Susan Soyinka Books

The narrative follows Susan's 18-year quest to uncover her mother's family history, tracing their roots from a Viennese Jewish background to their survival during the Holocaust. After discovering surviving relatives scattered worldwide, Susan delves into her family's past, claiming descent from composer Bedrich Smetana. Astonishingly, she receives 3,000 pages of Nazi documents revealing the fate of her grandmother and aunt. This richly illustrated biography spans eight generations, offering profound insights into the Holocaust's impact and the inner workings of the Nazi regime in Austria.

The narrative centers on the evacuation of Jewish children from London's East End to the Cornish village of Mousehole during World War II. In June 1940, around 100 children and their teachers faced a challenging journey, ultimately finding refuge and acceptance within the local community. The children quickly adapted to village life, engaging in activities like swimming and fishing. This heartwarming tale highlights themes of integration and resilience, as the author reflects on the contrasting fates of Jewish children during the war. It features personal accounts, historical research, and rich illustrations.

First biography of Jewish artist Albert Reuss 1889-1975. Born in Vienna, he fled to England in 1938 to escape Nazi persecution, losing family, possessions and his reputation as an artist. His art changed dramatically, reflecting the trauma he had suffered; a story full of human drama and tragedy, set against the background of world historic events.