Writer Jackie Kohnstamm came to talk to us on a very hot & sticky evening in June about her book The Memory Keeper, which details her search for the truth about her grandparents’ deaths in the Holocaust. On a whim, Jackie had googled their names only to discover two commemorative stones had recently been placed outside their old home. The discovery compelled her to open a long-closed cupboard of haunting family papers, piece together the story of the family she never knew and find her place in it. Jackie told us all about her research, showed us some amazing family photos, many from before WW1, and read excerpts from The Memory Keeper. A wonderful evening full of fascinating details which really brought her family’s story to life.
“A very interesting and poignant talk. It’s really important that we remember people and keep their stories alive.”
“A HUGE thank you for last night’s talk. It was so personal and so matter of fact. By the end of the talk, I felt that I’d met [Jackie’s family] and was now well acquainted with them. The effect was warm and will stay with me a while.”
“I loved the serendipity of Jackie’s discovery of the stumble stones …”