A Brilliant Life: My Mother's Inspiring True Story of S… (2024)

Nat K

468 reviews181 followers

March 21, 2024

***Shortlisted for the ABIA 2024 Matt Richell New Writer of the Year Award***

Beautiful. Which is a strange thing to say considering the subject matter, but it is. Filled with infinite sadness, yet also with lots of hope. Without which there is nothing.

”Everything in life is a coincidence.”

Miriam “Mira” Unreich was a pretty, petite brunette with a dimpled smile that charmed everyone. Living happily with her close knit family in a tiny village in Slovakia (then Czechoslovakia) where her family ran the local haberdashery. Although nearing the end of the war, Nazism had finally cast its shadow over her small community. It was 1944, and on the day they were about to flee their home, unbelievable tragedy struck. The youngest of five children, seventeen year old Mira found herself along with so many others of the Jewish faith rounded up and placed in a concentration camp. And it was not only one, but four that she somehow survived, including Treblinka and Auschwitz.

It’s still always unbelievable to read a story like this and to realise that it happened. It wasn’t make believe. The horror was real. And yet, when asked how she survived, Mira’s reply was that”In the Holocaust, I learned about the goodness of people.” This is what pulled her through. Small acts of kindness, sometimes from the unlikeliest of people (such as prison guards and camp commandants). Mira also believed in coincidences. So many coincidences and lucky hands of fate occurred during her life, that she could not think otherwise.

Ironically, to be tattooed with a number on her forearm meant that she would have a chance of survival. As sadly those without a mark were either shot or sent to the gas chambers.

Mira’s story reminded me in many ways of Eddie Jaku’s The Happiest Man on Earth. In that despite going through such pain and trauma, they both chose joy, and to see the goodness in others, rather than focus on the hurt which could have destroyed them.
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There’s a wonderful blend of tradition, religious days, customs and festivals which are spoken about throughout the book. I learned so much about the Jewish faith, and how people tried to retain it during the grimmest of times, and also celebrated to the full in happier times.

What stuck me as extremely sad was that after victory was declared and the war was over, the survivors of the concentration camps were not always helped or welcomed back into the world with open arms. Often they were treated with hostility or suspicion, sometimes even asked outright how they had managed to survive when so many others hadn’t.

Like Eddie Jaku, Mira eventually moved to Australia, creating a happy home in Victoria. Despite living in many countries after the war, this is where she felt the most settled, with the wide open spaces giving her the feeling of freedom and space to breathe.

This story shows how important family and love is, how it can provide you with the resilience to dig deep and try to pull through dire circ*mstances, even if your family are no longer by your side, but with you in spirit. In Mira’s case, having very real dreams of her beautiful Mum, as if she had been physically cradled by her.

Written by Rachelle Unreich, one of Mira’s daughters, this is a vibrant, heartfelt tribute to her Mum’s life. Rachelle wanted to discover as much as she could of her Mum’s story when Mira was sadly diagnosed with cancer and given months to live. It makes me think of how much we really know about our parents, do we ever make the time or bother to ask what trials and tribulations and also happiness and successes they had. What makes them tick?

I’ve also been pondering on how as more and more of these amazing people who have lived through so much are no longer with us, will their stories still be told and still be remembered? We have so much to still learn.

This an absolutely beautiful and poignant, and I’ll carry it with me a for a long time. I recommend this to anyone and everyone who enjoys a well written story that is actually true.

”Identity embeds itself in different ways: in sound, in feeling, in memory.”

Shout out to Randwick City Library for having a copy. I hope that lots and lots of people read this.

    2024-books aussie biography-memoir

Tammy

569 reviews475 followers

Read

January 4, 2024

I’m not rating this since it’s a personal story about surviving the Holocaust and these stories should be told.

Stephen

1,969 reviews430 followers

April 23, 2024

found this book very interesting and emotional about the author's mother and family experience in the camps and about what happened with general history added too.

Sunnie

385 reviews34 followers

November 17, 2023

Solid 4.75 stars. Thanks for this ARC provided to me by the publisher. A Brilliant Life by Rachelle Unreich portrays the true story of her mother’s remarkable life, surviving the Holocaust, surviving the aftermath of the Holocaust, moving from country to country with young children, searching for someplace that felt safe and secure. I believe that the title of this book really does reflect the life lived to the fullest, not dwelling on the past, not fretting about the future, but moment by moment, even as she lay dying of cancer. Yes there were hard times, yes there was devastating tragedy, yes there was starvation and heartache, but Mira’s life truly was breathtaking and brilliant. A Holocaust survivor story with hope instead of one filled only with despair. Highly recommended.

Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf)

753 reviews172 followers

August 8, 2024

⭐️4 Stars⭐️
A Brilliant Life is a story told with heart and soul, journalist Rachelle Unreich gives the reader an incredible and moving memoir about her beloved mother Mira’s life.

Mira was a Holocaust survivor and as she nears the end of her life, her daughter decides to interview her about it to distract her from her illness. This is a story of courage, sadness and survival alongside the goodness of people. The book is also written from the testimonies Mira previously gave for Holocaust history along with the author’s meticulous research.

Mira was twelve when World World II broke out, she endured and unbelievingly survived four concentration camps! This memoir tells the grim account of her experiences during those times and also focuses on the positives of her truly remarkable and brilliant life. The accounts of the concentration camps were absolutely heartbreaking but the amazing acts of kindness from people during those times were incredible.

The story beautifully captures the powerful connection between a mother and child. Mira loved her life and focussed on the joys of it and those that had helped her, some risking their own lives rather than dwelling on the people who had tried to destroy her.

Publication Date 01 November 2023
Publisher Hachette Australia

Thank you so much to Rachelle Unreich for sharing your mother’s story with me, it’s a loving and beautiful tribute and shows the importance of documenting family history and so much more. This is a truly special book!

    the-bookshelf

Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews

2,081 reviews313 followers

January 10, 2024

*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...

4.5 stars

🕍A ray of light despite a thick shroud of a life lived in darkness, A Brilliant Life is a family memoir from experienced journalist Rachelle Unrich. An unbelievable tale of her mother’s experiences of sheer persecution, cruelty, grit, escape, determination, devastating loss and magical happenings, A Brilliant Life is an incredibly moving spiritual memoir from Rachelle Unreich.

🕍Over seven decades ago, The Age and Harper’s Bazaar journalist Rachelle Unreich’s mother Mira was released from a German concentration camp, in the days, weeks, years and decades that followed Mira lived the secret of her miraculous survival tale. In her dying days, Rachelle was able to trace back and chronicle her mother’s truly devastating but awe-inspiring journey of survival. Told with a gentle balance of humility, fact, reflection, faith and hope, A Brilliant Life is an absolute must read.

🕍Unreich’s writing style is clear, poised, factual, meditative and personalised. The author is warm, frank, open and honest, inviting the reader to be a vital part of the journey that is Mira’s amazing life. A Brilliant Life offers a full history of life before, during and post war, tracing right through to modern Australian life after Mira’s resettlement in Australia, this is an extraordinary account of Mira’s life. Despite the despair, Mira’s life was still defined by acts of courage, sheer coincidence, mystical happenings and above all acts of kindness in the face of so much hate. I especially liked the inclusion of a mid-way photo collage, making this story even more personal for the reader.

🕍Rachelle Unreich, the youngest daughter of Mira Unreich, has succeeded in composing a memorable and respectful tribute to her admired mother. I urge you to read this survival tale, it will fill your heart with hope, expectation, love and goodness, despite the harrowing history that surrounds Mira’s life.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫4.5 stars

    2023-books
July 26, 2023

Title: A Brilliant Life - My Mother's Inspiring True Story of Surviving the Holocaust
Author: Rachelle Unreich
Genre: Biography, History, Holocaust

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)

Review:

"A Brilliant Life" is a profoundly moving and unforgettable account of survival and resilience during one of the darkest periods in human history - the Holocaust. Authored by Rachelle Unreich, this gripping biography is a heartfelt tribute to her mother's courage and strength, providing an intimate look at the harrowing experiences endured during those tumultuous times.

The book commences by introducing readers to Rachelle's mother, whose story unfolds with remarkable candor and sensitivity. The narrative is a powerful blend of historical events and personal recollections, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and horrors her mother faced while trying to survive amidst the persecution and chaos of the Holocaust.

Rachelle Unreich demonstrates an exceptional ability to capture the essence of her mother's emotions and experiences, transporting readers back in time to witness the anguish and resilience of those who lived through such trying circ*mstances. The detailed descriptions and rich storytelling immerse readers in the harrowing reality of the Holocaust, evoking profound emotions throughout the journey.

One of the book's strengths lies in its exploration of the profound bond between a mother and her daughter, which shines through amidst the darkness of the Holocaust. Rachelle's unwavering love and admiration for her mother are evident in every word, adding a layer of tenderness to the narrative that resonates deeply with the readers.

"A Brilliant Life" not only serves as an essential historical document but also as an important reminder of the human spirit's capacity to endure and find hope even in the face of unimaginable adversity. The author's ability to portray her mother's resilience and determination leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the importance of cherishing and learning from the stories of survivors.

Throughout the book, Rachelle Unreich navigates a delicate balance between recounting historical facts and presenting the human side of the Holocaust. This balance makes the book both informative and emotionally compelling, appealing to both history enthusiasts and those seeking inspiring tales of survival.

In conclusion, "A Brilliant Life" is an extraordinary testament to the strength of the human spirit, a touching homage to a survivor's journey, and a valuable historical account of the Holocaust. Rachelle Unreich's writing is poignant, heartfelt, and deeply engrossing, making this biography a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the human experience during one of the darkest chapters in history. It is a profound tribute to all Holocaust survivors and a call to remember and honor their stories for generations to come.

Zibby Owens

Author7 books20.9k followers

March 4, 2024

This is a touching family history that the author, Rachelle, built from interviews with her 89-year-old mother, Mira before she passed away from cancer. The book uncovers the horrors of the Holocaust and Mira's incredible resilience and optimism. Despite everything, Mira maintained her faith in humanity and taught Rachelle the importance of finding hope in dark times. The book also reflects on the intergenerational strength and the bond between a mother and daughter.

While reading the book, it feels like the author is simply transcribing all the stories. The book presents history through Rachelle's own thoughts and knowledge of what happened before the war and the POV of Mira. The book highlights the theme that the world is a crazy place, and coincidences happen. Despite this, it was Mira's unwavering attitude towards her faith that stood out the most. She maintained faith in humanity, the prospect of a better tomorrow, herself, and the universe. This belief leaves the readers feeling hopeful.

If you want to listen to the author's interview, you can go to my podcast at: https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo....

April

353 reviews21 followers

December 1, 2023

Rachelle Unreich takes us through the story of her mother, Mira’s, life, and it will stay with you long after you read it.

Many aspects of this story are familiar to those of us who read about the atrocities of WWII often. The at first slow effort to take away the humanity of the Jewish people and so many other groups, which the turned to a concentrated effort to eliminate these people from the face of the earth. Reading about this from Mira’s point of view makes it even more haunting and heartbreaking.

Where this story differs is the positive things Mira found in what was happening to her. The extra food, the help escaping, the help at various camps. No matter what was happening, Mira always found a way to survive and focus on what she called coincidences that colored her life.

The theme of family and loved ones is big in this book and flows through it to the last page.

I don’t know if I would be able to look at things the way Mira did. Reading this book has not only deepened my awareness of this awful time in history, but it has encouraged me to try to look at various things in my own life in a different way.

Thank you, Rachelle, for writing this book. I cannot get it out of my head and I was not ready to say goodbye to you and your family.

I highly recommend this book for the story, the perspective, and the reminders that were so timely in my own life.

Thank you to Harper Perennial for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.

    2023-read arc netgalley

Dana

1,493 reviews80 followers

November 30, 2023

{3.5 stars}

Mira is dying and her daughter wants to know more about her history. They currently live in Australia but she knows her mother and her family were victims of the Holocaust. The story flips back and forth in the beginning as we get to know Mira now and as a youth inCzechoslovakia as the war reached her small village. We hear about her family first in hiding and then separated, where Mira ends up in being moved through various concentration camps suffering more and more leading up to the Death March and her final liberation. It then goes on to tell her post war struggles and how she ended up in Australia.

What I really appreciated about this story was that amidst all of the struggles, pains and horrors of the Holocaust, Mira told her stories focused on the kindnesses she experienced and the little moments that made a difference to her survival. It was a take on a Holocaust story that I hadn't heard before. I so admired her resilience and her desire to move on with her life and not let suffering and loss define her. My only issue with the book was the chunk at the end that focused more on the daughter's life, I get what she was trying to do by emphasizing the legacy of her mother and embracing her faith but that bit was a little too long and lacking the drama and intensity of the first 2/3s of the book.

Thanks to Harper for the gifted copy. All opinions above are my own.

Kimberly Lou

242 reviews2 followers

March 15, 2024

A moving tribute to the life of the writer's mother who survived four different concentration camps and a death march. I enjoyed the story itself and was near tears a few times. Also, there were times when the writing style was more distanced and journalistic, which I didn't enjoy as much. 3.25/5

BOOKLOVER EB

805 reviews

December 8, 2023

Rachelle Unreich pays tribute to her remarkable mother, Mira, in a poignant work of non-fiction, “A Brilliant Life.” When Mira was eighty-nine and terminally ill, Rachelle knew that time was running out to glean whatever wisdom and memories her mother wished to impart. In particular, Rachelle wondered why, in spite of having been sent to four concentration camps, Mira retained her faith in the Almighty. It turns out that, like Anne Frank, Mira believed that most people were basically good. After the war, she took great pleasure in raising her family, traveling, and celebrating Jewish festivals with her children and grandchildren.

In this heartfelt and beautifully written book, the author takes us back to her mother’s formative years in Czechoslovakia. Rachelle describes in harrowing detail what happened to Mira and her relatives after the Germans invaded their country. Some of Unreich’s anecdotes are gut-wrenching and tragic. Others are warm, funny, and inspirational. They are all vividly detailed, engrossing , and in some cases astonishing.

This is a true story of terror, baseless hatred, and cruelty, as well as an uplifting account of how hope, kindness, and strength of character can help someone survive and even thrive in spite of having endured unspeakable abuse. Mira Unreich was blessed with a good nature, a positive attitude, and a determination to make her years on earth meaningful and fulfilling, in spite of all that she endured at the hands of her cruel captors.

Blue

338 reviews5 followers

August 18, 2023

This is a true story. There are those horrible death camps. People were led their like silent lambs. I am glad to read about this time in history again. If we read or talk about it again, history may not repeat itself. There are many happy memories shared by the son. He writes about the Sabbath and the joy she had preparing for it. The family would sing songs to welcome and end the Sabbath. Mira also loved to cook. There are some funny moments as well in the book. It is really a delight to read these words.

May 13, 2024

This book is such a beautiful tribute to the author's mother and really everyone who endured the atrocities that occurred at concentration camps. It was so emotional and moving that I had to read and then take some time to digest and mellow my mood a bit before moving on, otherwise I would have been sobbing the whole time. I admire Mira's tenacity and hope in the face of such oppression and it is obvious she left a beautiful legacy behind, despite the immense challenges through her life. I can't say anything to give justice to how good and moving this book was, so really I would just recommend reading it and finding out for yourself. I've read many books from Holocaust survivers and while they are all impactful, this one hit differently than most.

Emilee

246 reviews1 follower

May 22, 2024

This is a truly beautiful memoir of the author’s mother’s life, not only as a Holocaust survivor, but as an incredible, vibrant woman who was more than simply a survivor. I appreciated learning more about the Jewish culture and customs through her story.

Kalli E

218 reviews

January 7, 2024

What a life. This wasn’t a novel about the Holocaust but rather the memoir of Mira and her life before, during and after the Holocaust. A few themes throughout include strength, survival, pain, family, faith and most importantly a mother’s love. It was beautifully written. The heavy emotions I felt really make me want to go hug my mom 💜

Mary

166 reviews1 follower

March 7, 2024

Wow… was this a beautiful story. Heartbreaking, breath taking and haunting. I felt like I was living the story with Mira and her daughter.

Kris

1,089 reviews17 followers

January 10, 2024

“It is much more important to remember how people have lived, she taught me, than to remember how they died.”

The powerful, true story of a Holocaust survivor told by her daughter—a tale that reminds us of the resilience of the soul and the ability of the heart to heal.

As Mira is nearing the end of her life, her daughter Rachelle wants to find out how her mother had lived through four concentration camps, including Auschwitz, and a Death March. There was a mystery to her survival, it seemed—which perhaps had something to do with the strange things that always happened around her. And, incredibly, when giving testimony later in life, she says that it was during this time—despite witnessing the depths of man’s cruelty—that she learned about “the goodness of people.”

A Brilliant Lifeportrays not only how remote a prospect it was to live through the Holocaust, but what it is like to be the child of a survivor. This is a story of love, loss, wonder and the deepest kind of faith.

I don’t even know how to review a book like this. How do you put a star rating on a woman’s courage? A woman’s resilience? A woman’s triumph over the worst of mankind??

While reading this I realized something. I believe we are getting dangerously close to a time when no one that experienced the holocaust will be alive to tell their tale. I still struggle with the reality of the evil of humanity every time I read a story like this. But through Mira I get another side. So thank you, Rachelle, for telling your mother’s story. We should all strive to be the type of woman she was. ❤️❤️

Thank you to @harpercollins and @rachelleunr for the #gifted copy.

Helen

11 reviews1 follower

October 31, 2023

"A Brilliant Life" by Rachelle Unreuch is a profoundly moving account that delves into the harrowing experiences of her mom, Mira, who endured the horrors of concentration camps, including Auschwitz, at the age of 16. What makes this narrative exceptional is not just the historical significance of Mira's survival, but also the intimate exploration of the mother-daughter bond and the profound life lessons embedded within her story.

Rachelle Unreuch masterfully weaves together Mira's Holocaust survival tale with themes of love, positivity, and the ability to find beauty even in the face of unimaginable adversity. The book becomes a poignant meditation on learning to live in the moment, the art of letting go, and the complexities of dealing with a parent's deteriorating health and eventual loss.

In Unreuch's own words, I found the book to be "both achingly sad and terribly beautiful". The heart of the story lies not only in the historical context but in the profound wisdom and love that emanate from Mira. As a reader, I found myself deeply moved, falling in love with Mira's inner beauty and resonating passion for life.

Karen’s Library

1,177 reviews186 followers

April 3, 2024

The FEELS!! When I picked up A Brilliant Life, I ended up finishing it in two sittings within one day. I just couldn’t stop reading this biography of Rachelle’s beloved mother Mira who survived 4 concentration camps and a death march during the holocaust.

This book was everything. The concentration camp portions were absolutely heartbreaking but very well done. What was so amazing was how Mira told her story by touching on all of the kindnesses she was shown by others during her astonishingly horrific ordeal. I love how Mira overcame everything she went through and ended up having a very happy life.

Rachelle does a wonderful job of portraying Mira’s life before and after the holocaust, and then goes on to tell the story of her own special bond with her mother.

It really ended up being such a beautiful story.

*Thank you so much to the author, Harper Perrenial, and to TLC Book Tours for the gifted copy and for including me on the book tour!*

Anna

819 reviews1 follower

December 19, 2023

Be warned: this book WILL make you cry with horrific depictions of what those who suffered through the Holocaust went through.

Mira is one of the bravest heroines I've ever read about, and she's actually a real, flesh and blood person. Somehow, even through losing most of her immediate family to the Holocaust and living through those atrocities, she wound up being a bright light to all of those she met.

This story weaves through every age of Mira's life and is told beautifully by her daughter, Rachelle. I highly recommend listening to this story through audiobook as I did; it seemed to really impact me in a way that I don't know just reading the words on a page might have.

There's not much more to say except that the mass exodus and genocide of people of something that should NEVER happen again to ANY population.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

    finished-netgalley-arcs

Tania Burstin

2 reviews

November 3, 2023

I loved this book. It made me cry a lot. I couldn’t put it down.

There are a lot of novels about the Holocaust but this one stands out. It’s a true story about the life of Mira Unreich who was only 12 years old when war broke out, lovingly told by her writer daughter.

It’s incredible to read Mira’s story, a beautiful young Czechoslovakian girl so happy and so loved, and learn about her lucky moments of survival during her harrowing experience. Then ultimately her new and interesting life in Melbourne Australia.

The story has an air of magic and mystical connection between the generations which was a beautiful thread woven through the book.

It is an authentic and inspiring story of a brilliant life, that despite unspeakable tragedy is ultimately joyous and filled with love.

Sara

1,409 reviews85 followers

October 13, 2023

A very well written and riveting account of survival during the Holocaust. It's obvious that the author was well invested in the subject since she's telling her mother's tale. The author is a journalist and she's done extensive research (see the back matter) to give context and even more meaning to her mother's story. But most remarkable is her mother--a survivor of the Holocaust who went on to live her life so very well. It's inspirational and also very down to earth. Amongst Holocaust stories, this one really stands out both for the writing and Mira's character.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. I couldn't put it down until I'd read to the end.

Rachel Butler

1 review

November 27, 2023

This is a beautiful tale written so well that it felt like reading a piece of music. The way the author weaves the story from her mothers to her own and back again happens with such gentle ease you find yourself flowing with the tale. As a mother myself I found this inspiring and a good reminder to always look for the good in difficult situations and the goodness in others. A wonderful and uplifting book, which is not always how you would describe a story about surviving the holocaust - but it is. Cannot recommend enough!

Nancy G

83 reviews

January 9, 2024

I love reading stories about those who survived the Holocaust. This story is beautifully written and holds true that the children of the survivors must keep these histories alive.

Louise Fisher

156 reviews17 followers

June 5, 2024

A BRILLIANT LIFE. By Rachel Unreich
Time is running out…
Unreich’s 89 year old Czechoslovakian born mother Mira has lived a remarkable life which is sadly coming to an end, due to her advanced cancer diagnosis. Journalist Rachel knows it’s important to spend her days with her mother, asking crucial questions and listening to every meaningful story Mira so bravely shares with her beloved daughter. She tells of her life experiences of a happy childhood, which abruptly ends when she is just a teenager, as the Nazis come to power. Mira must then painfully share with her daughter the horrors of war, the loss of her beloved family, and then how she goes onto endure the unimaginable suffering of four concentration camps, including the experience of trying to survive on the Death March from Auschwitz to Birkenau. Remarkably, Mira finds the positive in every inconceivable experience she endured as a Holocaust survivor. She dwells on the positive and tells tales of the kindness of strangers, focusing on how ‘lucky’ she was to continually cheat death time and time again. Mira then goes on to talk about life after the war, her experiences living in various countries and talking openly about life as a wife, mother and friend to many. Her persistent determination to survive, has a central theme throughout this remarkable story - YOU CAN’T GIVE UP, YOU GOT TO ALWAYS LOOK FOR THE POSITIVE.
Although I adored Mira, it is author Rachel that I fell in love with. Her wonderful bond and relationship with her mother, her father and each of her syblings, her reminder to her readers of what we should all be doing if we are so lucky to have a mother. Listen to the stories of your loved ones - it’s all you have to hold onto.
An important and meaningful read about resilience and optimism that touched my heart. ❤️

Booksushi

280 reviews2 followers

August 16, 2024

this book deserves all the stars!

Rachelle Unreich captured her mother, Mira's story in such a beautiful way. As you were reading, you could feel her love for her mother coming through. I took my time reading this book as it had a way of wriggling into my heart and breaking it open at times. I can't even count how many times I cried as I read.

Mira was an exceptional woman who constantly found God's hand over her in certain situations. During the holocaust her family were either split up and spread across the different concentration camps or died before they got there. For someone who went through so much heartache, she somehow managed to keep going, stay positive and be a beacon of hope to those around her. She never let her circ*mstances break her down. After going through 4 different camps, a death march, horrendous work conditions, starvation, narrowly escaping death / experimentation. Mira managed to have a wonderful life thereafter. She lived and she thrived and she immersed herself in every country / city that she lived in. She raised her children in that same manner, full of love, music, culture but always being proudly Jewish.

I found myself crying at the loss of Rachelle's best friend Adam, when Mira was diagnosed with Cancer and her passing (my mom also passed away from Cancer so I could relate a lot), when Mira found out about Genya (her mother's execution), the suffering and heartache that went on in those camps. I had to read this book in stages and definitely recommend it to everyone!

I also learnt a lot of the Jewish faith as Rachelle described certain aspects and special religious holidays and the meanings behind it. It was wonderful to understand more of your faith. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to learn about your family and of Mira's story. She sounded absolutely phenomenal and I hope that she still sends you messages every once in awhile.

Craig and Phil

1,748 reviews95 followers

June 19, 2024

We live a life so far removed from the reality of those who lived, fought and were enslaved during the horrific period known as World War Two.
What we take for granted and what we waste is put into perspective in this true story of Mira.
A Brilliant Life illuminates the cover and it’s a title that invites intrigue as we know the content is about holocaust survival.
Remarkable strength, courage and faith and as she admits a lot of good luck got her to a ripe old age nearing 90.
Although she did not spend long comparatively in the camps she was interned at a time when the war was beginning to turn in favour of the allies and at a time when German actions were unpredictable and desperate.
Moving from camp to camp and surviving the death march were harrowing but good people were willing to help the young Mira.
Even on her death bed she had a philosophical and sunny outlook.
Wisdom and maturity gave her a long and full life.
Her legacy will live on in print and within her family legacy and in Holocaust history.
An inspirational and reflective read.

Janilyn Kocher

4,353 reviews95 followers

November 29, 2023

Unreich wrote a beautiful tribute to her mother Mira, who endured four concentration camps during WWII.
The family history was fascinating and I was amazed at the many ways her mother was spared some of the worst ravaged of the camps due to the random acts of kindness from people.
Mira maintained a cheerful countenance and positive outlook even after all she endured and held onto her faith, which many victims abandoned.
I’m glad the author got her mother’s story in time before her words and precious memories were erased.
Thanks to Edelweiss, NetGalley, and William Morrow for the advance copies.

Patrick Leber

Author1 book10 followers

June 10, 2024

This was the most difficult book to read due to the details of the atrocities from the holocaust. One hears about them but to read in detail how the bastard nazis manipulated innocent minds and purposely killed large populations is horrific. Hopeful this will never be repeated in a modern day society … but I have my doubts.

How Mira survived the holocaust is nothing short of a miracle. The sequence of events to reach this miracle are unfathomable. Yet, she did survive and with a forever optimistic mindset. Her family, and all who read this story, are lucky to have been touched by an angel. Rachelle - Thank you for sharing your mother’s story ❤️

A Brilliant Life: My Mother's Inspiring True Story of S… (2024)
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