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Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again
Friddie, 18, is an ordinary yet rebellious young Jewish woman, living in Bucharest in the 1930s. Born and raised in Romania’s capital, she dreams of living as a “free Romanian woman.”
After calling off her wedding to a young, parentally-approved accountant, she escapes to a city on the coast, where she meets a scientist-perfumer named Freddy. He is the true love she has been looking for—and a ticket to her dream.
Soon, though, that dream turns into a nightmare she never could have predicted.
Friddie’s story of incredible hardship is interwoven with the stories of her family. We follow her Aunt Rosa’s life as the glue of her household, even though she loses her husband in mysterious circumstances; her Uncle David, who dreams of becoming a schoolteacher and starting a family in Iași, and her cousins, who uproot their lives in Bucharest to start again in Israel.
In this tragic-heroic novel, the true stories, the victims, and the small moments of happiness are revealed in the Danube’s labor camps, under the fascist-dictatorial and communist rule that has been a part of Romania for so many years.
Based on the true experiences of a Jewish Romanian family, Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Againunearths stories that could so easily be lost to the passage of time. This family’s tale has emerged at a critical time, to show the need for compassion and kindness, even in the hardest moments.
About the author
Roni (Aharona) Rosenthal, PhD, was born in Haifa, Israel. She is named after her grandfather Aharon, who passed away eight months before her birth.
Roni is the Director of Judaic Studies and a Hebrew Literature Professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. This is her third novel.
After calling off her wedding to a young, parentally-approved accountant, she escapes to a city on the coast, where she meets a scientist-perfumer named Freddy. He is the true love she has been looking for—and a ticket to her dream.
Soon, though, that dream turns into a nightmare she never could have predicted.
Friddie’s story of incredible hardship is interwoven with the stories of her family. We follow her Aunt Rosa’s life as the glue of her household, even though she loses her husband in mysterious circumstances; her Uncle David, who dreams of becoming a schoolteacher and starting a family in Iași, and her cousins, who uproot their lives in Bucharest to start again in Israel.
In this tragic-heroic novel, the true stories, the victims, and the small moments of happiness are revealed in the Danube’s labor camps, under the fascist-dictatorial and communist rule that has been a part of Romania for so many years.
Based on the true experiences of a Jewish Romanian family, Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Againunearths stories that could so easily be lost to the passage of time. This family’s tale has emerged at a critical time, to show the need for compassion and kindness, even in the hardest moments.
About the author
Roni (Aharona) Rosenthal, PhD, was born in Haifa, Israel. She is named after her grandfather Aharon, who passed away eight months before her birth.
Roni is the Director of Judaic Studies and a Hebrew Literature Professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. This is her third novel.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
203 pages, Paperback
Published August 28, 2022
158 people want to read
About the author
Roni Rosenthal-Gazit
5 books7 followersRoni Rosenthal is the CEO and Founder of “The Pencil Pro." She is the innovator of the Brain-Empowered with Creativity model, an adjunct-Professor and an Education Director.
Roni is known for challenging and motivating people in becoming creative thinkers.
She is a frequent speaker at workshops, universities, and schools.
Roni believes that creative thinking is a virtue and a must have skill in the 21st century. Her goal is to promote original thinking worldwide, and she has developed the tools to do so.
Roni can be reached at www.ronirosenthal.com. Follow her on Twitter @RoniRosenthal, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRoniRo... or LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/roni-rose...
Roni is known for challenging and motivating people in becoming creative thinkers.
She is a frequent speaker at workshops, universities, and schools.
Roni believes that creative thinking is a virtue and a must have skill in the 21st century. Her goal is to promote original thinking worldwide, and she has developed the tools to do so.
Roni can be reached at www.ronirosenthal.com. Follow her on Twitter @RoniRosenthal, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRoniRo... or LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/roni-rose...
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 1, 2023
I know the story by heart, so when the book first came out, I didn't bother reading it. Last week, I decided to start read the book. It was like reliving the stories my father told me. It was such an emotional read I could not put the book down. Needless to say, Roni is an amazing author, as she really made me feel like I was living my families history. I highly recommend this book!
January 31, 2023
Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again is an honest and extremely captivating story of Friddie and members of her family living in a pre-World War II world in Romania. With this book, the author has given readers a true and very engaging account of the horrible hardships that this family went through during a horrible time.
This is the story of Friddie, an ordinary 18-year-old woman living in a very unordinary moment in time. She is strong, rebellious, and full of life and ends up living through a horrendous time that she never saw coming. As the reader sees Friddie call of her wedding to a man that her family approved up and run away to a new city where she meets the man of her dreams, we are also shown other members of her family; her Aunt Rosa, who is the person who holds this family together, to her Uncle David, who has so many dreams of his own, to Friddie’s various cousins. All of these true stories come together in a book that reads like the perfect novel but is, in reality, the lives of real people in a real world just trying to survive. It was sad, suspenseful, and at times happy and encouraging all in one set of pages.
This book is so well-written and compelling. From the history and culture included in the pages to the amazing characters, everything about the book is perfect. There are many true events included in the story, such as labor camps, that add so much to the story in terms of history and emotion and what humans were forced to deal with that it keeps the reader even more involved due to the human connections.
Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again is a book that, in my opinion, should be read by everyone. So much of the world’s past is traumatic, cruel, and truly repulsive and I personally feel that stories like this should and need to be told so that we do not forget that. It is so important to know the history of not only ourselves but of others so that we might, in some small way, be able to make sure that history does not repeat itself. Each of these characters shows us how strong they were during a terrible time and leaves the reader with the hope that they might be every half as strong when and if the time comes.
I thank the author for taking the time to so beautifully capture these moments in time and I recommend the book to everyone. It is a wonderful story and I would hope that it might teach so many others a few things about kindness, how to treat people, and most of all, how to stay strong and survive when others are out to persecute you. Simply wonderful and well worth 5 stars!!
This is the story of Friddie, an ordinary 18-year-old woman living in a very unordinary moment in time. She is strong, rebellious, and full of life and ends up living through a horrendous time that she never saw coming. As the reader sees Friddie call of her wedding to a man that her family approved up and run away to a new city where she meets the man of her dreams, we are also shown other members of her family; her Aunt Rosa, who is the person who holds this family together, to her Uncle David, who has so many dreams of his own, to Friddie’s various cousins. All of these true stories come together in a book that reads like the perfect novel but is, in reality, the lives of real people in a real world just trying to survive. It was sad, suspenseful, and at times happy and encouraging all in one set of pages.
This book is so well-written and compelling. From the history and culture included in the pages to the amazing characters, everything about the book is perfect. There are many true events included in the story, such as labor camps, that add so much to the story in terms of history and emotion and what humans were forced to deal with that it keeps the reader even more involved due to the human connections.
Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again is a book that, in my opinion, should be read by everyone. So much of the world’s past is traumatic, cruel, and truly repulsive and I personally feel that stories like this should and need to be told so that we do not forget that. It is so important to know the history of not only ourselves but of others so that we might, in some small way, be able to make sure that history does not repeat itself. Each of these characters shows us how strong they were during a terrible time and leaves the reader with the hope that they might be every half as strong when and if the time comes.
I thank the author for taking the time to so beautifully capture these moments in time and I recommend the book to everyone. It is a wonderful story and I would hope that it might teach so many others a few things about kindness, how to treat people, and most of all, how to stay strong and survive when others are out to persecute you. Simply wonderful and well worth 5 stars!!
January 22, 2023
Roni Rosenthal's "Where The Lilacs Bloom Once Again" brings to us the story of Rosenthal's ancestors. Through the stories of Rosa and Friddie, the book shows us how the Postelnic-Isopovici-Stoleru-Rosanthal family went through gruesome persecution across generations just because they were Jewish. Rosenthal also gives us a detailed glimpse into the history of Romania. Being a history buff, I was heartbroken to read about the plight of the Jewish people during both the world wars. Actually, I was astounded to know that the baseless persecution of Jews was the norm even before Hitler came into the picture. I learned a lot from Where The Lilacs Bloom Once Again. I highly recommend it to every reader. This is one story that deserves to be told.
October 11, 2022
A beautifully and tenderly written homage to family and history, Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again is a testimony to the endurance of the human spirit in the face of the most horrible atrocities perpetrated by man against fellow man. With love and compassion, and with utmost historical accuracy, the author tells the story of her multigenerational Jewish Romanian family that spans the entire 20th century. It captivates the reader from the first pages of the prologue and it leaves an indelible mark long after the last page is turned.
January 18, 2023
I am blown away by this book. It's thought-provoking and powerful. What a story!
The book is set in Romania in the 1920s and the author takes us through a true and compelling tale of World War II Romanian family.
The main character, Friddie, is a strong, independent and beautiful young woman, who we first meet as a spoiled and demanding teenager, but needs to make life-changing decisions in order to survive in the hostile Nazi world.
The book title: "Where the lilacs bloom once again"
Author: Roni Rosenthal
This is a real page-turner! Add it to your must-read list.
The book is set in Romania in the 1920s and the author takes us through a true and compelling tale of World War II Romanian family.
The main character, Friddie, is a strong, independent and beautiful young woman, who we first meet as a spoiled and demanding teenager, but needs to make life-changing decisions in order to survive in the hostile Nazi world.
The book title: "Where the lilacs bloom once again"
Author: Roni Rosenthal
This is a real page-turner! Add it to your must-read list.
January 21, 2023
Chilling - an emotional roller coaster. The author brings us the voices of those who didn’t get to tell their stories - stories that were silenced, but bring us hope despite the worst. A powerful read.
December 5, 2022
Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again is based on the true historical experiences of generations of a Jewish Romanian family and their acquaintances before World War II. The novel focuses on Friddie, a young woman of Romanian descent who dreams of living freely. At eighteen, Friddie rebelliously cancels her marriage and, against her family’s wishes, marries Freddy. Their union is short-lived however, leading to years of adversity for Friddie. Her story is told alongside that of her family members, like Aunt Rosa, Uncle David and her Cousins who are victims of the dictatorial and communist rule that plagued Romania for years.
It is clear from the author’s narration that Friddie’s story is an important landmark in the family’s history, passed down from generation to generation. Although I felt the stories were disconnected at the beginning, they slowly came together with different perspectives. It is a tragic story of a large family that was scattered abroad due to anti-Semitism. It is sadly ironic that Freddie, who dreams of living as a free woman, spends the better part of her youth locked up under the worst circumstances.
This thought-provoking and impassioned novel showcases the gruesome loss of lives, grief and the inhumanity during one of the most difficult times in human history. Some of the scenes are graphic, featuring explicit descriptions of maiming, slavery, genocide, and infanticide. Despite these, a love story is forged in the most unlikely place, reestablishing the theme of keeping hope alive when things seem hopeless.
The author’s writing style is easy to follow and how she tells the story keeps the reader engaged throughout. There are heartbreaking moments, but the book also shares wisdom and great life lessons. Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again by Roni Rosenthal is a tragic but beautiful story that is evocative and heart wrenching but ultimately uplifting.
It is clear from the author’s narration that Friddie’s story is an important landmark in the family’s history, passed down from generation to generation. Although I felt the stories were disconnected at the beginning, they slowly came together with different perspectives. It is a tragic story of a large family that was scattered abroad due to anti-Semitism. It is sadly ironic that Freddie, who dreams of living as a free woman, spends the better part of her youth locked up under the worst circumstances.
This thought-provoking and impassioned novel showcases the gruesome loss of lives, grief and the inhumanity during one of the most difficult times in human history. Some of the scenes are graphic, featuring explicit descriptions of maiming, slavery, genocide, and infanticide. Despite these, a love story is forged in the most unlikely place, reestablishing the theme of keeping hope alive when things seem hopeless.
The author’s writing style is easy to follow and how she tells the story keeps the reader engaged throughout. There are heartbreaking moments, but the book also shares wisdom and great life lessons. Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again by Roni Rosenthal is a tragic but beautiful story that is evocative and heart wrenching but ultimately uplifting.
December 11, 2022
The Review
Much like the author felt compelled to write this story, I felt compelled to read this incredibly moving and emotional story as the rise of anti-semitism continues to plague the United States, and my desire to bring awareness to this cause made this one story I couldn’t turn down. The heart and passion for which the author crafts this narrative made this a truly incredible read. The depth of detail the author captures in this narrative also does an incredible job of bringing to life captivating imagery that creates an almost period-piece film style of writing.
The most engaging aspects of this story are the author’s inclusion of both history and culture along with her own family history into the narrative, as well as the dynamic character development this story takes on. The way the author was able to incorporate and tell her own family’s history and illuminate the rarely discussed Romanian labor camps and how Jewish-Romanian citizens were forced to experience its cruel nature, highlighted the hardships and struggles they were forced to endure, while the characters, while based on true events and people, added a depth of human connection and emotion that kept the reader invested in the events this historical fiction is depicting.
The Verdict
Captivating, emotional, and brilliantly written, author Roni Rosenthal’s “Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again” is a must-read historical fiction drama. The strength of the family portrayed in this book and the inspiration they have on others to overcome tragedy and hardship kept me as a reader invested, and spoke to the need to end hatred and violence against the Jewish people around the world.
Much like the author felt compelled to write this story, I felt compelled to read this incredibly moving and emotional story as the rise of anti-semitism continues to plague the United States, and my desire to bring awareness to this cause made this one story I couldn’t turn down. The heart and passion for which the author crafts this narrative made this a truly incredible read. The depth of detail the author captures in this narrative also does an incredible job of bringing to life captivating imagery that creates an almost period-piece film style of writing.
The most engaging aspects of this story are the author’s inclusion of both history and culture along with her own family history into the narrative, as well as the dynamic character development this story takes on. The way the author was able to incorporate and tell her own family’s history and illuminate the rarely discussed Romanian labor camps and how Jewish-Romanian citizens were forced to experience its cruel nature, highlighted the hardships and struggles they were forced to endure, while the characters, while based on true events and people, added a depth of human connection and emotion that kept the reader invested in the events this historical fiction is depicting.
The Verdict
Captivating, emotional, and brilliantly written, author Roni Rosenthal’s “Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again” is a must-read historical fiction drama. The strength of the family portrayed in this book and the inspiration they have on others to overcome tragedy and hardship kept me as a reader invested, and spoke to the need to end hatred and violence against the Jewish people around the world.
January 3, 2023
Friddie Rosenthal has always been charismatic and quite the troublemaker, always making her own decisions in life. Growing up in a strict French private school and a Jewish household in Romania in the 1920s, Friddie quickly learned the power of acting innocent and being persuasive to get what she wants. Despite being a partier throughout her youth, she tells her parents that she will eventually settle down with a nice Jewish man who they will approve of. Soon after turning 18, she gets engaged to Nelu, a responsible Jewish accountant, and exactly the type of man her parents and everyone around her wants her to marry. On the day of the wedding, Friddie calls off the marriage, knowing she cannot go through with it. Soon after, she moves off to live in her aunt's summer home in Eforie Nord, a coastal town in Romania near the beach. There, she meets Freddy, who is her perfect match and the man she has always hoped for. Friddie is hoping she had finally found her happy ending, but from family problems to more serious issues in the country, life takes an unexpected turn for her. Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again is a raw and realistic tale of a Romanian-Jewish family dealing with the repercussions of World War 2 in their daily lives.
Opinion:
Overall, Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again is an excellent book. This story is a historical fiction novel, but I truly felt immersed in the life of Friddie and her family and felt like I was reading about the life of a real family. The author did a great job of making Friddie's family realistic, from her strict but extremely loving parents to her naughty younger cousin, to her dynamic aunt. We are also able to see Friddie mature throughout the book from starting out as a troublemaker to maturing into making her own decisions, such as when she calls off the wedding and decides to move. Another thing I liked about this book was the pacing. I liked how the first few chapters occurred pretty quickly and gave an overview of Friddie's life from when she was young to her turning 18. The author did a great job of incorporating hard topics from Friddie's life into the story such as when she felt pressure to get married to "a good Jewish man". I think this once again made the story more realistic and relatable and gave a good view into young women's lives around the 20th century. Additionally, this book takes place during the late 1930s and 1940s, which was a horrible time for many Jews, especially those living in countries such as Romania. I think the author did a great job of telling the stories of both those in labor camps as well as those who were majorly affected despite being able to stay in their homes. I also liked the themes of overcoming hardships and how this was shown through multiple characters and not just Friddie; an example of this is her Aunt Rosa overcoming the disappearance of her husband. I highly recommend this book to any reader, especially those who enjoy historical fiction!
Opinion:
Overall, Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again is an excellent book. This story is a historical fiction novel, but I truly felt immersed in the life of Friddie and her family and felt like I was reading about the life of a real family. The author did a great job of making Friddie's family realistic, from her strict but extremely loving parents to her naughty younger cousin, to her dynamic aunt. We are also able to see Friddie mature throughout the book from starting out as a troublemaker to maturing into making her own decisions, such as when she calls off the wedding and decides to move. Another thing I liked about this book was the pacing. I liked how the first few chapters occurred pretty quickly and gave an overview of Friddie's life from when she was young to her turning 18. The author did a great job of incorporating hard topics from Friddie's life into the story such as when she felt pressure to get married to "a good Jewish man". I think this once again made the story more realistic and relatable and gave a good view into young women's lives around the 20th century. Additionally, this book takes place during the late 1930s and 1940s, which was a horrible time for many Jews, especially those living in countries such as Romania. I think the author did a great job of telling the stories of both those in labor camps as well as those who were majorly affected despite being able to stay in their homes. I also liked the themes of overcoming hardships and how this was shown through multiple characters and not just Friddie; an example of this is her Aunt Rosa overcoming the disappearance of her husband. I highly recommend this book to any reader, especially those who enjoy historical fiction!
September 6, 2022
This book tells the compelling and important story of one family's struggles throughout the 20th century.
The story is based on factual accounts from various of the author's family members, as well as her own research, but she brings the people and events vividly to life with descriptive and emotive writing.
The narrative mainly follows Rosa and Friddie, women from two different generations of the family, as they fight to keep their families together and suffer through persecution and tribulations, during this tumultuous period in history.
I myself am descended from Polish Jews, so the intensity of both the personal and more global aspects of this parallel story, largely set in Romania, affected me deeply as I read it.
Very much recommended for anyone who wants to read a gripping tale, reflecting true historical events, but told via an engaging and effective dramatic narrative.
The story is based on factual accounts from various of the author's family members, as well as her own research, but she brings the people and events vividly to life with descriptive and emotive writing.
The narrative mainly follows Rosa and Friddie, women from two different generations of the family, as they fight to keep their families together and suffer through persecution and tribulations, during this tumultuous period in history.
I myself am descended from Polish Jews, so the intensity of both the personal and more global aspects of this parallel story, largely set in Romania, affected me deeply as I read it.
Very much recommended for anyone who wants to read a gripping tale, reflecting true historical events, but told via an engaging and effective dramatic narrative.
August 9, 2023
‘Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again’ is a historical fiction about Friddie, an 18-year-old Jewish woman who decides not to marry his pre-decided marriage match and escape to a city where she meets the love of her life. However, once again, things do not pan out the way she thinks, and you are taken on a beautiful journey of discovery. The story is set in the 1930s, so you are instantly introduced to the environment and the fictional world where Friddie dreams of being free. I enjoyed her Romanian background, and her personality reflected a strong protagonist no matter the hardship she was facing.
I appreciated reading Friddie grow and becoming the woman that she did. The character growth was admirable and enjoyable to read. The concept and premise were unique to its dynamic, which pulled the story together.
I recommend this book to historical fiction fans and those who like female-lead stories.
I appreciated reading Friddie grow and becoming the woman that she did. The character growth was admirable and enjoyable to read. The concept and premise were unique to its dynamic, which pulled the story together.
I recommend this book to historical fiction fans and those who like female-lead stories.
May 4, 2023
Roni Rosenthal has crafted a poignant and vivid story exhibiting the true strength of character and resilience. Three women and three threads of life before and after World War II. The brilliantly crafted novel shows the real struggles of this true story and living in the darkest of times at Danube's labor camps. There is personal pain, resilience and triumph captured throughout and Rosenthal does not gloss over the loss and hardships faced by her Romanian Jewish ancestors.
The biggest takeaway for me was the sheer determination to overcome the hardships experienced, instead keeping unwavering love and family at the forefront to create hope when there seemingly was little to be hopeful for. Phenomenally emotional read. Absolutely lovely.
The biggest takeaway for me was the sheer determination to overcome the hardships experienced, instead keeping unwavering love and family at the forefront to create hope when there seemingly was little to be hopeful for. Phenomenally emotional read. Absolutely lovely.
February 1, 2023
Based on a true story, Where The Lilacs Bloom Once Again is a wonderfully told story about the Romanian Jewish experience during WW2 and the lead-up to the conflict. At times it is a very emotional read charting the Jewish experience under the Nazi dictatorship. The book follows several people and though the chapters are broken up with each story it still reads well enough. The central character, Freddie, is an indomitable spirit, who starts the book as a selfish little girl, but experience and hardship, fate, define her character as she grows. There is a wealth of history mixed up in the writing, things I didn’t know (like the Danube Canal) that make it and informative read also.
January 28, 2023
I read a lot of books back in college about the Romani experience during WWII - this book should have been one of them. It's painfully emotional, but in a way that inspires hope too. I seriously think Friddie's story should be read in classrooms and as a testament to the lived experiences of the Romani people, who are often overlooked in discussions about WWII. Not only is it based on a true story that shows the will and hope of the Romani people, but Romani women in particular. I'm seriously floored...I may recommend this to my old professors!
September 7, 2022
Heart wrenching and historically important.
Rosenthal-Gazit's passion for this story is palpable in every word. A sense of deep personal emotion is interwoven throughout the entire book in a way that will connect with readers of all sorts.
Rosenthal-Gazit's passion for this story is palpable in every word. A sense of deep personal emotion is interwoven throughout the entire book in a way that will connect with readers of all sorts.
September 4, 2023
An excellent book. You will not want to put it down
October 21, 2023
Excellent biography.
December 26, 2023
“Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again” by Roni Rosenthal is a BREW Book Excellence Award 2023 Memoir, Biography, or Autobiography Category winner (Ref: https://thechrysalisbrewproject.com/b...)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews