The Children of Willesden Lane is a memoir by Mona Golabek, documenting the life of her mother, Lisa, from the time she left Vienna, Austria to the end of World War II. It has been adapted into a film and an organization formed in honor of the book, that is dedicated to empowering people with the arts.
Plot
Lisa Jura was a prodigy who hoped to become a pianist during pre-World War II Vienna. As Nazi attacks on Jews continue in her home country, her parents send her on the Kindertransport to London, England. Several days after arrival, she became a servant at a manor. Sometime later, though, she leaves the manor. Lisa then resides in a hostel for Jewish children on Willesden Lane, where she makes new friends. Continuing her interest in piano, she plays music, inspiring the other children through their problems. It's a story of kindness and love and compassion.[1][2]
Reception
Joanna H. Kraus from Common Sense Media rated The Children of Willesden Lane five stars.[3]BookTrust described the book as "eye-opening".[4]
In 2018 the book was translated into Polish and published as Dzieci z Willesden Lane by Wydawnictwo Austeria.[5][6]
