Daughters of Absence: Transforming a Legacy of Loss

Daughters of Absenceis a collection of twelve essays written by daughters of Holocaust survivors. Each chapter is a contribution from a female author, poet, artist, musician, filmmaker, comedienne, playwright, etc. The authors not only tell about their own personal experiences as daughters of Holocaust survivors, but many essays also include accounts from their parents of horrific experiences during the Holocaust.

Despite the unique pressures of being the daughters of "survivors," the contributors have thrived and made the most of their lives, but not in stereotypical ways. Instead, they chose ways that combine compassion with courage, and success with celebration. The result is an uplifting and very inspiring book from a group of very inspiring women.

The contributors include editor Mindy Weisel, an artist whose works are on display at museums around the world; Helen Epstein, author of Children of the Holocaust; Aviva Kempner, producer of the films The Partisans of Vilna and The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg; Lily Brett, the only writer who has won Australia's highest awards for fiction and poetry; photographer Vera Loeffler; poet Miram Morsel Nathan; and Hadassah Lieberman, wife of Senator Joe Lieberman. The introduction is by Eva Fogelman, author of Conscience & Courage: Rescuers of Jews during the Holocaust.

This book has been used in the classroom and at seminars and conferences. Previously available only in a hard cover edition, it is now available in trade paperback and e-book editions. Highly recommended because of its unique perspective on the Holocaust and because each chapter demonstrates the strength of the human spirit.