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Somewhere There Is Still a Sun

Somewhere There Is Still a Sun

A Memoir of the Holocaust
by Michael Gruenbaum 2015 384 pages
4.32
1k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Inhumanity Breeds Resilience and Ingenuity

The book is an amazing example of one person’s (my mother’s) courage, perseverance, ingenuity, resilience, and a strong desire to stay alive and hope that better times would eventually come.

Survival instincts. The constant threat of death and the daily struggle for survival in the face of Nazi persecution forced individuals to develop extraordinary resilience and ingenuity. The story highlights how Misha's mother, and others, found creative ways to obtain food, avoid transports, and maintain a semblance of normalcy in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Examples of ingenuity:

  • Smuggling food and goods on the black market
  • Creating hiding places to avoid detection
  • Forging documents to escape deportation
  • Developing elaborate communication networks

Adaptation and resourcefulness. The characters in the book demonstrate an incredible ability to adapt to changing circumstances and make the most of limited resources. This resourcefulness was not merely a matter of individual survival, but also a way to resist the Nazis' attempts to strip them of their dignity and humanity.

2. Loss of Innocence in the Face of Evil

You’re only eight years old. You can’t just run off like that.

Childhood shattered. The story vividly portrays the abrupt and devastating loss of innocence experienced by children during the Holocaust. Misha's carefree childhood is shattered by the Nazi invasion, forcing him to confront the realities of prejudice, violence, and death at a young age.

Forced maturity. Misha is forced to take on adult responsibilities, such as working to support his family and navigating the dangers of the ghetto. He witnesses horrific events, like the couple jumping from the balcony, that forever alter his perception of the world.

Erosion of trust. The constant betrayal and cruelty of the Nazis erode Misha's trust in authority figures and the world around him. He struggles to reconcile the evil he witnesses with the values he was taught as a child.

3. The Power of Community and Shared Suffering

It took a while, but these times came, though they came on a different continent.

Solidarity in adversity. Despite the immense suffering and hardship, the Jewish community in Prague and Terezin found strength in unity and mutual support. They formed underground schools, organized cultural events, and shared resources to maintain a sense of community and resist the Nazis' attempts to isolate and dehumanize them.

Examples of community support:

  • Secret lessons and cultural events in the ghetto
  • Sharing food and resources with those in need
  • Providing emotional support and comfort to the bereaved
  • Organizing resistance efforts

Shared identity. The shared experience of persecution and suffering forged a strong sense of collective identity among the Jews, transcending individual differences and creating a powerful bond of solidarity.

4. Hope as a Tool for Survival

But somewhere in the world there is still a sun, mountains, the ocean, books, small clean apartments, and perhaps again the rebuilding of a new life.

Maintaining optimism. Despite the bleak circumstances, the characters in the book cling to hope as a vital tool for survival. They dream of a future free from persecution, where they can rebuild their lives and reclaim their lost happiness.

Examples of hope:

  • Misha's mother's dream of a new life in America
  • The children's participation in the opera "Brundibar"
  • The belief that the Allies will eventually defeat the Nazis

Resisting despair. The ability to maintain hope in the face of despair is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It allowed the characters to endure unimaginable suffering and to resist the Nazis' attempts to break their spirits.

5. The Fragility of Life and the Arbitrariness of Fate

We ourselves were saved by a miracle.

Unpredictable nature of survival. The story underscores the fragility of life and the arbitrary nature of fate during the Holocaust. Survival often depended on chance encounters, split-second decisions, and the kindness of strangers.

Examples of luck and chance:

  • Misha's family avoiding transport through connections and sheer luck
  • The couple jumping from the balcony, a stark reminder of the desperation
  • The arbitrary nature of who was selected for transport

Confronting mortality. The constant threat of death forced the characters to confront their own mortality and to appreciate the preciousness of life. They learned to cherish every moment and to find meaning in the face of uncertainty.

6. The Importance of Remembering and Bearing Witness

When people speak about the Holocaust these days, they often say “Never forget.”

Honoring the victims. The author emphasizes the importance of remembering the Holocaust and bearing witness to the suffering of its victims. By sharing his story, he hopes to ensure that future generations will never forget the horrors of the Nazi regime and the importance of fighting against prejudice and oppression.

Preventing recurrence. Remembering the Holocaust is not merely an act of historical preservation, but also a crucial step in preventing future atrocities. By learning from the past, we can identify the warning signs of hatred and intolerance and take action to stop them before they escalate into violence.

Bearing witness. The author sees his book as a "bridge" to understanding the world of the Holocaust, a world he and his family nearly died in. He hopes that by reading his story, others will be able to understand that world and pledge to never forget it.

7. Finding Joy and Meaning Amidst Despair

But somewhere in the world there is still a sun, mountains, the ocean, books, small clean apartments, and perhaps again the rebuilding of a new life.

Resisting dehumanization. Despite the Nazis' attempts to strip them of their humanity, the characters in the book find ways to experience joy and meaning in their lives. They participate in cultural activities, form friendships, and pursue their passions, even in the face of immense suffering.

Examples of finding joy:

  • Misha's love of soccer and his participation in the Nesharim team
  • The children's performance of the opera "Brundibar"
  • The creation of art and music in Terezin

Affirming life. By finding joy and meaning in the midst of despair, the characters affirm their commitment to life and resist the Nazis' attempts to extinguish their spirits.

8. The Enduring Strength of Family Bonds

Both my sister and I were able to find wonderful lifelong partners, build new families, and thus bring my mother much well-deserved happiness.

Protecting loved ones. The story highlights the enduring strength of family bonds during the Holocaust. Misha's parents risked their lives to protect him and his sister, and the siblings supported each other through unimaginable hardship.

Sacrifice and devotion. The characters in the book demonstrate a willingness to sacrifice their own well-being for the sake of their loved ones. Misha's mother repeatedly puts herself in danger to obtain food and avoid transports for her children.

Finding solace in family. Family provided a source of solace and comfort in the face of immense suffering. The characters found strength in their shared history and their commitment to one another.

9. The Dehumanizing Effects of Prejudice and Oppression

What kind of army trains you not to notice people falling out of the sky? What kind of soldier marches perfectly straight even when he’s marching right past a crooked, dead V?

Stripping away dignity. The story vividly portrays the dehumanizing effects of prejudice and oppression. The Nazis systematically stripped Jews of their rights, their possessions, and their dignity, treating them as less than human.

Examples of dehumanization:

  • The imposition of discriminatory laws and regulations
  • The confiscation of Jewish property
  • The forced wearing of yellow stars
  • The segregation and confinement of Jews in ghettos and concentration camps

Erosion of empathy. The Nazis' propaganda and indoctrination fostered a climate of hatred and intolerance, eroding empathy and compassion among the German population. This allowed ordinary people to participate in or condone the persecution of Jews.

10. The Struggle to Maintain Humanity in the Face of Inhumanity

What kind of army trains you not to notice people falling out of the sky? What kind of soldier marches perfectly straight even when he’s marching right past a crooked, dead V?

Resisting moral compromise. The story explores the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals living under Nazi rule. The characters grapple with difficult choices, trying to balance their own survival with their commitment to moral principles.

Examples of moral compromise:

  • The Jewish Council's collaboration with the Nazis
  • The decision to inform on others to save oneself
  • The temptation to steal or exploit others in the ghetto

Preserving moral compass. Despite the pressures to compromise their values, the characters in the book strive to maintain their humanity and to resist the dehumanizing effects of the Nazi regime. They find strength in their faith, their relationships, and their commitment to justice.

Last updated:

FAQ

What is Somewhere There Is Still a Sun by Michael Gruenbaum about?

  • Holocaust memoir for youth: The book is a memoir recounting Michael Gruenbaum’s experiences as a Jewish boy during the Nazi occupation of Prague and his time in the Terezin concentration camp.
  • Personal and historical narrative: It blends Michael’s personal memories with historical context, explaining Nazi rules, transports, and daily life in ghettos and camps.
  • Focus on childhood resilience: The story is told from a child’s perspective, capturing confusion, fear, and the resilience of youth during the Holocaust.
  • Family and survival: It details the impact of the Holocaust on Michael’s family, including loss, survival, and the struggle to rebuild after liberation.

Who is Michael Gruenbaum, the author of Somewhere There Is Still a Sun, and what is his background?

  • Holocaust survivor and author: Michael Gruenbaum was born in Prague in 1930 and was deported to Terezin at age twelve, surviving the Holocaust along with his mother and sister.
  • Family history: His father was active in Prague’s Jewish community but was arrested and killed in the Small Fortress at Terezin.
  • Post-war life: After the war, Michael emigrated to the United States, attended MIT, served in the army, and had a successful career in city planning.
  • Memoir’s perspective: The book reflects on his childhood experiences and the legacy of the Nesharim, the group of boys he lived with in Terezin.

Why did Michael Gruenbaum wait seventy years to write and publish Somewhere There Is Still a Sun?

  • Emotional readiness: Michael only felt able to share his traumatic experiences as he reached an advanced age, indicating the emotional difficulty of recounting the Holocaust.
  • Inherited memorabilia: After his mother’s death, he inherited an album of memorabilia from Terezin, which inspired him to preserve and eventually share his story.
  • Publishing journey: He initially wrote a children’s picture book, but after facing publishing challenges, he collaborated with professional writers to create a memoir for middle-grade readers.
  • Desire to educate: Michael wanted to serve as a bridge for young readers to understand the Holocaust through his personal story.

What were the living conditions and daily experiences in the Terezin concentration camp as described in Somewhere There Is Still a Sun?

  • Children’s Home and Room 7: Michael lived in a crowded room with about forty boys, under the guidance of a leader named Franta, with strict routines and limited personal space.
  • Daily routines and rules: The boys had to maintain cleanliness, participate in unofficial schooling (“the Program”), and take on jobs like gardening.
  • Community and resilience: Despite harsh conditions, the boys formed a close-knit group called the Nesharim, supporting each other through activities like soccer and theater.
  • Constant fear: The threat of transports to death camps and the loss of friends and family were ever-present realities.

Who were the Nesharim in Somewhere There Is Still a Sun, and what was their significance?

  • Group of child survivors: The Nesharim (“eagles” in Hebrew) were a group of boys in Room 7 at Terezin, including Michael, who formed a strong community.
  • Symbol of hope and unity: Their team spirit and brotherhood helped them survive the harsh conditions, with a chant “Rim, rim, rim, tempo Nesharim” boosting morale.
  • Led by Franta: Under Franta’s leadership, the Nesharim maintained discipline, camaraderie, and a sense of normalcy through sports and cultural activities.
  • Legacy of resilience: Only eleven of the eighty boys survived, making their story a testament to the power of friendship and resilience.

What role did Franta play in the lives of the boys in Somewhere There Is Still a Sun?

  • Leader and mentor: Franta (Francis Maier) was the madrich (counselor) of Room 7, acting as a father figure and guide for the boys.
  • Coach and organizer: He organized soccer teams, play rehearsals, and educational activities, helping the boys maintain hope and a sense of childhood.
  • Moral support: Franta emphasized unity and humanity, teaching the boys to survive “as human beings, not as animals,” despite Nazi attempts to dehumanize them.
  • Source of discipline: He enforced cleanliness and order, instilling values that helped the boys cope with camp life.

How does Somewhere There Is Still a Sun by Michael Gruenbaum portray the impact of Nazi rules and restrictions on Jewish life?

  • Increasing restrictions: The book details Nazi-imposed rules such as wearing yellow stars, restricted shopping hours, and bans on owning radios or musical instruments.
  • Social isolation: Jewish children were expelled from schools, and families were forced into ghettos, losing access to public spaces and facing harassment.
  • Material loss: The Gruenbaum family lost possessions multiple times due to confiscations, bombings, and forced auctions.
  • Psychological toll: The constant erosion of rights and dignity is depicted as a gradual but devastating process.

What were “transports” in Somewhere There Is Still a Sun, and why were they so significant?

  • Definition of transports: Transports were Nazi-organized deportations of Jews from ghettos or camps like Terezin to extermination camps such as Auschwitz.
  • Fear and uncertainty: Receiving a summons for a transport meant imminent deportation, often to death, causing widespread fear and anxiety.
  • Survival and loss: Many families and friends were lost during transports, and the book describes the emotional toll and the struggle to avoid or survive them.
  • Turning points: The Gruenbaum family’s receipt of a transport summons marked critical moments in their journey.

How did Michael Gruenbaum’s family survive the transports to death camps, according to Somewhere There Is Still a Sun?

  • Mother’s ingenuity: Michael’s mother used her connections and resourcefulness to get the family removed from transports to Auschwitz and other death camps.
  • Coded communication: A postcard from Aunt Louise, with handwriting slanting down, served as a secret code indicating danger, helping the family understand the severity of their situation.
  • Narrow escapes: The memoir recounts several close calls and the emotional toll of knowing many others were not as fortunate.
  • Combination of luck and courage: Their survival was due to a mix of quick thinking, bravery, and fortunate circumstances.

What is the significance of the children’s opera Brundibar in Somewhere There Is Still a Sun?

  • Symbol of hope and resistance: Brundibar was a children’s opera performed by the kids in Terezin, including Michael, symbolizing the fight against evil.
  • Cultural life in the camp: Despite horrific conditions, the Nazis allowed cultural activities like Brundibar, providing the children with a sense of normalcy and community.
  • Emotional impact: The opera’s themes resonated with the children, representing their own struggles and hopes.
  • Bittersweet memories: Performing Brundibar brought both joy and sadness, especially as many performers later disappeared in transports.

How does Somewhere There Is Still a Sun by Michael Gruenbaum address the psychological and emotional impact of life in Terezin?

  • Constant fear and uncertainty: Michael describes the ever-present threat of transports, the loss of friends, and the difficulty of maintaining hope.
  • Moments of joy: Activities like soccer, performing in Brundibar, and sharing small treats provided brief escapes and a sense of childhood.
  • Emotional struggles: The memoir captures feelings of sadness, anger, and confusion, such as guilt over food or the pain of losing friends.
  • Resilience and adaptation: Despite trauma, the children found ways to support each other and retain their humanity.

What are the key takeaways and messages from Somewhere There Is Still a Sun by Michael Gruenbaum?

  • Resilience in adversity: The memoir shows how hope, friendship, and creativity can survive even in the darkest circumstances.
  • Power of community: The Nesharim’s solidarity and support for one another highlight the human need for connection and belonging.
  • Necessity of remembrance: By sharing his story, Michael underscores the importance of bearing witness to history to honor victims and educate future generations.
  • Humanity in hardship: The story stresses maintaining dignity and compassion, even when faced with unimaginable suffering.

Review Summary

4.32 out of 5
Average of 1k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Somewhere There Is Still a Sun is a powerful Holocaust memoir by Michael Gruenbaum, co-authored with Todd Hasak-Lowy. The book offers a unique perspective through the eyes of young Misha in Nazi-occupied Prague and Terezin concentration camp. Readers praised its emotional impact, accessible writing for young adults, and ability to convey hope amidst tragedy. Many found it educational and moving, appreciating the focus on relationships and survival. Some felt it was less graphic than other Holocaust accounts, making it suitable for younger readers while still conveying the horrors of the time.

Your rating:
4.63
33 ratings

About the Author

Michael Gruenbaum is a Holocaust survivor who spent his childhood in Nazi-occupied Prague and Terezin concentration camp. Born in 1930, he experienced the gradual erosion of Jewish rights and eventual deportation to Terezin at age 12. Gruenbaum survived with his mother and sister, later emigrating to the United States. He collaborated with co-author Todd Hasak-Lowy to share his experiences in a way accessible to young readers. Gruenbaum's memoir draws on his vivid memories, family documents, and historical research to provide a unique perspective on life in Terezin. His story emphasizes resilience, hope, and the importance of human connections in the face of unimaginable adversity.

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