NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERInspired by the incredible true story of one Jewish family separated at the start of World War II, determined to survive—and to reunite—We Were the Lucky Ones is a tribute to the triumph of hope and love against all odds. “Love in the face of global adversity? It couldn’t be more timely.” —Glamour It is the spring of 1939 and three generations of the Kurc family are … is the spring of 1939 and three generations of the Kurc family are doing their best to live normal lives, even as the shadow of war grows closer. The talk around the family Seder table is of new babies and budding romance, not of the increasing hardships threatening Jews in their hometown of Radom, Poland. But soon the horrors overtaking Europe will become inescapable and the Kurcs will be flung to the far corners of the world, each desperately trying to navigate his or her own path to safety.
As one sibling is forced into exile, another attempts to flee the continent, while others struggle to escape certain death, either by working grueling hours on empty stomachs in the factories of the ghetto or by hiding as gentiles in plain sight. Driven by an unwavering will to survive and by the fear that they may never see one another again, the Kurcs must rely on hope, ingenuity, and inner strength to persevere.
An extraordinary, propulsive novel, We Were the Lucky Ones demonstrates how in the face of the twentieth century’s darkest moment, the human spirit can endure and even thrive.
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An amazing, heart-pounding story of a Jewish family’s struggles to survive in Poland during World War II. Two parents, five grown children, their spouses and babies…the odds are not in their favor. I read it on one day.
I loved this book. The author spent years researching her family’s amazing stories of survival during WW2. It’s hard to believe some of the circumstances they found themselves in and puts the current predicament we all find ourselves in in sharp perspective.
We Were the Lucky Ones is an incredible and true story. After I finished the book, I wanted to know more about Georgia Hunter and how it was possible she knew nothing of it until she was 15. It is amazing to me that this miraculous story went untold for so long. I cried many times. As harrowing as it is to read about the atrocities of the Holocaust and each character’s journey after leaving the Polish ghetto, this story and others like it should be continually told for each generation. Bravo Georgia Hunter for getting it right and going with fiction. You are a beautiful writer.
A staggering tale—all the more potent because it is based on three generations of the Kurc family and their ordeals, struggles, escapes and separate journeys through years of the Holocaust. Hunter’s book is a legacy of love, not only for her Jewish family, but for all those interested in Holocaust history. I was reminded as I read, that there are countless stories—so many more than can ever be told—but that each one, each life is precious and a treasure that deserves to be remembered and celebrated.
The mark of a good book is that it stays with me for days or weeks after I read the last page. WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES did exactly this. Based on a true story of a Jewish family during WWII, the book is a haunting depiction of the horrors of war, but also of the courage and heroic efforts of those who tried to survive. An incredibly inspiring tale, from start to finish.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author did an excellent job telling the story and making the reader feel as if they were right there witnessing the events.
Wow. What a story.
The Kurc family – parents, five adult children, their spouses and children – lives in Radom, Poland in 1939. The story begins as Germany invades Poland at the start of World War II. The author lets the reader follow in alternating chapters how each member of the family handles the various aspects and cruelties they face as they struggle for survival during the war. Along the way, there are short interlude pages explaining what actually happened at that time in history to give context to the events in the story. The story constantly loves forward with times of terror, despair, and luck. The author does a really good job of helping the reader know the characters – crying and celebrating for them.
At the end of the story, the author adds a chapter explaining how the story is based on true events that happened to her family (who happen to be the characters in the story). This was obviously a work of personal passion and love. I applaud her for keeping her family’s story and history alive. Too many stories have been lost just because we never ask what happened in our own families.
Read this book! It will stay with you in the best possible way.
What an incredible story. One I could not put down till the end. What those who practice the jewish faith went through but to have a whole family survive that horror it’s a miracle. Great job by Georgia hunter in bring the story to life. A must read for all.
This is a story that’s NEEDED to be told. It should be assigned reading for every high school student in this country and other countries as well.
This true story is of a loving Jewish family torn apart by World War ll and the terrible Natzis. This is a 5-star book and it deserves to be. You do not frequently come upon books rated this highly. I am not giving away details of the story by saying that the title, “We Were the Lucky Ones”, refers to the fact that ultimately this Jewish family came through such horrors as losing their homes and all their worldly possessions, starvation, losing their countries, being put into concentration camps, and the loss of beloved family members. One family member gave birth to a baby in incredible ice, snow and freezing cold in Siberia, where she had been sent to a concentration camp. Her baby’s eyelashes would actually be frozen shut each morning and she had to use some of her breast milk to help get them wet and open. That this strong, loving Jewish family managed to stay alive and come back together at war’s end says so much about love and the strength of the human spirit. Do read this moving story. You’ll be glad you did, and let us hope that God-willing this experience would, should and could NEVER happen again!
I could not finish this book. Too many characters and plot lines. Too much information about other stuff. I felt like yelling stick to the story. I added this book to my list of books to finish when I have nothing else to read.
Of all the books written on the subject of World War II and the treatment of the Jewish population, Georgia Hunter’s managed to insert me into hers; feeling the angst, hunger, uncertainty, and love of her ancestors. A heartbreaking and wonderful story of resilience and inspiration.
It stays with you even after you finish.
I didn’t realize I was reading the book based on real people. Each member of the family has a different story during the war. All in different directions trying to stay alive. A very enjoyable read and especially enjoyed the authors wrap up of their current situations at the end.
The book told more about the terror, suffering and resourcefulness of the Polish people during the Nazi occupation than I had read before. It made the families and relationships very real and heartbreaking.
The best thing about this book is that it’s a true story. It’s almost miraculous that this entire Jewish family managed to escape the Nazis during World War II, each sibling in very different, inventive, and often extremely lucky ways. An interesting read!
There’s a lot of mental illness portrayed. I think it could create trouble for people already struggling with emotional and mental stability
It was amazing how everyone in the family took a different path but came out ok. What a terrible time for Jews to live through.
Loved how tge author wove all the characters and their stories together.
Read 1.22.2019
No rating. Not my cup of tea. At all.
At times riveting, at time touching, a thorough account of what happened to each member of this Jewish Polish family during the war years. (The story of real people turned into a novel.) The middle of the story definitely did not drag. But can the middle of a book be too harrowing? It became difficult to read/hear the excruciating details of each close call & time of suffering. However, the beautiful ending made up for that—which in some ways is the point of telling this story! (A bit of strong language, and of course, disturbing scenes due to subject matter.) Inspiring and true.