After the War

Darleen R. Golke is a high-school teacher-librarian in Winnipeg,
Manitoba.

Ruth Mendenberg, a 15-year-old survivor of Buchenwald, returns to her
former home in Ostroviec, Poland, unsuccessfully seeking news of some 80
relatives who might have survived the Holocaust. Members of Brichah, an
underground organization committed to transporting refugees to Eretz
Israel (Palestine), find Ruth and persuade her to join them. Although
Ruth feels her emotions have died and has no interest in Palestine, she
agrees to help smuggle a group of 20 orphans across Europe. Posing as
Greeks, the refugees must negotiate border crossings, traverse mountains
on foot, scavenge for food and supplies, and survive train and truck
transport before arriving at a children’s camp in northern Italy to
await a ship bound for Palestine. Their journey becomes increasingly
treacherous in the face of British attempts to keep Jewish immigrants
out of Palestine. The bravery and resilience of the children inspire
Ruth to face her personal demons and embrace life again.

After the War is an impressive addition to the other novels by Matas
about World War II. Compassionate and realistic, the novel is ultimately
a celebration of courage and humanity in the face of adversity and
horror. Recommended.