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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Half-Jew—Full Life by Georgette Bennett shares the inspiring story of Gerd "Pips" Philipsohn, a Holocaust survivor who faced extraordinary challenges with courage and determination. The book begins with his early years in Berlin, describing his escape from Nazi persecution and his survival during one of the darkest periods of history. It explores his decision to embrace his Jewish identity despite the risks posed by the Nuremberg Laws, his time in hiding, and his encounters with the Gestapo. The story also highlights Pips’s relationships, including his marriage to Olga Horvath, a fellow Holocaust survivor. Their bond, characterized by love, dependence, and conflict, is a central theme throughout the book. The narrative examines the challenges they faced together, such as Olga’s battle with depression and the lasting effects of trauma, which ultimately contributed to her tragic death.
Georgette Bennett’s writing is enriched by personal anecdotes, historical context, and her own connection to Pips as a surrogate father figure. The inclusion of Pips’s own words, through letters and recorded sessions, adds intimacy to the narrative. The book offers a unique and compelling perspective on the Holocaust, emphasizing not only the atrocities but also the choices and ambiguities that shaped survivors' lives. Half-Jew—Full Life is a moving exploration of identity, human relationships, and the lasting impact of history. It provides readers with a window into the struggles and triumphs of a man who refused to be defined by his past, inspiring them with his humor, courage, and determination to find meaning in life. This is one of the most moving accounts of Holocaust survivors, and it deserves inclusion in high school American History curricula.
