National Jewish Book Award Finalist
Based on true stories of children stolen in the wake of World War II, Jennifer Rosner joins us with her latest historical novel, Once We Were Home.
She raises questions around complicity versus responsibility, the struggle to find identity and belonging, how good intentions often create unforeseen consequences., And what home and family really means.
We also discuss the little-known, true-events that inspired Jennifer’s story including the Germanization of stolen children (Jews and Christians) under Nazi reign. How she kept track of her four key characters, with multiple changing timelines, and name changes. And what presented the author with the most challenge while writing Once We Were Home.
Meet Jennifer Rosner
Jennifer Rosner is the author of the novels Once We Were Home and The Yellow Bird Sings, both finalists for the National Jewish Book Award. She also wrote a memoir If a Tree Falls, and the children’s book, The Mitten String, a Sydney Taylor Book Award Notable. Jennifer’s short writing has appeared in the New York Times, The Times of Israel, The Massachusetts Review, The Forward, and elsewhere. In addition to writing, Jennifer has taught philosophy, and earned her Ph.D. from Stanford University.