of people, and although she had nothing to offer to benefit those that helped her, goodness prevailed.
this is a book I won’t soon forget, and Mira’s name is one I’ll remember as: peace, wonderful, ocean, goodness/kindness, abundance and bitter.
December 8, 2023
Rachelle Unreich pays tribute to her remarkable mother, Mira, in a poignant work of non-fiction, “A Brilliant Life.” When Mira was eighty-nine and terminally ill, Rachelle knew that time was running out to glean whatever wisdom and memories her mother wished to impart. In particular, Rachelle wondered why, in spite of having been sent to four concentration camps, Mira retained her faith in the Almighty. It turns out that, like Anne Frank, Mira believed that most people were basically good. After the war, she took great pleasure in raising her family, traveling, and celebrating Jewish festivals with her children and grandchildren.
In this heartfelt and beautifully written book, the author takes us back to her mother’s formative years in Czechoslovakia. Rachelle describes in harrowing detail what happened to Mira and her relatives after the Germans invaded their country. Some of Unreich’s anecdotes are gut-wrenching and tragic. Others are warm, funny, and inspirational. They are all vividly detailed, engrossing , and in some cases astonishing.
This is a true story of terror, baseless hatred, and cruelty, as well as an uplifting account of how hope, kindness, and strength of character can help someone survive and even thrive in spite of having endured unspeakable abuse. Mira Unreich was blessed with a good nature, a positive attitude, and a determination to make her years on earth meaningful and fulfilling, in spite of all that she endured at the hands of her cruel captors.
In this heartfelt and beautifully written book, the author takes us back to her mother’s formative years in Czechoslovakia. Rachelle describes in harrowing detail what happened to Mira and her relatives after the Germans invaded their country. Some of Unreich’s anecdotes are gut-wrenching and tragic. Others are warm, funny, and inspirational. They are all vividly detailed, engrossing , and in some cases astonishing.
This is a true story of terror, baseless hatred, and cruelty, as well as an uplifting account of how hope, kindness, and strength of character can help someone survive and even thrive in spite of having endured unspeakable abuse. Mira Unreich was blessed with a good nature, a positive attitude, and a determination to make her years on earth meaningful and fulfilling, in spite of all that she endured at the hands of her cruel captors.
April 15, 2025
I really appreciated the tenderness and care that Rachelle put into describing her mother. While the events that took place were absolutely heartbreaking, her mom's coping and outlook on life were comforting.
It's hard to give a rating to nonfiction books about peoples lives; I thought about 4 stars but ultimately have settled on 5 because I cannot think of anything the author could have improved upon... she wrote a story that needed to be told.
It's hard to give a rating to nonfiction books about peoples lives; I thought about 4 stars but ultimately have settled on 5 because I cannot think of anything the author could have improved upon... she wrote a story that needed to be told.
November 23, 2024
Seeing the title of this book, one wouldn't immediately think it would be about a Holocaust survivor, but it is so appropriate. The author has written a beautiful tribute to her mother, to her family, and to her faith and heritage. In addition, she has given readers a reminder of the importance of family, the power of love, the gift that life is, the joy that can be had even after surviving something as horrific as the Holocaust, and how faith impacts everything.
March 11, 2024
I usually jump into WWII books headfirst and remain entranced through the final pages. There are so many wonderful stories about people who rescued or were rescued by strangers or people they barely knew. I love reading about people who endured the terrors of the concentration camps, but came out able to live full lives, unbroken by the evil they encountered daily for years.
This book could have been one of those. Instead, it just felt like a family journal, not meant for anyone outside of the family to read. I have no doubt that Mira experienced numerous horrors in the camps, but I don’t think her daughter was the right person to tell the story. Or perhaps she needed a better editor. Either way, the book felt disjointed and poorly written.
This book could have been one of those. Instead, it just felt like a family journal, not meant for anyone outside of the family to read. I have no doubt that Mira experienced numerous horrors in the camps, but I don’t think her daughter was the right person to tell the story. Or perhaps she needed a better editor. Either way, the book felt disjointed and poorly written.
August 18, 2023
This is a true story. There are those horrible death camps. People were led their like silent lambs. I am glad to read about this time in history again. If we read or talk about it again, history may not repeat itself. There are many happy memories shared by the son. He writes about the Sabbath and the joy she had preparing for it. The family would sing songs to welcome and end the Sabbath. Mira also loved to cook. There are some funny moments as well in the book. It is really a delight to read these words.
May 13, 2024
This book is such a beautiful tribute to the author's mother and really everyone who endured the atrocities that occurred at concentration camps. It was so emotional and moving that I had to read and then take some time to digest and mellow my mood a bit before moving on, otherwise I would have been sobbing the whole time. I admire Mira's tenacity and hope in the face of such oppression and it is obvious she left a beautiful legacy behind, despite the immense challenges through her life. I can't say anything to give justice to how good and moving this book was, so really I would just recommend reading it and finding out for yourself. I've read many books from Holocaust survivers and while they are all impactful, this one hit differently than most.
August 4, 2025
"A Brilliant Life" is undoubtedly A Brilliant Book.
Rachelle Unrich paints a vivid portrait of her mother, radiating with positivity that has been passed down the generations.
I really enjoyed the way the author intertwined the stories with her own life and experiences, showing how she and her children have been influenced by Mira, rather than simply recounting her (Mira's) journey.
I was surprised to learn that those who made it out of the camps were not necessarily believed about the horrors that occurred there, or people thought they had conspired with the enemy, and this is how they managed to survive.
This book reminds us that even in the darkest of times and most difficult circumstances, there are always small acts of kindness around us to be thankful for.
Rachelle Unrich paints a vivid portrait of her mother, radiating with positivity that has been passed down the generations.
I really enjoyed the way the author intertwined the stories with her own life and experiences, showing how she and her children have been influenced by Mira, rather than simply recounting her (Mira's) journey.
I was surprised to learn that those who made it out of the camps were not necessarily believed about the horrors that occurred there, or people thought they had conspired with the enemy, and this is how they managed to survive.
This book reminds us that even in the darkest of times and most difficult circumstances, there are always small acts of kindness around us to be thankful for.
January 10, 2025
This is a book that everyone should read! It is a lesson in human kindness and truely shows that “Whoever saves a single life is to have saved the whole world”
Rachelle’s story, telling of her mother, Mira’s, life is beautifully done. It is respectful of Mira’s experiences and doesn’t gloss over the experiences she had growing up and moving through the concentration camps of Europe.
While difficult at times to read, A Brilliant Life is told in a way that reflects the optimism and love of life that Rachelle explains Mira had. While the experiences Mira had in the camps and following her liberation are discussed and mentioned in detail, the book focuses more on the people responsible for keeping Mira safe and helping her survive.
This is a book that I would recommend to everyone!
Rachelle’s story, telling of her mother, Mira’s, life is beautifully done. It is respectful of Mira’s experiences and doesn’t gloss over the experiences she had growing up and moving through the concentration camps of Europe.
While difficult at times to read, A Brilliant Life is told in a way that reflects the optimism and love of life that Rachelle explains Mira had. While the experiences Mira had in the camps and following her liberation are discussed and mentioned in detail, the book focuses more on the people responsible for keeping Mira safe and helping her survive.
This is a book that I would recommend to everyone!
May 22, 2024
This is a truly beautiful memoir of the author’s mother’s life, not only as a Holocaust survivor, but as an incredible, vibrant woman who was more than simply a survivor. I appreciated learning more about the Jewish culture and customs through her story.
January 7, 2024
What a life. This wasn’t a novel about the Holocaust but rather the memoir of Mira and her life before, during and after the Holocaust. A few themes throughout include strength, survival, pain, family, faith and most importantly a mother’s love. It was beautifully written. The heavy emotions I felt really make me want to go hug my mom 💜
September 19, 2024
A very touching true story of the authors mother and her life from beginning to the end, including living through WW2, the Holocaust, and life after war and tragedy. I was so moved throughout, reading about Mira's life and all that she had been through. It was incredibly sad at times, but also filled with love, hope, faith, and joyful times; a truly brilliant life. I really liked that Mira always kept moving forward, focusing on the present, continuing to seek and find joy in her life no matter what had happened to her. A very well written and beautiful story that will stay with me.
December 27, 2024
How can you even put a star number on such heavy content, yet beautifully written with somehow a positive outlook. Rachelle’s writing feels almost cathartic and it is just an incredible thing being able to pass on her mother’s life story.
March 3, 2025
A daughter's beautifully crafted story of her mother, a Holocaust survivor. Throughout the story the author tells her mother's story with such love. The author weaves her own story, as well as other family members into her narrative making a great story excellent. This book is a memoir, but also so much more.
October 2, 2024
I wish I could give this book 10 stars. This story of Mira (written by her daughter, Rachelle) is a truly beautiful story of a truly brilliant life she led despite all the horrors she went through. I will recommend this book to everyone!
January 25, 2025
I loved how this book wasn’t just written about her mother’s life during the holocaust, but was about the joy and spirit she had despite going through the holocaust. Mira will be an example I think about when striving to live my life with joy!
January 27, 2025
This is one of the best Holocaust memoirs I've read and I really enjoyed how the author wrote about how she learned about her mom's survival. For anyone writing a family memoir, I highly, highly recommend this book. It's also a testament to how love overcomes hate.
March 7, 2024
Wow… was this a beautiful story. Heartbreaking, breath taking and haunting. I felt like I was living the story with Mira and her daughter.
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