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A review by wendoxford
Other People's Houses by Lore Segal
3.0
Mixed feelings about this fictionalised autobiography. Seems to be light on the fiction purely because as a 10 year old Austrian Jew on Kindertransport, Segal's memory is mixed. However, the narrative follows her actual British experience and foster families for which she has the facts.
Whilst being a fascinating account of a familiar larger story but an under-written personal experience, it is presented in a monotone. Perhaps the whole experience was too overwhelming to superimpose the emotional tangle, but it does read as very matter of fact.
I read this as the book was re-issued for the 80th anniversary of the Kindertransport. It sits uncomfortably against the hostility and checks imposed on migrants today.
Whilst being a fascinating account of a familiar larger story but an under-written personal experience, it is presented in a monotone. Perhaps the whole experience was too overwhelming to superimpose the emotional tangle, but it does read as very matter of fact.
I read this as the book was re-issued for the 80th anniversary of the Kindertransport. It sits uncomfortably against the hostility and checks imposed on migrants today.