We Were the Lucky Ones

By: Georgia Hunter

Narrated by: Kathleen Gati, Robert Fass

Length: 15 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

The New York Times best seller with more than one million copies sold worldwide.

Inspired by the incredible true story of one Jewish family separated at the start of World War II, determined to survive - and to reunite - We Were the Lucky Ones is a tribute to the triumph of hope and love against all odds.

It is the spring of 1939 and three generations of the Kurc family are doing their best to live normal lives, even as the shadow of war grows closer. The talk around the family Seder table is of new babies and budding romance, not of the increasing hardships threatening Jews in their hometown of Radom, Poland. But soon the horrors overtaking Europe will become inescapable and the Kurcs will be flung to the far corners of the world, each desperately trying to navigate his or her own path to safety.

As one sibling is forced into exile, another attempts to flee the continent, while others struggle to escape certain death, either by working grueling hours on empty stomachs in the factories of the ghetto or by hiding as gentiles in plain sight. Driven by an unwavering will to survive and by the fear that they may never see one another again, the Kurcs must rely on hope, ingenuity, and inner strength to persevere.

An extraordinary, propulsive novel, We Were the Lucky Ones demonstrates how in the face of the 20th century’s darkest moment, the human spirit can endure and even thrive.

©2017 Georgia Hunter (P)2017 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Love in the face of global adversity? It couldn't be more timely.” (Glamour)

“[A] must-read.” (New York Post)

“[A] remarkable history ... Hunter sidesteps hollow sentimentality and nihilism, revealing instead the beautiful complexity and ambiguity of life in this extraordinarily moving tale.” (Publishers Weekly)

Loved this book! Didn't want it to end.

Brought me to tears but it never felt depressing. The deep love within the family was evident and there was always a feeling of hope.

I love historical fiction but this was a little long for me.

This may not have felt so long but because it was the stories of five siblings it felt too long. The first half of the book I couldn’t keep the sibling stories straight and almost stopped listening. Second half moved a little faster. I think it’s good for us to read the stories. So for that reason, this is a good read. Narrator did great job with accents but it was obvious she was reading and not telling a story. If you haven’t read much about the holocaust, this is a good read.

Timely

This story was well written and inspiring. This is a timely and historical account that must not be forgotten. I find that in the midst of this political environment, we must remind ourselves of the significance of the "refugees" struggle and our responsibility to assist those who are suffering. As 65 year old highly educated African American woman I feel very connected to the Jewish story of survival and thriving in spite of oppression and unimaginable human suffering. I am praying that our country will remember and keep our arms and hearts open to global suffering. Let's not compare and measure who has suffered the most. Let's see our own likeness in the faces of those who have had the courage to fight for what is right. I choose to not forget.

should be required reading

the personal aspect of this story was very moving.
I have read a lot of books about ww2 and the holocaust but this was one of the few that bring the enormity of the tribulation down to the minutiae of survival. truly incredible. it makes me think of the plight of the Syrians right now...

Amazing book!!!

Amazing book!! Through tears and suspense, this families endeavors to survive were amazing. God sure looked after them!! Would recommend anyone to read this book to get a little insight of what the Jews went through during Hitler's sick time in power.

incredible

the fact that the story is mostly true is amazing they survived throughout Against All Odds. beautiful

This story went beyond what I knew happened to....

What did you love best about We Were the Lucky Ones?

The diversity in the story. It didn't just follow one or even two peoples experience. It follows an entire family with grown children and each of their experiences is different

Who was your favorite character and why?

Helena was my favorite character because she was strong and did what she felt was the best choice for her family

Which scene was your favorite?

The reunion scene at the train station after the war was over

Loved this book and Kathleen Gati as Narrator!

I could listen to Kathleen Gati all day, she is one of my favorites. A beautiful story about the importance of family in good times and bad times. I loved this book and will definitely listen to it again

I was facilitated by this true story.

Loved this story of the horrors of the holocaust and the people who had the courage and luck to survive.

Amazing saga of family survival

Where does We Were the Lucky Ones rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Wonderful story and a vivid recreation of a horrible historical event. In my view not well served by poor choice of narrator, the bits of French used in the text were not spoken with correct pronunciation, if they were going to try to do an accent then why not use a native? It was not written by a Polish francophone so why try to fake it?

What was one of the most memorable moments of We Were the Lucky Ones?

The Siberian work camp, for one.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Survival of a family against all the odds

Any additional comments?

Good work, amazing story of endurance and love