We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter
"We Were the Lucky Ones" is a poignant and gripping novel based on the true story of the Kurc family, Jewish residents of Radom, Poland, whose lives are upended by the onset of World War II. Here's a summary based on the provided excerpt:
In the spring of 1939, the Kurc family spans three generations and gathers for their Seder table discussions filled with normal family matters—new births, budding romances—despite the looming shadow of war drawing closer. However, their tranquil lives are soon shattered as the horrors of the war engulf Europe, forcing each member of the Kurc family to navigate their own harrowing journey for survival and the hope of reuniting with their loved ones.
The narrative unfolds with different family members facing disparate challenges: some are exiled, others attempt perilous escapes from the continent, and still others endure grueling conditions in the ghettos or hide under false identities as gentiles. Throughout their ordeals, the Kurcs cling to a fierce determination to survive and a desperate longing to reunite, drawing strength from hope, resilience, and their innate inner fortitude.
"We Were the Lucky Ones" is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. It portrays how love, hope, and courage can endure even during the darkest moments of the 20th century, resonating with themes of resilience and the enduring power of familial bonds. The novel has resonated widely, becoming a New York Times bestseller and inspiring a Hulu limited series, and continues to captivate readers with its compelling portrayal of survival against all odds.