The Old Brown Suitcase: A Teenager's Story of War & Peace [Paperback]

Lillian Boraks-Nemetz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 18, 2005 | Age Level: 11 and up | Grade Level: 6 and up

The Old Brown Suitcase is the story of 14-year-old Slava, a "hidden child," who comes to Canada from Poland after the Second World War. While Slava struggles with the English language and a new culture, she is haunted by the horrific memories of her experience as a Jewish child persecuted by the Nazis. Help comes through loving friends, a special boyfriend, several understanding teachers, her own creative talents and a strong will to overcome adversity.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-10?Told in a first-person narrative, this novel is based on the personal recollections of a "hidden child." The story begins in postwar Montreal, where the Lenski family has resettled after fleeing Poland in 1947. The author then uses flashbacks to re-create Warsaw before, during, and after World War II. As the Nazis advance and the horrors of the Holocaust move closer, the Lenskis become more and more desperate. In alternating chapters, Boraks-Nemetz traces their transition as they adapt to their new North American lifestyle. There, they are faced with a different set of problems: covert racism, language barriers, and differing values. The transition is especially difficult for Slava, the narrator, who is 14 when they arrive from Poland and has had no formal education. While the book is not weighted down with detail, there is enough information to portray the events that had such a profound impact on the Lenskis' lives. The characters are fully realized. Teachers may find this book useful in thematic studies of the Holocaust or European Jewish culture. The Old Brown Suitcase, while dealing with historical events, could also help focus a discussion about current wars and today's refugees.?Lucinda Lockwood, Thomas Haney Secondary School, Maple Ridge, BC
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Unlike some...authors currently writing about Holocaust experiences, Boraks-Nemetz writes with equal immediacy about life after such danger and suffering." -- Books on Tab

"a worthwhile addition to most school libraries." -- Books in Canada

"unusual and compelling" -- Globe and Mail

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Paperback: 148 pages
• Publisher: Ben-Simon Pubns (March 18, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0914539108
• ISBN-13: 978-0914539100
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,604,782 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #75 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > Canada
  • #91 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > Fiction > Holocaust

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Old Brown Suitcase, January 13, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Old Brown Suitcase: A Teenager's Story of War & Peace (Paperback)

WOW! what an amazing book. I am only 14, so it is rare that a book captures my attention. Slava, the main character in the novel, is my age. I understand some of the things she goes through. I reccomend it to anyone. Age 11-111. So READ IT and enjoy ;) thanks

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Masterpiece, January 3, 2004

By 

"mozart1781" (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Old Brown Suitcase: A Teenager's Story of War & Peace (Paperback)

Marvolous. And even that is not enough to describe it. I just could not put this down and have read it more then once. This something that everyone should read a least once no matter your age.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Old Brown Suitcase, December 11, 2002

By 

Becca (Vancouver, BC, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Old Brown Suitcase: A Teenager's Story of War & Peace (Paperback)

Hi. My name is Becca. I loved this book!
The Old Brown Suitcase
I think that this book was very touching. It was educational hearing about what happened to the Jews in the war, and good hearing about this girl's veiw of the war, being right inside it. I think that if this book were rated out of 10, 1 being the lowest, I would give it a 10. Sure call me a softy for giving it perfect, but I really enjoyed this book. I thik this book would be best for grade 6/7 to adult. I recommend this book to all who love to read truely good books!
Becca Kouwenhoven