The Umbrella Maker’s Son: A Novel of WWII
On September 1, 1939, Reuven Berkowitz has just recently turned 17 and is living amongst his close-knit immediate and extended Jewish family in Krakow, Poland. He is missing his girlfriend, Zelda, when the family hears ominous blasts echo in the distance. World War II has started, and the Germans are on their way into Poland. His parents survived the hardships of the first war, but nothing can prepare them for what is now coming.
As things rapidly deteriorate, Zelda’s family moves further east in hope of illusionary safety. Reuven’s father, a skilled business owner and craftsman, has his shop taken away at the hands of a particularly cruel SS officer. Meanwhile, Reuven decides he must find Zelda wherever she is. Life for all of them spirals into an unimaginable series of horrific tragedies as Reuven desperately tries to find his beloved and care for his family during their frantic attempts at reaching safety.
This is a strikingly intense and superbly produced novel. Told from Reuven’s perspective, the teen experiences immense suffering at the hands of unspeakably evil foes, kindness from a blessed few friends and strangers, and complete indifference from others. At one point, while working on a Polish farm and feigning muteness, he contrives to both give names to and talk with the farm animals in a rather tender segment. The characters who make up his multi-generational family and their friends and employees resonate strongly. With a fondness for the Yiddish language, I particularly liked reading short passages in that tongue with their translations. Given the subject matter, readers must be prepared for heartbreaking sorrow, but the history is real. This is one of the most absolutely memorable books I’ve ever read. Strongly recommended.
