Those Who Remained

by Zsuzsa F. Várkonyi, Peter Czipott (Translator)

In postwar Budapest, Aldó, a 42 year-old doctor who survived the concentration camp but lost his wife and children, slowly sinks into despair. One day a new patient arrives, 16- year-old Klára, who has lost her parents and siblings. The doctor soon discovers, behind Klára's silence and rage, a great love and determination to fight despair. The two become each other's new family, learning to live and love again after the horrors of the Holocaust. But their unusual intimacy is threatened by Stalinist purges, revolution, and invasion.The author I wanted to write about the fine side of human beings-what I experienced from family members and others who survived the Holocaust. The hideous side of humans has already been described by many authors. Yet, there are many who want to know more about the fine side of humanity that emerged and even blossomed during these perilous times. I recommend my story to these people.1948 is a date with many different meanings for people in Hungary. I was simply preoccupied with my own birth while the main characters of this book struggled with their survival. They managed this heavy task in a more decent way than many others did as their earlier lives had provided them with sufficient sources of love for helping heal not only the trauma of 1944 but also the enduring Stalinist terror of the 1950s.I see the process of healing as being based on love. This is the central task of those who survive devastation. And it remains an important task for everyone as life represents daunting challenges. This is in part why I chose curing-as a psychotherapist-for my profession. Curing is also the message of my books on psychology. The present book is, however, different. It's personal."

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2021

Reviews

[Nina Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the end of the Second World War, when Jewish Holocaust survivors had lost everyone they loved, how did they manage to go on living, and build new lives?

In Those Who Remained, Budapest psychologist Várkonyi tells the beautiful, powerful story of two Hungarian Shoah survivors who meet in 1948. Both are the only survivors in their families: Aldó, a 42 year-old doctor, is shellshocked with grief; while Klára, a brilliant, rebellious high school girl, takes refuge in disbelief. Neither, alone, can face the past or the future. Together they form a new family, regaining love, humor, and confidence. But their happiness is threatened by a new Stalinist regime, where friends and neighbors denounce each other, or disappear for years into internment camps.

Combining memories of her parents' generation with a sure ear for dialogue, Várkonyi's book is certain to become a classic of Jewish literature.

[Jdblair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ordered my copy from JewishGen Press. I enjoyed the book. These comments are from the author's introduction to the book. The three main characters in the story survived WWII completely "orphaned" and became supportive of each other. The main characters are a 16-year-old girl who lost her parents, a doctor - returning from a German concentration camp - searched in vain for his wife and sons, and a warmhearted, weak, old aunt whose life no longer had any meaning than having her 16-year-old niece around.
The style of writing resembles a conversation. I think you will like it.