Survival, Hope, and Resilience
The Lilacs I Once Knew: Friddie’s Poems is more than a collection of poetry; it is the story of a woman who was unjustly impressed and her story of survival against inhumane conditions. What inspired you to share her works with the world?
The Lilacs I Once Knew: Friddie’s Poems is inspired by a deep commitment to honoring Friddie’s incredible journey of resilience and hope amidst the horrors of unjust imprisonment. Her powerful story of survival against inhumane conditions needed to be shared to give voice to the silenced and highlight the enduring human spirit. By sharing her works, I aim to preserve her legacy and shed light on the historical atrocities she endured.
How did you go about deciding what photos and quotes to include along with Friddie’s poetry?
Deciding which photos and quotes to include with Friddie’s poetry involved meticulous curation to ensure each element complemented and enhanced the emotional depth of her poems. I selected images that visually represent the themes of her poetry, such as survival, hope, and resilience. The quotes were chosen for their ability to encapsulate the essence of Friddie’s experiences and to provide context, creating a powerful and immersive reading experience.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from Friddie’s poetry collection?
I hope readers take away a profound sense of empathy and awareness of the historical injustices faced by Friddie and countless others. Through her poetry, I aim to inspire readers to recognize the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Additionally, I hope Friddie’s story encourages reflection on the importance of preserving and sharing personal histories to ensure that such stories are never forgotten.
Are there more poems or writings from Friddie that you plan to publish in the future?
Yes, I plan to publish more of Friddie’s poems and writings in the future, but for a different audience. While in prison, Friddie also wrote books and poems for children, each carrying a greater message about pursuing justice, kindness, and dealing with adversity. I am currently working on this project to ensure that her inspiring words reach a broader audience and continue to impart important lessons and values.
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At 18, Friddie married a charming, charismatic scientist named Freddy; but their union was tragically short.
Just two weeks after the wedding, Freddy disappeared, and Friddie was unjustly accused of a crime she had never committed. She spent nine years in a Romanian prison, followed by four years in a communist labor camp.
Despite the harsh and inhumane conditions, Friddie found solace in writing poetry.
Friddie’s poems reflect her journey through life, imprisonment, and hope. They speak of joy, loss, fear, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit.
After her death, her family discovered hundreds of letters and postcards where Friddie shared her poems with her cousin, Aaurica.
Friddie’s story was first told in the award-winning novel Where the Lilacs Bloom Again(StoryTime World, 2022). Now, her powerful words are brought to life in this collection.
Posted on August 11, 2024, in Interviews and tagged author, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, collection, Eastern European Poetry, ebook, goodreads, indie author, Jewish Biographies, Jewish Biographies & Memoirs, kindle, kobo, literature, nook, novel, poetry, read, reader, reading, Roni Rosenthal, story, The Lilacs I Once Knew: Friddie’s Poems, writer, writing. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.
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