The Walnut Tree

✍ Scribed by Martha Blum

• Publisher: Coteau Books
• Year: 1999
• Tongue: English
• Category: Fiction

✦ Synopsis

The powerful, disturbing and finally transcendent story of a Jewish woman's descent into and eventual escape from the madness of WWII Europe. Sussel is a well-to-do young woman in Chernowitz, known as "little Vienna." She studies languages and pharmacy in several universities in Europe and is looking forward to a full and privileged life. But World War II completely overturns everyone's lives, as first the Russians and then the Germans overtake Chernowitz, roundingup all Jews for work camps and even execution. Sussel must resort to using her pharmaceutical skills, and even sex, to save her own life and those of her father and her childhood suitor, Max.

The Walnut Tree sets the devastating power of historical events against the personal forces of reconciliation and enduring love. this powerful, disturbing and finally transcendent story is written with captivating detail and sensuous, often poetic, writing. The novel deals with vital social, politica, and ethical issues, and finally – and most importantly – with love.