Irena's Children by Tilar J. Mazzeo

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Irena’s Children by Tilar J. Mazzeo



                I had never heard of Irena Sendler until I saw this book. As someone who reads quite a bit of World War II nonfiction books I found this to be quite disturbing. Who is this woman being crowned the “female Schindler?” I know his name. I’ve known his name since hearing of the famous movie that I wasn’t brave enough to watch until I reached adulthood. Now, after reading Irena’s Children¸ I am very well aware of the history of Irena Sendler and the courage it took to walk into the Warsaw Ghetto every day and walk out with a hidden Jewish child.

                This book is powerful in so many ways. One of the things that I admired most about Irena’s Children is that Mazzeo made it a point to emphasize that Irena was human. She was flawed, made mistakes but she wanted desperately to fight against what she found deplorable. Looking back at her history one can understand why Irena had such strong convictions. Her father, Stanislaw Kryzanowski, helped create the Polish Socialist Party before his death. She was raised around Jews and fell in love with one. Irena watched helplessly as her friends were forced into the Warsaw Ghetto and she knew she must do all she could to help them. Irena went to work and began running an underground organization that would help thousands of people, mostly children, escape the Ghetto. Her life and those that worked with her were in constant peril. That never stopped any of them from doing what they knew where right.

     
           Well composed, well written and well researched, Mazzeo did a great job compiling the history of Irena and those she fought so desperately to save. Irena’s story was reflective of the many people who didn’t stand idly by while those around them suffered. This story gave me faith in humanity. Even in the darkest of times, there will always be those who continue to fight. Irena’s story starts well before with the influence of her father, and ends will after the war when the truth of her story is recognized. Chronologically told from the memories of those who knew her and Irena’s own memoirs, this story is an emotional rollercoaster. Definitely a book I recommend and stand behind. I give this 4 out of 5 stars. 

 Thanks Netgalley for an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review. 

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