The Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek & Lee Cohen

🎹 A gripping and inspiring memoir of a young girl’s resilience during the Holocaust.
 
The Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen is a heart-wrenching and beautifully written true story about a young Jewish pianist’s journey from Nazi-occupied Austria to safety in England through the Kindertransport. This book is both a historical account and a celebration of the power of music to provide hope and healing in the darkest of times.
 
In 1938 Vienna, Lisa Jura, a talented 14-year-old Jewish pianist, dreams of becoming a concert pianist. But her world is shattered by the Nazis’ rise to power and the horrors of Kristallnacht. Forced to leave her family behind, Lisa is sent to London on the Kindertransport, a rescue operation that brought thousands of Jewish children to safety in England.
Lisa ends up at Willesden Lane, a hostel for refugee children. Despite the fear, separation, and loss, she clings to her passion for the piano. Her music becomes a source of hope and strength, not only for herself but for all the children who share her makeshift home.
Written by Mona Golabek, Lisa’s daughter, this powerful memoir is a testament to courage, resilience, and the transformative power of art.
 
Why You’ll Love The Children of Willesden Lane
✔ True Story of Survival & Courage – A gripping, real-life account of a young girl’s escape from Nazi persecution.
✔ Inspiring Message of Hope – Shows how art and music can provide comfort and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.
✔ Educational Value – Ideal for classrooms, book clubs, and anyone interested in Holocaust literature and historical narratives.
✔ Emotionally Resonant Writing – Beautifully told by Mona Golabek, honoring her mother’s legacy and her incredible journey.
✔ Cultural & Historical Significance – Provides insight into the Kindertransport and the impact of World War II on Jewish families.