Far Above Rubies
by Cynthia Polansky
Published by Martin & Lawrence Press(to come)
Click on book
cover to order
at Amazon.com
Reviewed by Maria Elmvang
Far Above Rubies is based on the authentic story of Tante Soof, a Dutch Jew who at a late age marries into a family with six stepdaughters. When the occupation comes in 1941 and Hitler orders all Jewish teenagers to be sent to work camps, Soof (or Sofie) refuses to let her daughters be sent away on their own, and insists on accompanying them to the work camp they are sent to. Once there she does her best to keep up their spirits and health--often going without herself, in order to give them a bit more water or food. Unfortunately she can only do so much, and when they are sent to Auschwitz, it is all she can do to keep herself alive.
I hope this book will eventually become as well-known as The Hiding Place and The Diary of Anne Frank, when describing the lives of Dutch Jews during World War II. It paints a vivid picture of their daily lives, and of the atrocities performed by the German soldiers, expressed very eloquently in the words of one of the guards at Auschwitz, "Nobody will help you. Even if you do survive [Auschwitz], who's ever going to believe you?" Fortunately word got out, and we do believe her.
"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." (Proverbs 31:10) When reading Far Above Rubies, it is obvious why the author decided to tie this verse together with the story of Tante Soof. A woman more compassionate and loving would indeed be very difficult to find--a woman willing to give up her life for that of her stepdaughters, leaving behind the love of her life, in order to take care of his daughters to give him the peace of mind that at least the seven of them are together.
Armchair Interviews says: Powerful story with a powerful telling.
Author's Web site: http://www.CynthiaPolansky.com