Lithuania Books

How Dark the Heavens is a valuable resource of historical information on the Holocaust, and an authentic recollection by a survivor. It is unique, in that this book pulls the reader into the story as would a novel.

the author writes in a "detached" style.I guess that is the only way he could recount these horrible experiences inposed upon him by subhumans. It is a superb diary.

Perhaps you, like I, at times wonder of what stuff you are made. In a truly horrible situation, would you do what it right at all cost? Would you have the inner fortitude to persistently march forward, to place your life at risk for the good of others? Often, and sadly, I suspect I would not; but, my ego hopes I would. Lithuania might be an unfamiliar name to you. But, this true story invites you to join the author in his nightmarish run from the Nazis during World War II. You'll know what it is like to be suddenly wrenched from your home, country and family by the pursuit of others out to exterminate you, simply because you happen to be in the way. In his flight, the author chooses paths of moral and physical courage, in order to preserve meaning for his life. Would I have joined him? Or would I have given up? What about you? Here's a chance to "test your stuff," at least in the safe pages of a good read.

While I may or may not agree with the other reviewers' suggestions, I am puzzled by one thing: their inability to call things by their name. I am specifically referring here to their use of terms like "Fascists" or "Nazis". Is the war in Iraq being fought by "Republicans"? Was it the "Nixonites" who committed the My Lai massacre in Vietnam? The Germans may be trying to whitewash themselves - and they have indeed been doing so since the end of the war - but why is the rest of the world playing by?

Otherwise, I heartily recommend Kruk's compelling book to anyone interested in 20th century history - and the general history of mankind as well.

This is a deeply affecting work, compulsively readable, yet always painful to read, account of the slow garroting of the Jewish community in Vilna. From one page to the next, one is amazed (even now) at the viciousness of the Fascists and the humanity, ingenuity, courage of those they oppressed. God and the devil are both in the details and Kruk gives us plenty of all three.

Herman Kruk was a librarian. Even as the Vilna [Vilnius] ghetto was reduced to inhuman conditions, Kruk risked his life to smuggle books into the public library he set up. While the Nazi regime tried to reduce Jews to a subhuman status, with harsh labor, restrictions, and eventual extermination; Kruk helped to initiate literary contests, plays, and lecture series. His diary reflects the intellectual and cultural activities of the ghetto, as well as the minutiae of the library.

Kruk's diary is an overwhelmingly human document. His tears for the destruction of his beloved Warsaw and the personal horror felt when hearing rumors of the massacre of Jews elsewhere in Europe are not diluted or diminished by his desire that his diary become a publicly read record of the destruction of Jewish Vilna.

This is an extremely worthwhile personal history of surving the holocaust, fighting back against both the German invaders and the local thugs (both of whom targeted Jews for abuse, torture, and death).

I've reviewed it in detail on my blog here:
http://www.gilgamesh.ca/index.php/2005/09/08/no-time-to-mourn/

In truth this is quite an obscure topic. Partisans in general do not get the recognition they deserve and even less so do Jewish partisans, who as it will become apparent for those reading this book, did not only have to fight against the Germans but also other partisan and 'bandit' groups around them. In this instance it was the Polish AK that gave the author such trouble and would eventually kill quite a few of his friends and family members. Aside from the Poles, Lithuanians, Ukrainians, and others also participated in various ways in working against Jews and helping the Germans in tracking them down.

The author was the only one of his immediate family to escape the Holocaust, his accounts are moving and more than once did I find myself having to reread a paragraph or two to realize that what I'm reading is actually written there. Details of life under German occupation and in a German ghetto, running away from a ghetto and stumbling into the forests in seek of rumored Partisans. Finding them and other groups of entire families as they try to make the best of the situation as they struggle to survive in the forests and wilderness of Eastern Europe while the Germans and their collaborators keep an ever watchful eye out for them. Joining a Partisan group and giving battle to the Germans and those who are helping them by betraying their former friends and neighbors, all of this is recounted with the utmost feeling and, in my opinion, honesty.

What I found extremely interesting were the activities of the author after he had left the Partisans and joined the police force in some local towns around where he had operated as a Partisan. How they hunted down collaborators, what they did with them, what they could and couldn't due according to Soviet rules and regulations, how the NKVD acted toward them, etc. All of this was quite interesting, not surprising on the other hand was the fact that after the war had come to a close Jews were still dying in Poland.

An emotional read to say the least. Highly recommended, the author lead an amazing life and this tragic period of history understandably haunted him for the majority of it. I'm glad he put these words on paper and was strong enough to share his stories and experiences with his children and the world.

There have been thousands of books written about the Holocaust but few describe the plight of the Jewish partisans who escaped to the forests bravely defending themselves against their Nazi hunters. Unfortunately, the majority of these Jewish partisans never survived to recount the horrid experiences they endured at the hands of the Germans and their collaborators.

It is estimated that there were approximately twenty-five thousand Jews that escaped to the forests during the Holocaust. One was Leon Kahn, who was born Leibke Kaganowicz and prior to his death on June 8th, 2003 in Vancouver, Canada he recounted his experiences to Marjorie Morris, who for more than two years worked on the manuscript of No Time To Mourn: The True Story of a Jewish Partisan Fighter.

Historian Allan Levine in the introduction to No Time To Mourn: The True Story of a Jewish Partisan Fighter states that many historians dismiss the plight of Jewish partisan resistance as inconsequential due to the fact that there were small numbers who survived as compared to the millions who were murdered in the Holocaust. However, as Levine rightfully states, these historians fail to understand the enormity of their struggle. As he most appropriately asserts: "The question should not be, why did more Jews not resist, but rather, how, under the circumstances, was any resistance possible at all?"

Kahn was born in the shtetl of Eisikes in a part of middle Europe that was passed back and forth between Poland, Lithuania and Russia over many centuries. The Eisikes Jews, although they had lived here since the twelfth century, were continuously subjected to special and discriminatory laws that made their lives very difficult, however, very few believed that one day there would be a massacre on such a grand scale that would practically decimate the entire Jewish population of their shtetl.

At the age of sixteen Kahn was torn with guilt and anguish when he had to choose between escaping to the forest with his father and sister while at the same time leaving behind his mother and grandmother, who chose not follow them. As he quotes Golda Meir, who once said to a group of survivors, "you can get used to anything if you have to, even to feeling perpetually guilty." Kahn relates to his readers that after escaping to the forests he once again felt strong and proud again as a Jew, as he tore the yellow star from his shirt, grinding it into the dirt.
Moreover, in the place of German oppression, he was revitalized with a new feeling of confidence coupled with an overwhelming desire for revenge for the massacre of his fellow Jews including members of his own family.

No Time To Mourn: The True Story of a Jewish Partisan Fighter succeeds admirably as a captivating and riveting memoir combining historical facts with a personal narrative that will no doubt have a profound effect on its readers. Kahn's passionate chronicle puts a human face to the forgotten Jewish partisans as he vividly captures their fears, perpetual torment and frustrations as they battled against overwhelming odds. This is a book that definitely should be included in the reading list of history courses pertaining to the Holocaust and the Second World War.

Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor Bookpleasures

Krickus, who was on the ground in Lithuania for much of the period, offers a well written and insightful account of the Lithuanian independence movement during the later Gorbachev years. Unlike many foreign observers, he is sensitive to the differences in personality and tactics that emerged in the Sajudis movement. The description of the Soviet attempt to take the TV tower is particularly moving (I know some people who were there that night). I suspect Krickus is slightly overestimating the effect of Lithuanian resistance on the outcome of the August coup attempt, but this is a minor quibble.

Perhaps there may be too many names for a reader unfamiliar with the setting and the plot, but the main character, the Lithuanian people, could not have asked for a better story teller.
I was in Vilnius in August, September, October and part of Novembember of 1990, and met many of the individuals mentioned in the book, as well as others, yet unnamed. Perhaps I should have kept a diary and recorded some of the events that should be known. I would be glad to share them with Mr. Krickus, if he chose to contact me.

Krickus' work in this area is told in the format of a novel, not dry history. The people involved in critical moments are real. It is a compelling story and one that puts into perspective why the expansion of NATO should include the Baltic states.

Holocaust histories are notoriously difficult to read- the subject matter is after all one of the darkest chapters in human history. Thus, Authors are challenged to not only present this history accurately, but also do so in a manner that encourages the reader to continue on. Michael Bart and Laurel Corona have really done a splendid job in bringing us this important book- which follows the story of Michael's parents during their time in the Vilna Ghetto and then as Jewish Partisans in the Rudnicki forest. Meticulously researched and footnoted, the book gives us a historically accurate, yet vivid account of what the Holocaust looked like to a young couple, married in the midst of horror and their subsequent road of survival, liberation and rebirth.

This book is absolutely incredible, weaving in a historical sense and perspective alongside the true story of a family's struggle in the ghettos of the holocaust. I read through this so quickly and could easily go back to re-read and focus on references to the larger history of Jews during WWII.

Very inspiring, uplifting and emotional.

As someone who has spent years in Vilna, I know of the places which Michael Bart studied and Laurel Corona then wrote about. Mr. Bart did lengthy and in-depth work and Ms. Corona took that research in combination with her own visit to Vilna and research to turn Until Our Last Breath into a must-read. I have been fortunate enough to meet former Jewish partisans, Righteous Gentiles, and those rescued. After reading this book, I realize how much I missed by never having met Michael Bart's parents. They were real people cast into a surreal situation. No matter how inhumane conditions became, both of them managed to hold onto their humanity. They were heroes who never realized how extraordinary they were. The world is a far better place thanks to what they did. What they did was never surrender in the face of insanity and cruelty. If only all of us could be so strong. Thanks to Michael Bart for all of his efforts. Thanks also to Laurel Corona for putting the story down on paper so it can be shared with the world.

When I was much younger I stumbled across a book of his with mostly black and white reproductions. I instantly loved his ability of filling up a composition in odd but logical ways. This book shows most of Mr. Shahn's paintings in color. I consider him a subtle yet sometimes bold colorist. Especially those reds. Now i can fully marvel at his work. Also grab the book "Common man, mythic vision". By all means, also check out Jack levine, Philip Evergood, Rico Lebrun and the rest of the American Expressionists/ Social Realists. So they won't be forgotten in time.

"This monograph on Ben Shahn, the first in over twenty years, follows his career as the leading social realist of our time. It covers his Depression-era images of urban decay, labor strikes, and poverty; the posters he created for the Office of War Information during World War II and his paintings of the destruction in war's aftermath; and his eventual rejection of social realism in favor of a 'personal realism' using allegory and symbolism. This book weaves a complex picture of this multifaceted artist and includes many extracts from Shahn's writings.

"168 pages, 100 full-color reproductions, hardbound book with dust jacket, size: 10 x 12." ISBN: 1-56640-312-X."--© Pomegranate

This book provides a touching and artistic view of post-communist Lithuania. You really get a feel for how the years of communist rule affected the way people think, act, and live. The short stories are creatively interwoven and make this book an enjoyable and quick read.

Lithuanian Wood is this moment resting on my coffee table. The edges show a little comfort of wear and tear. I couldn't resist turning these pages... As Lithuania is neighbor to my own Latvia (I hold dual citizenship for Latvia and USA), Mayo's tales charmed me with similarities to the culture in which I was raised and nurtured. I am astounded that a non-Lithuanian could capture the essence of another culture so well.

This book contains selected and annotated documents, in English translation, pertaining to the autonomy of the Jewish community in Poland and Lithuania in the 16th and 17th centuries. The scope of this autonomy, the communal and extra-communal institutions and their modes of operation are covered. Through annotated excerpts from original Hebrew source material, the author describes the structure of Jewish self-government in those countries, illuminating the social and economic problems that Jews faced in everyday life: deserted wives, loans at interest, rights of daughters in their father's estates, organization and maintenance of elementary education, and many other questions. The book includes an in-depth introduction describing the historical period, a lengthy epilogue explaining the workings of the Jewish educational system, and extensive glossaries and indexes to help find individual points of interest. There is a detailed map of Jewish population, showing how Jews were spread throughout Poland and Lithuania during this period, as well as sixteen pages of photographs of Jewish sites. The reader will savor the flavor of Jewish life in the Middle Ages, that flourished despite oppressive surroundings. The book will appeal both to the learned scholar and to the layman interested in Jewish history of the period. As noted, the documents are in English translation, and provide access to information that untill now was available only to Hebrew language speakers.

This book contains selected and annotated documents, translated into English, relating to the autonomy of the Jewish Community in Poland and Lithuania in the 16th and early 17th centuries, its scope, communal and extra-communal institutions and their modes of operation. Through annotated excerpts from original Hebrew source material, it describes the structure of Jewish self-government in those countries, throwing light on the social and economic problems that the Jews faced in their everyday life: deserted wives, loans at interest to Jews, rights of daughters to inherit their father's estates, organization and maintenance of educational systems, and many other questions. There is an in-depth historical introduction, a lengthy epilogue describing the functioning of the Jewish educational system, and extensive glossaries and indexes to help locate individual points of interest. Included are a detailed map of Jewish communities, showing how Jews were spread throughout Poland and Lithuania during this period. Sixteen pages of photographs of Jewish sites are also included. The flavor and intensity of Jewish life in Eastern Europe in the Middle Ages, despite the usually hostile and oppressive surroundings, comes through very clearly. The material presented in this book has until now not been available to non-Hebrew speakers, and will be of interest to both scholars and laymen interested in Jewish history of the period. A fuller review of this book was published in the Los Angeles Jewish Times (October 1998).

As a grandchild of paternal Lithuanian immigrants and maternal French immigrants, I was always interested in my heritage. Information on French history abounds but my knowledge of my Lithuanian roots was totally dependent on vague stories repeated by my father that were difficult to put in a historic context. This book clarified and totally collaborated the stories that I grew up with and deepened my respect for this amazing freedom-loving country.

This book is important to Lithuanian historiography because this is the only English title I know that deals with Lithuania in the interwar years. Other titles, like von Rauch's book, group the three Baltic states' history together under one title. This book is solely dedicated to Lithuanian interwar history.

The book is well written by prestigious authors who have done their research. The notes at the end are extensive. The book is clearly written. Even a novice in Lithuanian history would have an easy time following this volume.

The book does an excellent job of showing the pivotal role Lithuania had in the eastern European balance of power between Germany and the USSR versus the Polish, French, British alliance. The book reminds of the title 'Lithuania: The Rebel Nation' by Stanley Vardys. The authors do a great job of clearly explaining the plight of Lithuania in this balance of power.

Another interesting note is that some of the authors in this edited book are from Lithuania. It is interesting to see the view of homegrown Lithuanians on this time period in Lithuanian history. They rate high in their objectivity.

Anyone interested in Lithuanian history should own this book.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The description and previous reviewer did not due this book justice. It begins with an excellent overview of the history of Eastern Europe and the travels and travails of the Jewish population. The emphasis is on Poland and the Baltic which needs no explanation. Also, with each town listed you get a few details that while not of any depth is interesting.

This book was written for those who want to research their family origins. It would be an excellent resource for this.

A wonderful and absolutely essential reference for anyone interested in genealogy!