House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen

Let’s explore “House of Glass” by Hadley Freeman. This captivating memoir unravels the secrets of a twentieth-century Jewish family, spanning generations and tumultuous historical events.

Introduction

Hadley Freeman embarks on a quest to uncover her family’s hidden past. Her grandmother, Sara, lived in France during Hitler’s rise to power, yet this chapter of their history remained shrouded in silence.

Main Characters

• Sara: The enigmatic grandmother who lived through World War II in France.
• Jacques, Henri, and Alex: Sara’s three brothers, each with their own remarkable stories.

Plot

The central conflict revolves around the family’s secrets. Freeman discovers a shoebox containing photographs of Sara with a mysterious stranger, a cryptic Red Cross telegram, and a drawing signed by Picasso. These artifacts propel her on a decade-long journey—from Picasso’s archives in Paris to a hidden room in an Auvergne farmhouse and even to Auschwitz. As she pieces together the puzzle, she unveils the lives of her relatives, revealing both typical and astonishing experiences of Eastern European Jews during the Holocaust.

Setting

• Time: Twentieth century, spanning two World Wars.
• Place: France, Long Island, and Auschwitz.
• Influence: The historical backdrop shapes the characters’ destinies and the weight of their secrets.

Themes

• Assimilation and Identity: The struggle to belong and maintain cultural roots.
• Home and Displacement: The impact of war on family bonds.
• Silence and Memory: The power of untold stories.

Style

Hadley Freeman’s writing is poignant and evocative. She weaves together family anecdotes, famous cameos, and vivid characters, capturing the essence of Jewish and immigrant experiences during World War II.

Conclusion

“House of Glass” resonates with contemporary issues, reminding us of the enduring relevance of the past. Freeman’s exploration of her family’s legacy is both heartrending and illuminating.

Read full book here…

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