Where She Came from: A Daughter's Search for Her Mother's History

I was going to go to Prague (didn't make it, but that's another story) and a friend said to me, "I read this book *after* I went and I wish I'd read it *before*." Well, as I said I didn't go to Prague, but I did read the book. It sucked me in and held me all the way through.I not generally generally wild about literature that focuses on the Holocaust. But this book is really a lot more than that. It's part history, part detective story, part memoir. I found it gripping, engaging and moving.

This book is not only a touching search for the author's roots. It is also a fascinating, well researched history of Jews in Central Europe. Very well written, and the detailed description of the search makes it a very readable book.

I have just finished Helen Epstein's Where She Came From and I am unable to move. She weaves three narratives: personal, historical and Holocaust. It is one of the best books I have read, ever. I am in awe of the writer's skills and gift. It is the kind of book that makes you think about it for days, the kind of book that makes you not want to read another for a while, and certainly not one that isn't of its caliber.

We read Helen Epstein's "Where She Came From" for our book group, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. The book has so many threads: Wonderful characters you wish you could meet in person; A view of the history of eastern Europe that is colorful and compelling; The chilling face of centuries of European anti-Semitism; Helen's personal story of discovery. It reads like a mystery at times and a love letter at others. The writing style is very clear and pleasant to read - the best of personal journalism. Having read the library's copy, I bought one of my own to share with my own family and friends.

Epstein achieves her goal of exploring her roots, but she accomplishes much more. She paints a fascinating, and very well researched portrait of life in Eastern Europe during the two generations before and during the Holocaust. The lives and times come alive for the reader. Most Holocaust literature focuses on the horrors of the period. Epstein concentrates on the people and their culture, and how the Holocaust effected the lives of her ancestors. It is a must read for anyone interested in this very challenging time in our history.