CLARA S WAR

On 21 July, 1942, the Nazis took control of the small Polish town ofZolkiew, life for Jewish 15-year-old Clara Kramer was never to be the sameagain. While those around her were either slaughtered or transported, Claraand her family hid perilously in a hand-dug bunker. Living in the houseabove and protecting them were the Becks. On 21 July, 1942, the Nazis took control of the small Polish town of Zolkiew, life for Jewish 15-year-old Clara Kramer was never to be the sameagain. While those around her were either slaughtered or transported, Claraand her family hid perilously in a hand-dug bunker. Living in the houseabove and protecting them were the Becks. Mr. Beck was a womaniser, adrunkard and a self-professed anti-Semite, yet he risked his lifethroughout the war to keep his charges safe.Nevertheless, life with Mr.Beck was far from predictable. From the house catching fire, to Beck'saffair with Clara's cousin, to the nightly SS drinking sessions in theroom just above, Clara's War transports you into the dark, cramped bunker,and sits you next to the families as they hold their breath time and again.Sixty years later, Clara Kramer has created a memoir that is lyrical,dramatic and heartbreakingly compelling. Despite the worst ofcircumstances, this is a story full of hope and survival, courage and love.