Four Perfect Pebbles

A Holocaust Story

By: Lila Perl, Marion Blumenthal Lazan

Narrated by: Cheryl Stern, A. C. Fellner

Length: 2 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

"If she could find four perfect pebbles of almost exactly the same size and shape, it meant that her family would remain whole. Mama and papa and she and Albert would survive Bergen-Belsen. The four of them might even survive the Nazis' attempt to destroy every last Jew in Europe...."

Marion Blumenthal Lazan's unforgettable memoir recalls the devastating years that shaped her childhood.

Following Hitler's rise to power, the Blumenthal family - father, mother, Marion, and her brother, Albert - were trapped in Nazi Germany. They managed eventually to get to Holland, but soon thereafter it was occupied by the Nazis. For the next six and a half years the Blumenthals were forced to live in refugee, transit, and prison camps that included Westerbork in Holland and the notorious Bergen-Belsen in Germany. Though they all survived the camps, Walter Blumenthal, the father, succumbed to typhus just after liberation.

It took three more years of struggled and waiting before Marion. Albert, and their mother at last obtained the necessary papers and boarded ship for the UNited States. Their story is one of horror and hardship, but it is also a tory of courage, hope, and the will to survive.

©1999 Lila Perl (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A harrowing and often moving account." (School Library Journal)

"Personal memoirs have no equal in their weight of truth and memory - [Marion Blumenthal Lazan's] have educated so many." (Elie Wiesel)

A Wonderful/Terrible Story

I am warmed and heartbroken, at the same time, by this story. The true facts are horrifying, and the ending is beautiful. I never learned about the holocaust in school. I first heard of it watching a documentary, and from there studied it on my own. Now, as a homeschool teacher, I want my children to learn and know this tragic part of history. I do not want these people to be forgotten. This particular story is so well written. It is very different, in my opinion, from Anne Frank's story. I really enjoyed the new perspective. I also appreciate how well written this one is for young people. The words tell the story without being too graphic, but still getting the truth across. My children will be reading this, as well as the Anne Frank story. I know it will add so much to their understanding of the holocaust. This book was captivating! The narrators voice was nice, and she did wonderfully with the German accent when it was needed. Great listen!

Now this is a Family Story

I enjoyed this book. I read a lot of the holocaust literature and some WWII history --this story was definitely one of the will to survive. The family was so close to being able to leave Nazi Germany but instead the story is an accounting is of their life of struggle for 6 years. It's a 2-1/2 hour read and I recommend

Incredible story

This is an amazing story. The ability to turn such tragic events into a way to open eyes to the impact of prejudice is wonderful. The lessons learned from these events should never be forgotten and I commend the author for her willingness to speak on her personal experiences.

Heartfelt

Is wonderful narration of a truly touching, sad, and sometimes disturbing story. This story taught me much about the nazi invasion, the Jewish holocaust and a real understanding of how a family survived.

Short, compelling true story

I have read a lot of books about WW II and the Holocaust, both history and historical fiction. I really appreciate stories like this one that are based on facts but told in an engaging way without a lot of extra romance and fluff.

Great read

This was a great story about people with more resilience and courage than I am sure I could ever muster. It gives home and love. I would have liked a slightly longer story.

great first hand account of the Holocaust

exceptional job by the narrator and very good, while not overly graphic description of the Holocaust that also gave a very real accounts of what it was like in the concentration camps and for the Jews at this time.

Holocaust

Four perfect Pebbles was a story worth listening to. Even though this family was able to stay together they still suffered many hardships.

Compelling account

I read this story to my 8th graders when I was a teacher and recently listened to it on a road trip with my 3 children. Marian's story is one that should not be forgotten.

Incredible!

This book was so good and touching and very inspirational. I would recommend it to anyone!