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The Forbidden Daughter: The True Story of a Holocaust Survivor
Win a free print copy of this book!
0 days and 19:23:32
25 copies available
U.S. only
The unforgettable true story of a girl born in the Kovno Ghetto, and the dangerous risk her parents faced in defying the barbarous Nazi law prohibiting childbirth. Elida Friedman was not supposed to have been born. In the Kovno Ghetto in Lithuania, Nazi law forbade Jewish women from giving birth. Yet despite the fear of death, Dr. Jonah Friedman and his wife Tzila, choose to bring a daughter into the world, a little girl they name Elida—meaning non-birth in Hebrew. To increase their child’s chance of survival, the Friedmans smuggle the baby out of the ghetto and into the arms of a non-Jewish farm family when Elida is only three months old. It is the beginning of a life marked by constant upheaval. When the Nazis raze the entire Kovno Ghetto, Jonah and Tzila are among those killed. Their only child is left orphaned and alone, dependent on the kindness of strangers. Despite her circumstances, Elida grows up, changing families, countries, continents, and even names, countless times. Surviving the war and the Holocaust that stole her parents, the young woman never gives up hope. In her lifelong pursuit to find love and belonging, she works to rebuild her identity and triumph over her terrible circumstances. A moving, powerful chronicle of overcoming impossible odds , The Forbidden Daughter is the true story of one unforgettable woman and her will to survive.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 16, 2024
The title and description of this book really intrigued me. Holocaust stories are always so heartbreaking, and I have great respect for Elida’s biological parents. They were so brave and selfless.
The rest of Elida’s story kept my attention most of the time, and I’m glad her cousin was able to research the history of her life. I know I’d love to do that with some of my ancestors, especially ones I know have special untold stories or were known for their character.
I waited and waited for Elida to grow/change/mature. I really wanted to like her, and I know she had a LOT of childhood trauma and confusion. I also know this isn’t fiction, so the plot is what it is. It’s pretty well written (except that I had a hard time keeping track of how old she actually was at various points!), but the story of Elida herself was not really inspiring. It was just sad 😞 and truly sobering.
The majority of the time i prefer to read about individuals who inspite of odds and difficulties care and make a difference, even in small ways. I especially love reading about how Jesus Christ changes lives, because He truly does make the difference. So this was definitely not my normal read. Elida’s personal choices (disclaimer: I’m NOT speaking of all the terrible things that happened in younger childhood, but rather her personal decisions, especially when she was given love and true family) give a stellar example of what NOT to do. This is a story of a lost and lonely soul searching for fulfillment.
The end caught me off guard and was very sad.
Conclusion: So, was I glad I read this book? Yes. It was engaging, heart rending, and made me think. I’d like to read another bio on a Jewish child from that era. I’ve seen and read other WW2 holocaust stories, but this was the first I’ve read about a child born in the middle of such horrific events.
**I don’t recommend this for those under 18 due to a few random inappropriate moments/unnecessary details and the lack of character growth.
I recieved an ARC copy of this story from Netgalley These thoughts are my own.
The rest of Elida’s story kept my attention most of the time, and I’m glad her cousin was able to research the history of her life. I know I’d love to do that with some of my ancestors, especially ones I know have special untold stories or were known for their character.
I waited and waited for Elida to grow/change/mature. I really wanted to like her, and I know she had a LOT of childhood trauma and confusion. I also know this isn’t fiction, so the plot is what it is. It’s pretty well written (except that I had a hard time keeping track of how old she actually was at various points!), but the story of Elida herself was not really inspiring. It was just sad 😞 and truly sobering.
The majority of the time i prefer to read about individuals who inspite of odds and difficulties care and make a difference, even in small ways. I especially love reading about how Jesus Christ changes lives, because He truly does make the difference. So this was definitely not my normal read. Elida’s personal choices (disclaimer: I’m NOT speaking of all the terrible things that happened in younger childhood, but rather her personal decisions, especially when she was given love and true family) give a stellar example of what NOT to do. This is a story of a lost and lonely soul searching for fulfillment.
The end caught me off guard and was very sad.
Conclusion: So, was I glad I read this book? Yes. It was engaging, heart rending, and made me think. I’d like to read another bio on a Jewish child from that era. I’ve seen and read other WW2 holocaust stories, but this was the first I’ve read about a child born in the middle of such horrific events.
**I don’t recommend this for those under 18 due to a few random inappropriate moments/unnecessary details and the lack of character growth.
I recieved an ARC copy of this story from Netgalley These thoughts are my own.
November 17, 2023
The Forbidden Daughter is a book not so much about the Holocaust—but about a girl who lived in the shadow of the Holocaust. We follow Elida through her life from birth to the end.
I can’t fathom the struggles she wrestled with every day. Every chapter of her life brought more anguish. The author is obviously passionate about Elida’s story, which showed on every page.
I will say, I would have loved to have had more written about her personality. All I really got was: she’s an intellectual. How was she as a mother? Did she ever come to terms with her childhood? I also would have loved to have read stories from her kids. She isn’t just an important person in history. Elida was a woman living her life to the best of her ability. I guess in the end I just wanted more emotion from Elida.
I received this ARC from Netgalley for my honest review.
I can’t fathom the struggles she wrestled with every day. Every chapter of her life brought more anguish. The author is obviously passionate about Elida’s story, which showed on every page.
I will say, I would have loved to have had more written about her personality. All I really got was: she’s an intellectual. How was she as a mother? Did she ever come to terms with her childhood? I also would have loved to have read stories from her kids. She isn’t just an important person in history. Elida was a woman living her life to the best of her ability. I guess in the end I just wanted more emotion from Elida.
I received this ARC from Netgalley for my honest review.
April 4, 2024
The Forbidden Daughter, by Zipora Klein Jakob, is an account of a Holocaust survivor born in the ghetto, contrary to the Nazi prohibition of Jewish women giving birth. Her parents managed the impossible task of having her transported out of the ghetto and into the care of a Lithuanian couple. Both parents died when the Nazis destroyed the ghetto. Written by her cousin, this is the story of the infant's life from birth until her untimely death. She was brilliant, and in my amateur opinion, emotionally damaged as a consequence of her experiences. I wish I had liked her more. I wanted so much for her to have more sympathy, understanding, and gratitude for the many people who tried and did help her. And yet, I know that unless you walk in another person's shoes, you never really grasp their perspective. The author is to be commended for her exhaustive research. I think this account adds to the vast library of Holocaust biographical accounts in that it provides an unusual perspective. Nonetheless, if you are just beginning to learn about this period of history, there are better places to start. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennials for the opportunity to read a digital ARC.
April 18, 2024
Firstly, I would like to thank Harper Collins for sending me a copy of this incredible story.
I can’t even tell you how many times this book brought me to tears for what Elide and her family had to go through. Her journey was so long and more than any one person should have to endure.
I’m so thankful that I got the opportunity to read this and help keep Elide’s memory alive.
Thank you to the author (a family member of Elide’s) who was able to research and tell her story to the best of her ability. As a reader, I can tell you that you did her story justice.
I can’t even tell you how many times this book brought me to tears for what Elide and her family had to go through. Her journey was so long and more than any one person should have to endure.
I’m so thankful that I got the opportunity to read this and help keep Elide’s memory alive.
Thank you to the author (a family member of Elide’s) who was able to research and tell her story to the best of her ability. As a reader, I can tell you that you did her story justice.
February 25, 2024
Thank you Netgalley & Harper Paperbacks for an eARC ♥️
“The Forbidden Daughter" is a soul-crushing, yet ultimately uplifting true story of unwavering hope and resilience in the face of unspeakable horrors. Elida Friedman's journey, from her secret birth in the Kovno Ghetto to her precarious childhood, is a testament to the unbreakable human spirit that will leave you shattered and inspired.
As I read about Elida's parents, Jonah and Tzila, risking everything to bring their daughter into the world, I am struck by their courage and selflessness, and my heart is shattered into a million pieces at the thought of them being brutally torn from her life. The inhumane cruelty of the Nazi regime snuffed out their lives, leaving their precious child to navigate a treacherous and unforgiving world alone.
But Elida's story is more than just a tale of survival - it's a testament to the indomitable human spirit that refuses to be extinguished. Despite being uprooted and renamed multiple times, she never loses sight of her identity or her determination to thrive, even in the face of unimaginable loss and trauma. Her unwavering belief in the power of love and belonging propels her forward, like a beacon of light in the darkness.
Every page of this book is a reminder of the unspeakable horrors that humanity is capable of, but also of the boundless capacity for love, hope, and resilience that exists within every human soul. You'll read of Elida's struggles to find her place in a world that seems determined to reject her, and of the miraculous moments of kindness and connection that sustain her.
"The Forbidden Daughter" is a book that will leave you changed, like a piece of clay that's been broken and remade into something stronger and more beautiful. It's a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome even the darkest of circumstances, and a reminder that love and hope can bloom in the most barren of landscapes. ♥️🥹
“The Forbidden Daughter" is a soul-crushing, yet ultimately uplifting true story of unwavering hope and resilience in the face of unspeakable horrors. Elida Friedman's journey, from her secret birth in the Kovno Ghetto to her precarious childhood, is a testament to the unbreakable human spirit that will leave you shattered and inspired.
As I read about Elida's parents, Jonah and Tzila, risking everything to bring their daughter into the world, I am struck by their courage and selflessness, and my heart is shattered into a million pieces at the thought of them being brutally torn from her life. The inhumane cruelty of the Nazi regime snuffed out their lives, leaving their precious child to navigate a treacherous and unforgiving world alone.
But Elida's story is more than just a tale of survival - it's a testament to the indomitable human spirit that refuses to be extinguished. Despite being uprooted and renamed multiple times, she never loses sight of her identity or her determination to thrive, even in the face of unimaginable loss and trauma. Her unwavering belief in the power of love and belonging propels her forward, like a beacon of light in the darkness.
Every page of this book is a reminder of the unspeakable horrors that humanity is capable of, but also of the boundless capacity for love, hope, and resilience that exists within every human soul. You'll read of Elida's struggles to find her place in a world that seems determined to reject her, and of the miraculous moments of kindness and connection that sustain her.
"The Forbidden Daughter" is a book that will leave you changed, like a piece of clay that's been broken and remade into something stronger and more beautiful. It's a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome even the darkest of circumstances, and a reminder that love and hope can bloom in the most barren of landscapes. ♥️🥹
February 22, 2024
I've read a lot of books about WWII, but none from the perspective of the child given away at birth by Jewish parents ... who chose to "break the Nazi law" not abort their child. Their little girl was smuggled out of the ghetto in a basket and given to a family on a farm in Lithuania; when Germans visited, the young girl was smuggled out the back door and hid in the barn ... as her dark curls she looked nothing like the woman that was raising her.
The GoodReads blurb says "A moving, powerful chronicle of overcoming impossible odds"; I would agree with that. I don't want to provide any additional spoilers. Definitely a "must read".
Many thanks to Zipora Klein Jakob for writing this "story" (memoir) and working with the publisher for it to be translated and released in America. Definitely a story that needs to be told.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Paperbacks for approving my request to read the advance read copy of The Forbidden Daughter in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is 23 Apr 2024. GoodReads lists at 288 pages.
The GoodReads blurb says "A moving, powerful chronicle of overcoming impossible odds"; I would agree with that. I don't want to provide any additional spoilers. Definitely a "must read".
Many thanks to Zipora Klein Jakob for writing this "story" (memoir) and working with the publisher for it to be translated and released in America. Definitely a story that needs to be told.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Paperbacks for approving my request to read the advance read copy of The Forbidden Daughter in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is 23 Apr 2024. GoodReads lists at 288 pages.
April 15, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for this ARC.
The life of Elida is pieced together through interviews, court documents, letters and other documents by her cousin. We follow Elida(who at points is also known as Rita and Gita) after she is born in the Kovno ghettos to Jewish parents and then smuggled out of the ghettos to avoid being murdered. We see her journey as she tries to reunite with her family, find an identity that encompasses who she is and find a way to make peace with all that she has been through.
I knew very little of the forbidden Jewish children born during the war. The story was both heart wrenching and eye opening. The fact it was so heavily researched and written by a family member really added extra depth.
Within this story we see 2 sides of humanity one of enduring love, loyalty and bravery. The other of evil, cruelty and greed. This had me reaching for the tissues.
The life of Elida is pieced together through interviews, court documents, letters and other documents by her cousin. We follow Elida(who at points is also known as Rita and Gita) after she is born in the Kovno ghettos to Jewish parents and then smuggled out of the ghettos to avoid being murdered. We see her journey as she tries to reunite with her family, find an identity that encompasses who she is and find a way to make peace with all that she has been through.
I knew very little of the forbidden Jewish children born during the war. The story was both heart wrenching and eye opening. The fact it was so heavily researched and written by a family member really added extra depth.
Within this story we see 2 sides of humanity one of enduring love, loyalty and bravery. The other of evil, cruelty and greed. This had me reaching for the tissues.
March 30, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. This was a different kind of Holocaust story, and that is an area I have read a LOT in. Once upon a time when I was a kid my mom thought I was too obsessed. Anyway, this is the story of a young woman who never ended up in a concentration camp, but suffered so much anyway that it of course affected her life. The young girl was given to a Polish family as a baby, and they kept her until after the war ended, and then a childless Jewish couple took her in but it was not a great fit--they did not all get on well and the girl felt like she did not fit. She ended up in Israel, which was also hard, and then a cousin of her father's who ran a business in America adopted her--and this was also hard for her for many reasons.
April 3, 2024
3.5⭐️
this is the incredible true story of elida's journey from being born in secret during the holocaust through the end of her life. elida lived an extraordinary life and i'm so glad her cousin, zipora, did the extensive research into her family history to write this book. definitely recommend if you enjoy reading about history, but of course it deals with a lot of heavy themes.
thank you to harper perennial and netgalley for my advance copy of the forbidden daughter by zipora klein jakob. all opinions are my own.
this is the incredible true story of elida's journey from being born in secret during the holocaust through the end of her life. elida lived an extraordinary life and i'm so glad her cousin, zipora, did the extensive research into her family history to write this book. definitely recommend if you enjoy reading about history, but of course it deals with a lot of heavy themes.
thank you to harper perennial and netgalley for my advance copy of the forbidden daughter by zipora klein jakob. all opinions are my own.
April 13, 2024
The true story of a baby born against the rules to a Jewish couple in a Lithuanian ghetto. Baby Elida was smuggled out to a Polish family as 3 month old, and the book follows her life passing from family to family, and country to country. Researched and written by Elida's cousin Zipora, it is an extremely touching account - you could feel the desperation coming off the page at times. I found Elida hard to like, but her life was so utterly tragic, it was understandable that she constantly felt as if things were against her. A very interesting book.
January 15, 2024
I really like this book. It's a sad story at times but also a story of survival and success.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews