My Family for the War
About My Family for the War
Anne Voorhoeve's beautiful novel (translated from the original German) shows a rare perspective during WWII. Franziska is a young German Christian girl. She doesn't even know she's Jewish-- her ancestors converted to Christianity-- until her family is targeted by the Nazis. Eventually, Ziska is sent on the kindertransports to live with a family of strangers for the duration of the war.
When Ziska arrives in London (wearing a crucifix necklace) she finds her new family is Orthodox Jewish. Obviously, culture shock is examined in multiple ways as Ziska/Frances struggles to find her identity in this new country and religious context. Ziska is later sent away yet again as London is becoming unsafe. She begins to feel conflicted over who her family is-- by this time, she feels closer to Amanda than Mamu.
Voorhoeve's novel is not only a unique story, but also unique in the depth with which it examines our cultural, religious, and family identities.
When Ziska arrives in London (wearing a crucifix necklace) she finds her new family is Orthodox Jewish. Obviously, culture shock is examined in multiple ways as Ziska/Frances struggles to find her identity in this new country and religious context. Ziska is later sent away yet again as London is becoming unsafe. She begins to feel conflicted over who her family is-- by this time, she feels closer to Amanda than Mamu.
Voorhoeve's novel is not only a unique story, but also unique in the depth with which it examines our cultural, religious, and family identities.
How could I teach My Family For the War?
Some themes discussed in My Family for the War include:
- Family and identity
- Religion and identity
- Trauma and guilt
- Relationship roles/perceived relationship roles
- Safety vs. Loyalty
What resources could I use to teach My Family for the War?
Much of the book discusses the kindertransports, a fascinating piece of WWII history. To properly grasp the context of the novel, students would not only need the general background information about WWII but also further information about the transports.
The US Holocaust Memorial museum has a wonderful online resource complete with photos and interviews from kindertransport survivors.
In addition, the Academy Award-winning documentary "Into the Arms of Strangers" would be perfect for classes to watch. It focuses on the stories of children who, like Ziska, were sent away for their safety.
The US Holocaust Memorial museum has a wonderful online resource complete with photos and interviews from kindertransport survivors.
In addition, the Academy Award-winning documentary "Into the Arms of Strangers" would be perfect for classes to watch. It focuses on the stories of children who, like Ziska, were sent away for their safety.
My Family for the War takes place during a horrific period of history, but there is a focus on people who do positive things-- for example, Amanda and Matt opening their home to a child in need. It would be very powerful to focus on some of these acts of bravery and heroism during WWII.
One of my favorite resources related to this theme is a short clip from a television show (That's Life, 1988) profiling Nicholas Winton, who rescued almost 700 children in the Czech kindertransport. He is invited to the show, but there is a surprise in the audience...
One of my favorite resources related to this theme is a short clip from a television show (That's Life, 1988) profiling Nicholas Winton, who rescued almost 700 children in the Czech kindertransport. He is invited to the show, but there is a surprise in the audience...
- Recently there have been more memorials and dedications to the people involved in the kindertransports. If you were to design such a memorial, what would you want it to communicate? Who would you want to honor? What message
would you want to send?
In addition to the historical perspective, any book that discusses cultural, religious, or family identity would make a valuable addition to My Family for the War. Texts could include:
- American Born Chinese
- The House on Mango Street
- The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
- The Arrival (especially valuable!)
The Verdict
This text would be a fantastic addition for classes grades 9-12. The novel is not an action/adventure text like some other books featured here, but it's still suspenseful and engaging. I think most readers would enjoy this book, especially if it was approached from a Humanities perspective.