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1941: A wartime tale of a march to the steppe of Siberia
The Endless Steppe: Growing Up in Siberia
What you need to know before your trail
It is June 1941. The Rudomin family has been arrested by the Russians. They are “capitalists – enemies of the people.” Forced from their home and friends in Vilna, Poland, they are herded into crowded cattle cars. Their destination? the endless steppe of Siberia.
Travel Guide
Vilnius – Lithuania
This is a portrayal of what it was like to live during WW2 through the eyes of a Jewish 10-year old from Vilna. Vilnius, as it is called today, is now the capital of Lithuania but during the time the book portrays it was actually part of Poland.
This book is more impressive still when you realise that it’s an autobiographical account of the author’s childhood in Siberia.
The Russsian Steppes
The history within the story is poignant and heartbreaking. Real true life issues explored centre around the deportation of the Jews to Siberia. Many spent a great deal of time being forced to move from one place to another and forced to live in villages close to and on the russian steppes. This was no place to live for families and the conditions were poor and very difficult. Just wait until you experience the Siberian snowstorm in the book!
The book does not focus on war but the child’s experience and understanding of it. How this new strange location can be something adventurous for child who simply wants to stay with their family, go to school and of course play in the snow. Little do they realise the significance of what they do.
Booktrail Boarding Pass Information: The Endless Steppe: Growing Up in Siberia
Author/Guide: Esther Rudomin Hautzig Destination: Vilnius, Siberia Departure Time:WW2
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