Uprising
Jennifer A. Nielsen does it again with another compelling World War II novel set in Warsaw, Poland. Lidia Durr, the main character, is not willing to cower and wait for help to arrive. She is stubborn, willful, at times foolish, but also incredibly brave, courageous and talented. While this novel is historical fiction, Lidia Durr was a real woman who lived and fought as part of the resistance against Hitler’s Nazis. The story is based on her life during the time of occupation to the uprising and her eventual escape. The story spans from September 1, 1939 to October 9, 1944.
In the author’s note Nielsen clarifies some of the points/ aspects of Lidia's history that she had to adapt for the story – one being that she made her a bit younger. She starts out as just 12 years-old in the novel. Shortly after the Germans begin to invade Poland, Lidia’s father joins the Polish army in defending against the Russians (allies at the time with Germany). Her home is soon taken over by German officers and Lidia, along with her brother, mother, and two Jewish women move to an apartment next to the Warsaw ghetto. It isn’t long before the two Jewish women are taken. Lidia desperately wants to help in any way that she can against the Germans, but her mother desperately wants to keep her and her brother safe.
The story that unfolds is the tension not only between the Polish people and the German invasion, but also the tension between mother and daughter. Lidia’s mother is quite critical of her throughout the novel and exceedingly harsh in much of her criticism that leaves Lidia feeling unloved. Sadly, Lidia had an older sister, the first born, who died when she was two years old. Her brother, Ryszard, was the second born, and Lidia was the third. As the novel unfolds, the reader learns that part of the reason for the mother’s coldness towards Lidia is due to the loss of her first daughter – she is ultimately trying to protect herself from experiencing that loss a second time. It certainly isn’t right, but it does give some context to the behavior.
Readers do not need to worry about any profanity or unsavory situations; however, this is a WWII novel so there are descriptions and details pertaining to war and what was occurring during that time. Lidia also struggles with her belief in God. Her family is Catholic and you see her questioning the priest, “Why doesn’t God just make Hitler die?” (75). Questions along these lines always exist when faced with evil. It is a great point of discussion with your reader as you help them wrestle with the same questions Lidia is facing in the novel. Sooner or later, our children ask these same questions or be confronted with them. One of the beautiful things of literature and stories is the opportunity for readers to think about these ideas early before they are confronted with them in their own lives.
Noteworthy Quotes:
“Things have changed, Lidia, and you must change too. You must be smart in everything you do. You must be careful at all times, because a single mistake will carry a high price. Be compassionate and full of honor, and in that, you will find your strength” (22).
“Because education is strength; it is power. If you want to control a people, then you keep them from learning” (49).
“It is always the same with those who hate. First, they divide us, make us mistrust one another. Then they isolate us, keep us from talking to one another. Next, they will peel us away, one group at time [...]” (54).
[...] “But you and I both know what happened inside the ghetto. What’s the point of fighting when there’s no hope of winning?” / “Because fighting is what gives us hope,” I said. “It means we still believe in a better tomorrow” (172).
“May we never forget the courage and scarifies of those who came before us, as a reminder that we can each face our own difficult times as well, with honor, with loyalty, and with strong hearts of our own” (Author’s Note).
Overall, I really enjoy Uprising and learning about Lidia Durr, her family, and her experience in Warsaw. I think it would likewise be an educational read for others as we listen to one another’s stories.
