The Night Journey

Sashie #1

by Kathryn Lasky Trina Schart Hyman, Trina Schart Hyman (Illustrator)

Thirteen-year-old Rachel imagines that her daily visits with her great-grandmother, Nana Sashie, will be just another boring duty - till Sashie starts to tell the story of her life in old Russia. Soon Rachel finds herself caught up in Sashie's tale of a distant country and time, a time when Jews were forced to serve in the Czar's armies or were brutally murdered in pogroms, a time when nine-year-old Sashie devised a wonderful plan for her family's escape...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Jewish, Historical, Russia

149 pages, Library Binding

First published September 1, 1985

Reviews

[Samantha Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been on my shelf ever since I was a child, although I can’t remember who gave it to me. I finally decided to read it (I’m in my 20s) as I’ve been reconnecting with my Jewish identity and longing to know more about what my great grandparents’ lives were like when fleeing the Russian Empire. This book, although fictional, provided me with a wonderful story and picture of their bravery.

[Simon Pressinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in a charity shop when Trina Schwartz Hyman’s cover art caught my eye. It was her illustrations that gave this short work that flighty extra lift, bringing it into the realm where memory meets fantasy. The bold dark lines, the generational intimacy, the humour and tragedy in the character’s faces perfectly describe all the most memorable moments of this wonderful, funny, heart-felt and totally absorbing story.

Speaking to her story-thirsty great-granddaughter from the comfortable woollen folds of her bedroom blankets, Nana Sashie delivers the tale of how she and her family escaped from the terror of tsarist Russia at the turn of the twentieth century. From the first realisation that they are no longer safe in their hometown Nikolayev, to the confusing encounter with a gruff border guard, some cookies and nuggets of gold, it’s a story of peril and escape, pain and relief.

It’s great to find older editions of still in-print books. The idea that they’re unique and rare is an illusion, but a cosy one. And sometimes you find yourself a real treasure like this.

[Annaka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly not a terrible book I just got lost sometimes and the writing fell a little flat to me. Rachel didn’t seem like a 13 year old to me at all it was giving more of a nine year old. I kept getting confused on her age. I loved Sashies story and think it’s an important part of history that I’ve literally never heard of. I’m still confused about Wolf maybe I’m just dumb and didn’t understand her explanation at the end but all in all it’s not terrible and it wasn’t amazing.

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

My sons and I have read Lasky's "Marven of the Great North Woods" countless times - it is a fun read-aloud and includes a story element that we love: a young protagonist who works hard and has great responsibility and independence. The heroine in this story is, like Marven, a Jewish immigrant from Russia. This story is essentially the tale of the escape of the girl and her family from Tsarist Russia in the very beginning of the 1900's, as told to her great-granddaughter, Rache. It is well told, though the story is a bit thin in places, but the discussions between Rache and her father about why people over and over throughout history have become scapegoats, among other things, are short, but succinct and well-placed, and even though this is a thin volume, the short scenes that take place in the present involving the great-granddaughter and her family and friends help flesh out her character, and also provide some punctuation for the great-grandmother's story. I have decided against reading this with my sons right now (almost 6 and almost 8) because of some frightening and graphic scenes depicting the aftermath of a pogrom. But this is the history of my sons' ancestors and I think deserves a read at some point when they are more mature...the escape is every bit as harrowing and amazing as those I have heard from our older family members, and these stories need to live.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great "spanning the generations" story. I love the relationship between Rache and her Nana Sashie. It was lovely to see how sharing our grandparent's stories can connect us to the past.

Also liked the historical element as it touched on the Russian Revolution.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle

A remarkably written book with a powerful story. The book was oddly beautiful in its telling of such a dangerous, terrifying journey. There are many descriptions that are just so well-written. It still gets across the fear and disgust experienced by the characters, but also provides a positive, hopeful light in all the darkness. I was blown away by the writing style. There are so many wonderful descriptions in this book.

The story itself follows Rachel as she learns about how her great-grandmother escaped Russia with her family. It is a wonderful book that details the ingenuity and determination of a family through times of struggle. There are suspenseful moments as well as those that are lighthearted, heartwarming, and fun. A well-constructed book that takes the reader on a ride they will not soon forget.

There are a few slightly graphic scenes. For the most part, the action of the violence is not described, but rather the aftermath, mostly in terms of animals. They are important in setting the scene of what the family experiences and are not overly gruesome, but may be upsetting to some young readers (as an animal-loving adult, I was a bit upset) so I find it good to know about them going into the book.

Overall, a wonderfully-written book that provides an eye-opening look at power dynamics, discrimination, and family ties. This book shows the lengths a family will go to in order to survive together.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took this book, as it is a thin and lightweight book, on a three day backpack trip. I read it too quickly and had to read it a second time! I enjoyed this wonderful story. But then I also like books like Patricia Polacco's "The Keeping Quilt" and Lois Lowry's "Number the Stars."

Some people have written reviews that it started slowly and was hard to get in to. Yes, it may start a bit slow as you don't know where this story is going. It begins with a young girl who "has" to spend afternoons with her frail great-grandmother. Her grandmother and her mom tell her not to excite Great-Grandma. Well, Great-Grandma needs some excitement!! This is where the story then picks up and you hear about her childhood in Russia as a young Jew. How the Czar's armies conscripted young men and murdered people in pogroms. This is the story of history, of Jewish people hunted by their countrymen.

This book is considered a 4th through 7th grade book, but you know, we adults can read and enjoy these, too!

[Meredith Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly enthralling story! I love historical fiction of this type; stories that connect generations and portray strong familial bonds. The Night Journey is a riveting tale of suspense that is well-leavened with humor and poignancy. I loved how Purim played such a pivotal role as the account of Esther is one of my favorite Biblical accounts. If you enjoy Lois Lowry's Number the Stars or Jane Yolen's The Devil's Arithmetic, this book, (though set in an earlier time period in history), addresses similar themes of courage, sacrifice and strength. Also, the theme of resilience and the need to remember history is addressed. Antisemitism is shown, but the violence is not overly graphic, and there is enough comic relief and lyrical beauty in the text to compensate for the grimmer scenes.
See how some special cookies, a priceless samovar, a wagonful of chickens and a family's love combine into a gripping narrative loosely based on a true story. Thoroughly recommended! One of my favorite reads so far this year! Happy reading, and God bless you all.

[Brian]

A very interesting read, revealing some of the horrors of the genocide against Jews in Russia. These are also similar to the treatment of other groups including the Mennonites, who crossed the border into China to escape death. (though even that didn't work -- the Russian soldiers illegally crossed the border to kidnap all the men to work as slaves).
This book introduced my to the word "pogroms" (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pogrom) which I was shocked to hear recently on a news report about ethnic cleansing of Armenians in Azerbeijan as recently as 1990. (so much for horendous violence being a thing of the past)
The book was both entertaining and informative. And especially revealing of Jewish family values.
My students even enjoyed it!

[Toryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rache’s great-grandmother Nana Sashie lives with her. Rache’s mother Leah and grandmother Nana Rose warn Rache not to talk to Nana Sashie about her past, but she does anyway. And Nana Sashie wants to talk about the life before—in Russia. Nana Sashie tells Rache the story of their escape from Russia, including a cart full of chickens, reversible costumes for Purim, and a faked funeral procession. Rache has her own troubles, including a school play and a friend with “talent”. But she saves enough time every day to go sit with Nana Sashie and listen to her stories. Will young Sashela and her family get to the border without being discovered?

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, Rache is bored when she spends her afternoons with her great-grandmother. That is until Nana Sashie starts reminiscing about her childhood. When Sashie was nine years old, her family lived in Russia. Their the Jews were either killed in pograms or forced to serve in the Czar's army. One day, Sashie comes up with a brilliant idea on how to escape the country. During the telling of Sashie's story, Rache becomes close to her great -grandmother and realizes what a special woman she is and the importance of knowing her family history.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author tried to mix a contemporary story (a young girl talking with her great-grandmother Sashie) and a historic one (her great grandmother as a young girl escaping the pogroms of Russia with her family). The writing was a little flat and predictable during the first half, but when the author gets more deeply into Sashie's story it comes alive. I particularly liked Sashie's idea of dressing as Purim players to get past the border guards.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This young adult book caught my eye. Nicely written and emotionally satisfying.
Young Rachel has to sit with her great-grandmother after school. Both are very bored. Until Nana Sashie begins to relate the tale of her family's escape from Tsarist Russia when she was nine, and of her crucial role in helping that escape.

[A. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I decided to DNF this because so many of the characters were so flat. I wanted to love this, and Nana Sashie was great, but so very much of this book was just so flat that it felt over-the-top ridiculous and full of caricatures. Also, there were gratuitous swear words (not a lot but enough) that I wasn't willing to hand this over to my 8yo. Oh well.

[Emily Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book showcasing the tale of a family's escape from tsarist Russia. It's a great book featuring Jewish characters that focuses on times besides the Holocaust; shows the pervading persecution throughout history. Gives a good look at the creativity people came up with to escape horrible situations. A feel-good book great for older elementary/middle school students.

[Joy Musselman · Rating 2 out of 5]

The journey of this Jewish family to escape the tsar in Russia and the pogroms is captivating. To me it would have been better written by itself. The tie to the next generation has it's place but feels created and hinders this story... there's also a fair amount of hard language in this book which definitely makes it for an older audience.

[Ruth Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does an excellent job of dealing with a dark, scary time in history in a way that is suitable for the younger readers it is aimed at.

I am glad books like this exist. We should all remember times like this, and try to avoid falling for anyone who tries to dehumanize any group of people.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's important for children to read and know about the Holocaust, but I forget how dark and horrific the journey can be.

[Rachael Stoldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. I read it to the boys when we were studying WW1 and WW2. It’s about a Russian Jewish family that flees Russia to escape getting killed. The boys and I really enjoyed it.

[Michelle Gerberding stafford]

Great book for kids and young adults. Easy read and informative.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Very powerful. Read as a read aloud for my 7th and 4th graders. Did some editing for the 4th grader, but would have been fine for the 7th grader.

[Carolina M · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7

[Xia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book.

[Beatrice Moffitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really like reading historical books when written from the point of view of bc a child♥️

[Eva Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! Great plot, sweet relationship between a teen and her great-grandmother, and very readable. Full of plot twists and a message of remembrance, connection and daring.

[Paulette Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good little historical fiction.

[Meredith L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Night Journey was a beautiful book loosely inspired by a true story of the author's family.
Rachel spends time with her Nana Sashie after school and, as she grows older, becomes interested in the family's history. Lasky presents a story of family relationships and heroism that spans generations.
Sashie and her family live during Czarist Russia, a time of pogroms and constant danger for Jewish individuals. Finally, the family make a momentous decision. The story is one of familial love, ingenious plots and heroic actions by many of the characters. The Night Journey is a true tale of self-sacrifice and family strength that is inspiring and unforgettable.
I particularly loved how Purim played such a pivotal role in the story as Esther is one of my absolute favorite Biblical accounts. If you love books like Number the Stars, The Devil's Arithmetic and Molly's Pilgrim, then The NIght Journey is thoroughly recommended.
Happy reading, and God bless you all.

[Wandering Librarians · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rachel isn't supposed to ask her great-grandmother, Nana Sashie, about her past. Her parents say it upsets her. But Nana Sashie seems to want to tell Rachel her story. Rachel begins sneaking up to Nana Sashie's room whenever she can, and listens in amazement to Nana Sashie's story of her family's escape from tsarist Russia.

There are so many books about the Holocaust, and those are very important books. There are fewer books about tsarist Russia, and how Jews were treated during this time period. There are fewer books about Jews who were subject to pogroms by Russian soldiers that could happen at any moment, and the fact that despite this treatment, Jewish men were forced to serve in the army. Books like these are important so that history is not forgotten.

Rachel is a typical pre-teen. Her parents annoy her at times. She isn't thrilled with having to sit with her great-grandmother, who isn't always lucid. But when Nana Sashie begins talking about how her family escaped from Russia, Rachel is pulled into the story. She had no idea that this was part of her family history.

Nana Sashie tells Rachel what it was like to live in Russia during this time period. Jews were constantly afraid. They never knew when a pogrom might happen. At any moment their village could be full of Russian soldiers who would kill everyone and burn down the village. And there was no one to stop them, and there were no consequences for the killers. Nana Sashie was just a little girl when her father decided they must leave Russia. But the family, made up of Sashie, her mother and father, her two younger siblings, her grandfather and her aunt, couldn't just leave. They couldn't just stroll over the border. They would have to find a way to sneak themselves close enough to the border, and then bribe a guard to get them across. It would be very dangerous. They would need a plan.

Nana Sashie tells Rachel how she came up with much of the plan on her own, even though she was a little girl. The escape had many frightening moments, when it seemed like they might be caught, which would certainly mean death. But they made it.

Rachel begins to see how important it is to Nana Sashie that she tells someone this story. It's important that someone knows and someone remembers what happened so long ago. Rachel begins to write down her great-grandmother's story so it will never be forgotten.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kathryn Lasky's young adult novel The Night Journey is loosely based on her Aunt Ann's own escape from Tsarist Russia. Much like the during the Holocaust, during this time Jews were mistreated and murdered during pogroms.


In the fictional account, Rachel spends time with her aged great-grandmother, Nana Sashie. Rachel dreads this time. However, Nana Sashie begins to tell Rachel tales of her childhood in Russia and Rachel is suddenly hooked! However, Rachel's parents believe that reliving the past upsets Nana and discourages Rachel from discussing the past.


Rachel visits Nana covertly, in the middle of the night. Through these secret story-telling visits Rachel learns to a bit more about who she is and learns to appreciate the elderly relative.


I like this story because it reminded me of my reluctance to spend time with my elderly grandmother. My grandma has since passed away, and now I struggle to remember her stories with any great clarity. It saddens me that, at the time, I did not appreciate her stories for what they were. This novel will, hopefully, help to remind students that relatives have wonderful histories to share with them.


I bought this book at the Scholastic Warehouse Sale, and one annoying issue with the book is that although Rachel is spelled correctly on the back cover, throughout the entire book her name is spelled "Rache".

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Puffin Books
Kathryn Lasky
Trina Schart Hyman
National Jewish Book Award
150 pages
Historical Fiction

Upon completion of this book, I'm left with questions. I knew there was a connection between Sashie and the violin player Reuven Bloom, but I wonder how they reconnected since she was leaving Russia and they met so briefly. The book had mentioned that the family lived in Minnesota, but how did Sashie and her family end up in the United States. I read through the finer print at the beginning and the end of the book, but I did not find if this was based on a real story or not. It would be nice to know; it seems very realistic.

Overall, this book was good. I felt in need of a deeper or faster moving story through some parts of the book, but it was a great look into the life of a family that was escaping suppressed and possibly murderous conditions. I was hoping to have my secondary students read this as a supplement to their history curriculum, but I'm not sure that this book would keep their attention.