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Holocaust Survivor True Stories WWII #7
Separated Together: The Incredible True WWII Story of Soulmates Stranded an Ocean Apart
Before World War II, Abe and Sonia Huberman were two soulmates happily married and in love, living a peaceful life with their family in Warsaw, Poland. But while Abe was away, on a short business trip to America, World War II broke out and the Nazis invaded. Abe was stranded far from home, while Sonia was left alone with their two young children to face the Nazis. This is the story of her bravery, of Sonia’s survival of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising and Nazi death camps, including the notorious Auschwitz. What was supposed to be a separation of seven weeks turned into one of seven years. This is the story of their love, of soulmates reunited against all odds. Learn about history through the lens of this inspirational account that serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
300 pages, Paperback
Published December 12, 2020
352 people are currently reading
771 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 4, 2021
Separated Together: The Incredible True World War II Story of Soulmates Stranded An Ocean Apart is written by Kenneth P. Price, PHD. This is unlike any Holocaust story I have heard. It does have the same variety of horrible things the Nazis subject the Jews to, the ghetto, the camps, the gas chambers, the crematoriums, and the dreadful way they had of treating people. It also has the struggle of getting a start I America as a refugee while the war was still progressing. It has separations and worries about the other person, not knowing what was going on with them. It has its good moments and its bad; but throughout it has hope like I have never read of before. There was never a doubt from wither one that the other person would survive intact and help build a new home in New York, and later Florida and Dallas. My admiration of these two people goes way beyond anything I have felt before.
Two people from two very different families were some how able to meet and join their lives in Poland prior to World War II. Abe was from a family that was barely getting along and yet, he never gave up nor blamed his father for anything. He just picked up and carried on until things began working out. Sonia came from a upper middle class family where things just went along fine, yet there was great love in both families. From the time he first saw Sonia, Abe knew he would marry her, he just had to convince her; but that didn’t take too long. They set up their home and he continued to pursue his fortune in taking care of shoe industry supplies. She taught until she has her first child, David, and then her second child, Lusia. In August, 1939, a friend of Abe’s talked him into going on a trip to America to see the World’s Fair and to try to expand his business overseas. Sonia had taken the children on a short trip and he made his decision and all arrangements without her agreement. However, she made no major objections to the trip, after all, it would only be for a couple of weeks. However, it turned into a seven-year separation when World War II broke out on September 1, 1939. Abe was stuck in New York and could not get home. It was up to Sonia to get her family through this. Meantime, Abe set out to create a good life for them in the United States for when they were able to get them over to the US. He had made a fortune once, he could do it again.
Sonia and her children ended up in the Warsaw Ghetto with her sister. They were rounded up and sent to Majdanek. Here they were together for a while. Sonia and Rachael worked while the children were cared for by another Mother. However, one day they returned to find the children were gone. All the children left in camp were killed. Sonia wanted to give up but her sister kept reminding her that she still had Abe to live for. Eventually, Sonia volunteered herself and Rachael to leave Majdanek and go to Auschwitz to work. For her, the unknown was better than staying here with the memories of her children. How she survived Auschwitz is told to us and how she managed to get to the US after the war. Here she had to start out alone until she met up with Abe again.
Sonia was one of the few survivors who immediately talked about her experiences and actually got people to listen. It was just natural to her to do so. Her daughter and son-in-law believe that is what kept her so grounded.
The book is an excellent one and should be read by anyone interested in the Holocaust.
Two people from two very different families were some how able to meet and join their lives in Poland prior to World War II. Abe was from a family that was barely getting along and yet, he never gave up nor blamed his father for anything. He just picked up and carried on until things began working out. Sonia came from a upper middle class family where things just went along fine, yet there was great love in both families. From the time he first saw Sonia, Abe knew he would marry her, he just had to convince her; but that didn’t take too long. They set up their home and he continued to pursue his fortune in taking care of shoe industry supplies. She taught until she has her first child, David, and then her second child, Lusia. In August, 1939, a friend of Abe’s talked him into going on a trip to America to see the World’s Fair and to try to expand his business overseas. Sonia had taken the children on a short trip and he made his decision and all arrangements without her agreement. However, she made no major objections to the trip, after all, it would only be for a couple of weeks. However, it turned into a seven-year separation when World War II broke out on September 1, 1939. Abe was stuck in New York and could not get home. It was up to Sonia to get her family through this. Meantime, Abe set out to create a good life for them in the United States for when they were able to get them over to the US. He had made a fortune once, he could do it again.
Sonia and her children ended up in the Warsaw Ghetto with her sister. They were rounded up and sent to Majdanek. Here they were together for a while. Sonia and Rachael worked while the children were cared for by another Mother. However, one day they returned to find the children were gone. All the children left in camp were killed. Sonia wanted to give up but her sister kept reminding her that she still had Abe to live for. Eventually, Sonia volunteered herself and Rachael to leave Majdanek and go to Auschwitz to work. For her, the unknown was better than staying here with the memories of her children. How she survived Auschwitz is told to us and how she managed to get to the US after the war. Here she had to start out alone until she met up with Abe again.
Sonia was one of the few survivors who immediately talked about her experiences and actually got people to listen. It was just natural to her to do so. Her daughter and son-in-law believe that is what kept her so grounded.
The book is an excellent one and should be read by anyone interested in the Holocaust.
June 8, 2021
Most informative Holocaust narrative!
This is the first Holocaust narrative that has provided so much more background information. Such as the many countries, I never knew before, that has collaborated with the Nazis. I already knew about the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Pius XII, the most Christian leader of millions of believers, who didn’t lift a finger to save the Jews. I have read lots of Holocaust first hand narratives but this was the first that provided so much more than just the atrocities committed by the abacus and their Many collaborators. So much incomprehensible evil perpetrated agains innocents. So much extreme and excessive cruelty that it is necessary to coin a new word. It is exhilarating to read the accounts of the survivors and how hope that became “threadbare” was the only thing that kept them going. And an unbelievable and equal amount of luck.
This is the first Holocaust narrative that has provided so much more background information. Such as the many countries, I never knew before, that has collaborated with the Nazis. I already knew about the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Pius XII, the most Christian leader of millions of believers, who didn’t lift a finger to save the Jews. I have read lots of Holocaust first hand narratives but this was the first that provided so much more than just the atrocities committed by the abacus and their Many collaborators. So much incomprehensible evil perpetrated agains innocents. So much extreme and excessive cruelty that it is necessary to coin a new word. It is exhilarating to read the accounts of the survivors and how hope that became “threadbare” was the only thing that kept them going. And an unbelievable and equal amount of luck.
February 14, 2021
A lesson in hope
This book has exposed me to a greater understanding about the Holocaust. It exposed details that I have never heard of regarding the dealings between the Nazis and historical figures and even countries. While doing this it also showed a love story, and sadly the losses that these two had to endure oceans apart.
This book is also so well written that every detail seamlessly fits together. I am grateful for the openness that Sonia and Abe shared, with themselves and now the world. It is a testament that even when surrounded by such evil and challenges, hope can see you through. Along with a great faith in God.
This book has exposed me to a greater understanding about the Holocaust. It exposed details that I have never heard of regarding the dealings between the Nazis and historical figures and even countries. While doing this it also showed a love story, and sadly the losses that these two had to endure oceans apart.
This book is also so well written that every detail seamlessly fits together. I am grateful for the openness that Sonia and Abe shared, with themselves and now the world. It is a testament that even when surrounded by such evil and challenges, hope can see you through. Along with a great faith in God.
March 6, 2022
A must read! I learned so much from this one of many Holocaust stories. The writer’s words spoke to me - he did a wonderful job telling such a heroic and yes sad story of the life of Abe and Sonia. Thank you for sharing their heartbreaking and heartwarming story of resilience to overcome such horrific times in their lives.
April 29, 2021
Over and over I find myself drawn to stories of Holocaust survivor's but this one stands out. It's a well written account of a couple, their families and their lives before, during, and after the horrors of WWII.
One of the most surprising things I found in this account was the concise history of Germany's rise and the indifference of every other country afraid to step in and do the right thing to stop them. Even the Allies once they finally had to intervene carried so much responsibility for what happened to the Jewish people of Europe. It's impossible, given my easy life in America, to understand the cruelty that exist in this world throughout history and the strength of the people that endure it and survive. How I would have liked to known this family!
One of the most surprising things I found in this account was the concise history of Germany's rise and the indifference of every other country afraid to step in and do the right thing to stop them. Even the Allies once they finally had to intervene carried so much responsibility for what happened to the Jewish people of Europe. It's impossible, given my easy life in America, to understand the cruelty that exist in this world throughout history and the strength of the people that endure it and survive. How I would have liked to known this family!
January 20, 2023
A moving book that celebrates life.
This moving story Holocaust survival story will take you through tragedy, loss and recovery. Tenderly told and intelligently written, it is part loving tribute to the author’s in-laws, part condensed and thorough history of the rise of Nazism and WWII, and part thoughtful analysis of why these two good people were able to maintain their optimism and grace. The author brings his experience as a psychologist to analyze the unique qualities of this couple. You cannot help but love them in the end, as he so clearly does.
This moving story Holocaust survival story will take you through tragedy, loss and recovery. Tenderly told and intelligently written, it is part loving tribute to the author’s in-laws, part condensed and thorough history of the rise of Nazism and WWII, and part thoughtful analysis of why these two good people were able to maintain their optimism and grace. The author brings his experience as a psychologist to analyze the unique qualities of this couple. You cannot help but love them in the end, as he so clearly does.
March 29, 2021
This is the true story of Sonia and Abe. Abe was stranded in New York during WWII, while Sonia and their children were stuck at home in Poland. It was chilling to hear what Sonia went through during the war, but amazing that Abe and Sonia were reunited afterwards. Their story shows how important family is. The writing was just average, but the story was amazing.
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Yay!
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Yay!
April 27, 2021
I found this story to be very powerful. The stories of the two protagonists are interwoven with historical facts that put so much into perspective.
Wonderful story of how people can face what enters their lives from the actions of people outside of ourselves and still not only survive but thrive.
Wonderful story of how people can face what enters their lives from the actions of people outside of ourselves and still not only survive but thrive.
July 24, 2021
Beautiul story
Thank you for sharing this beautiful love story with me. It was a miracle how Abe built himsef up from not 1 but 2 tragic events. I am so happy that they were able to find so much happiness in their later life. The book and the writing were suberb. It was very evident the amount of research that went into this book.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful love story with me. It was a miracle how Abe built himsef up from not 1 but 2 tragic events. I am so happy that they were able to find so much happiness in their later life. The book and the writing were suberb. It was very evident the amount of research that went into this book.
April 28, 2021
This is not different memoir of the Holocaust. There is information about what different countries, organizations and people did and especially didn’t do of which I had no knowledge. The story of Abe and Sonia is truly inspiring!
July 24, 2021
Amazing biography
The dual stories of Abe and Sonia having faith in each other’s survival was amazing. Abe is a role model for his work ethic and faith, Sonia is a true hero. Stories like these need to be read to keep the memories of those lost honored!
The dual stories of Abe and Sonia having faith in each other’s survival was amazing. Abe is a role model for his work ethic and faith, Sonia is a true hero. Stories like these need to be read to keep the memories of those lost honored!
September 5, 2021
Wonderful survival story that endured unimaginable pain
There is few words to honestly describe this book except, heartbreakingly painful, heartbreakingly beautiful and the undeniable will to live after indescribable pain she endured.
There is few words to honestly describe this book except, heartbreakingly painful, heartbreakingly beautiful and the undeniable will to live after indescribable pain she endured.
December 14, 2021
Enjoyed this book of survival during WWII. The horrors that Sonia survived were amazing. She had a very strong will to make it out of the "death camps" with her children. Sadly her children did not survive.
May 6, 2021
I won this Kindle edition book in a Goodreads
Giveaway. Thank you to everyone involved.
A great book. Loved it.
Giveaway. Thank you to everyone involved.
A great book. Loved it.
May 23, 2021
Every patriotic American should read this book!
November 14, 2022
This excellent, deeply personal, well-researched, personal-historical, alarmingly-true history is a finely-tuned and grittily churned-out work of supernal quality.
The thoughtful and impassioned author does with the narrative what few do when retelling histories of this era: supply the background political circumstances that place the main characters where they are.
This isn't done just to fill out space. I find it necessary to understand how each figure swept into the Shoah found themselves where they were. The context matters, and when authors such as Dr. Price take the time to fill in these gaps, a masterful tale is born.
The author also crafted the narrative in such a way that the reader is constantly thinking, WHAT! IS! GOING! TO! HAPPEN!!!??? All great works of fiction or non-fiction should strive for this bar, and the book clears it, multiple times.
The protagonists are admirable, heroic, unbelievably human, and share a trait shared by many survivors, who in addition to luck, and *calories,* also had to keep making key decisions at key times to ensure their survival. These decision-making passages are most harrowing of all, in addition to the well-known horrors well-chronicled here.
It is also adorable - if I can use that word in this context - that the story is that of the author's wife's parents. How lovely and romantic is that?
The thoughtful and impassioned author does with the narrative what few do when retelling histories of this era: supply the background political circumstances that place the main characters where they are.
This isn't done just to fill out space. I find it necessary to understand how each figure swept into the Shoah found themselves where they were. The context matters, and when authors such as Dr. Price take the time to fill in these gaps, a masterful tale is born.
The author also crafted the narrative in such a way that the reader is constantly thinking, WHAT! IS! GOING! TO! HAPPEN!!!??? All great works of fiction or non-fiction should strive for this bar, and the book clears it, multiple times.
The protagonists are admirable, heroic, unbelievably human, and share a trait shared by many survivors, who in addition to luck, and *calories,* also had to keep making key decisions at key times to ensure their survival. These decision-making passages are most harrowing of all, in addition to the well-known horrors well-chronicled here.
It is also adorable - if I can use that word in this context - that the story is that of the author's wife's parents. How lovely and romantic is that?
October 5, 2021
I am always interested in Reading stories of survivors, and Sonia's experiences and how she survived are truly amazing. Abe was a self-starter in Poland and I was not surprised that he used that same energy and business acumen to rise up again in America. I was pleased to find the detailed historical information of the evolution of the war. However I found there to be a lot of repetition, and the later part of the book seemed to be poorly edited.
There are what ifs in every situation and the situation with France and England not stopping Germany's taking over of parts of Czechoslovakia was very repetitive and appeared very personal. I once watched a movie about Hitler's younger life and the what ifs started then. Hindsight is 20/20.
The later part of the book seem to have a lot of personal boasting by the author. I wish he had left himself out of it and just talked about Gloria and Mark and the grandchildren, their accomplishments and how Abe and Sonia interacted with them. I also found that the later part of the book was repetitive and not well organized: poorly edited or did the author ignore editorial comments?
I would have rated this book a 2 but people need to read about Sonia's story.
There are what ifs in every situation and the situation with France and England not stopping Germany's taking over of parts of Czechoslovakia was very repetitive and appeared very personal. I once watched a movie about Hitler's younger life and the what ifs started then. Hindsight is 20/20.
The later part of the book seem to have a lot of personal boasting by the author. I wish he had left himself out of it and just talked about Gloria and Mark and the grandchildren, their accomplishments and how Abe and Sonia interacted with them. I also found that the later part of the book was repetitive and not well organized: poorly edited or did the author ignore editorial comments?
I would have rated this book a 2 but people need to read about Sonia's story.
February 28, 2022
I "enjoyed" this book, particularly the stories of the wife and how she and her sister managed through the various camps. Enjoyed is the wrong word, it was educational and drove home just how inhumane men can become. What I didn't like was the authors generalizations about certain countries and their attitude to the Nazis. Ireland wasn't pro Nazi, it was neutral for reasons the author failed to research or perhaps misunderstood (and although Churchill spoke loudly about us staying neutral, he also was grateful we did as if the Germans had occupied us, D Day etc would have been a totally different story. Although Neutral, anyone with basic research skills would have seen Ireland supported the Allies as best they could given the history). Also the Vel d'hiv roundup was instigated by the Nazis/German authorities, not the French although the French Gendarmes helped. Think the author may have got Vichy France mixed up with the actions in the occupied zone. These mistakes made me wonder about his comments about other countries but I dont know enough about them to comment. Well worth reading but with an open mind.
March 11, 2022
Very good book lots of information about the Holocaust. I wish it gave a bit more of their story and less of the details regarding dates and specific names of buildings and such.
Every time I read historical fiction it gets me all angry again. Laws that dehumanize and allow persecution of people of another race, color, creed, religion, or sexual orientation, labeling them “creatures” that don’t belong is absolutely disgusting.
The will and hope to survive Sonia and her sister possessed was admirable. They were on the verge of death countless times and miraculously survived. Able to escape to America, they lived a very happy and grateful life. Sonia was able to reconnect with Abe after 7 years of torment and terror. Lived to tell her story and passed away quietly in her sleep. Her story like many others live on.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Goodreads for an ARC of Separated Together through the Goodreads Giveaways. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Every time I read historical fiction it gets me all angry again. Laws that dehumanize and allow persecution of people of another race, color, creed, religion, or sexual orientation, labeling them “creatures” that don’t belong is absolutely disgusting.
The will and hope to survive Sonia and her sister possessed was admirable. They were on the verge of death countless times and miraculously survived. Able to escape to America, they lived a very happy and grateful life. Sonia was able to reconnect with Abe after 7 years of torment and terror. Lived to tell her story and passed away quietly in her sleep. Her story like many others live on.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Goodreads for an ARC of Separated Together through the Goodreads Giveaways. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
July 2, 2022
wonderful tribute to separated Holocaust survivors
Interweaving factual historic review with unique family history documenting the strength and love of his geographically separated in-laws during WWII, Dr. Kenneth Price has written a wonderful tribute to the resolve of two remarkable individuals whose strength persevered the horrors of the Holocaust, and allowed them another opportunity to live a fulfilling life together. A terrific honor to the memory of two wonderful and inspirational people. Highly recommended.
Interweaving factual historic review with unique family history documenting the strength and love of his geographically separated in-laws during WWII, Dr. Kenneth Price has written a wonderful tribute to the resolve of two remarkable individuals whose strength persevered the horrors of the Holocaust, and allowed them another opportunity to live a fulfilling life together. A terrific honor to the memory of two wonderful and inspirational people. Highly recommended.
March 27, 2023
A.hearrbreaking story
An important absolute must read. I was engrossed from beginning until.the end. Sonia and Abe's story is brought to life and this book must be read by everyone. It brings to the forefront how life.was.for those who were persecuted and it .also shows bravery tenacity and courage.
An important absolute must read. I was engrossed from beginning until.the end. Sonia and Abe's story is brought to life and this book must be read by everyone. It brings to the forefront how life.was.for those who were persecuted and it .also shows bravery tenacity and courage.
April 13, 2023
Unfortunately I struggled with many of the words in this book, I waded through the German words, and German history. The Cover states, "Separated Together: The IncredibleWW11 Story of Soulmates Stranded an Ocean Apart" so I thought that it would be about Abe and Sonia and their struggles during the Holocaust. It took until page 129 before it got into their story. I was very disappointed.
June 19, 2023
Great Story
The book was about a couple who loved each other so much that not even war and losing two children didn't let them to get them down. A wonderful story of love and perseverance.
The book was about a couple who loved each other so much that not even war and losing two children didn't let them to get them down. A wonderful story of love and perseverance.
July 29, 2024
more like a social studies textbook
I really wish I liked this book, but it was so so much more like a social studies textbook than a beautiful story of two soulmate stranded in Ocean apart.
I really wish I liked this book, but it was so so much more like a social studies textbook than a beautiful story of two soulmate stranded in Ocean apart.
April 18, 2025
Very interesting book. This provides a unique perspective in which one spouse was safely in the United States when WW2 began and his wife was trapped in the nightmare that was the war. Being a Jewish woman she went through hell. It was fascinating to read this
January 3, 2022
Separated Together
This was not only a satisfying love story but a richly detailed history lesson that qualifies as top-ranking in the collection of WWII biographies.
This was not only a satisfying love story but a richly detailed history lesson that qualifies as top-ranking in the collection of WWII biographies.
February 27, 2022
Must read!!
Such a powerful and well written narrative of couple who refused to be victims, rather survivors despite everything that was thrown their way!
Such a powerful and well written narrative of couple who refused to be victims, rather survivors despite everything that was thrown their way!
August 14, 2023
Interesting
A terrifying ordeal for this couple—to be separated through the holocaust. I skipped much of the war history included but might go back and reread that part some day.
A terrifying ordeal for this couple—to be separated through the holocaust. I skipped much of the war history included but might go back and reread that part some day.
April 28, 2024
beautifully written
This was an important story to tell. I’m really glad I read this book. I binged it. It’s well worth it.
This was an important story to tell. I’m really glad I read this book. I binged it. It’s well worth it.
October 13, 2024
This was an edge of my seat, tears and I couldn't put it down. I'd recommend it to all who love WWII and the Holocaust. Love the story, the truth and the courage.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews