Title
Ester and Ruzya: How My Grandmothers Survived Hitler's War and Stalin's Peace,Used
Delivery time: 8-12 business days (International)
In the 1930s, as waves of war and persecution were crashing over Europe, two young Jewish women began separate journeys of survival. One, a Polishborn woman from Bialystok, where virtually the entire Jewish community would soon be sent to the ghetto and from there to Hitlers concentration camps, was determined not only to live but to live with pride and defiance. The other, a Russianborn intellectual and introvert, would eventually become a highlevel censor under Stalins regime. At wars end, both women found themselves in Moscow, where informers lurked on every corner and antiSemitism reigned. It was there that Ester and Ruzya would first cross paths, there that they became the closest of friends and learned to trust each other with their lives.In this deeply moving family memoir, journalist Masha Gessen tells the story of her two beloved grandmothers: Ester, the quicksilver rebel who continually battled the forces of tyranny; Ruzya, a single mother who joined the Communist Party under duress and made the compromises the regime exacted of all its citizens. Both lost their first loves in the war. Both suffered unhappy unions. Both were gifted linguists who made their living as translators. And both had childrenEster a boy, and Ruzya a girlwho would grow up, fall in love, and have two children of their own: Masha and her younger brother.With grace, candor, and meticulous research, Gessen peels back the layers of secrecy surrounding her grandmothers lives. As she follows them through this remarkable period in historyfrom the Stalin purges to the Holocaust, from the rise of Zionism to the fall of communismshe describes how each of her grandmothers, and before them her greatgrandfather, tried to navigate a dangerous line between conscience and compromise.Ester and Ruzya is a spellbinding work of storytelling, filled with political intrigue and passionate emotion, acts of courage and acts of betrayal. At once an intimate family chronicle and a fascinating historical tale, it interweaves the stories of two women with a brilliant vision of Russian history. The result is a memoir that reads like a noveland an extraordinary testament to the bonds of family and the power of hope, love, and endurance.
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Shipping
We ship your order within 2–3 business days for USA deliveries and 5–8 business days for international shipments. Once your package has been dispatched from our warehouse, you'll receive an email confirmation with a tracking number, allowing you to track the status of your delivery.
Returns
To facilitate a smooth return process, a Return Authorization (RA) Number is required for all returns. Returns without a valid RA number will be declined and may incur additional fees. You can request an RA number within 15 days of the original delivery date. For more details, please refer to our Return & Refund Policy page.
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Warranty
We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the main theme of 'Ester and Ruzya'? A: The main theme of 'Ester and Ruzya' is the survival of two Jewish women during the tumultuous periods of Hitler's war and Stalin's regime, exploring their resilience, friendship, and the complexities of navigating oppressive political landscapes.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Ester and Ruzya'? A: The author of 'Ester and Ruzya: How My Grandmothers Survived Hitler's War and Stalin's Peace' is Masha Gessen, a journalist known for her insightful commentary on Russian history and politics.
- Q: What type of book is 'Ester and Ruzya'? A: 'Ester and Ruzya' is a memoir that combines personal family history with broader historical narratives, detailing the experiences of two grandmothers amidst significant historical events.
- Q: When was 'Ester and Ruzya' published? A: 'Ester and Ruzya' was published on October 26, 2004.
- Q: How many pages does 'Ester and Ruzya' have? A: 'Ester and Ruzya' has a total of 384 pages.
- Q: What is the binding type of 'Ester and Ruzya'? A: 'Ester and Ruzya' is available in hardcover binding, making it a durable and aesthetically pleasing choice for readers.
- Q: Is 'Ester and Ruzya' suitable for readers interested in history? A: Yes, 'Ester and Ruzya' is well-suited for readers interested in history, particularly those who want to understand the experiences of Jewish individuals during World War II and the Stalinist era.
- Q: What can readers expect from the writing style in 'Ester and Ruzya'? A: Readers can expect a writing style that is graceful and candid, with meticulous research that provides depth to the personal stories being told.
- Q: Are there any significant historical events discussed in 'Ester and Ruzya'? A: Yes, the memoir discusses significant historical events such as the Stalin purges, the Holocaust, the rise of Zionism, and the fall of communism, providing context to the personal narratives.
- Q: What age group is 'Ester and Ruzya' appropriate for? A: 'Ester and Ruzya' is generally appropriate for adult readers and older teens, especially those interested in historical narratives and memoirs.