“I only survived because of my mother’s love.” – 95 year old Holocaust Survivor Renee Salt

When German soldiers invaded Poland in September 1939, so began a six year journey for then-ten-year-old Renee Salt and her mother Sala. Until their liberation in 1945, Renee and Sala were imprisoned in ghettos and concentration camps.

The only light in the darkness and brutality for Renee was the unwavering grasp of her mother’s hand in hers–enduring, against all odds.

We can’t think of a better way to kick off Women’s History Month than by sharing this remarkable story with you. Joining us from the United Kingdom are 95 year old Renee Salt and her bestselling co-author, Kate Thompson as they discuss Do Not Cry When I Die.

*Please consider purchasing a copy of Do Not Cry When I Die (below) to help keep Renee and her mom’s story alive so that we never forget.

About the Authors and Book

Renee Salt, BEM, is a 95-year-old Holocaust survivor and educator. Born Rywka Ruchla Berkowicz in Poland in 1929, she was just ten years old when the Second World War brought horror to her doorstep. Having survived Auschwitz–Birkenau, Renee was liberated from Bergen–Belsen in 1945.

After moving to Paris, Renee met her husband, Charles, a military policeman in the British Army, and part of the liberating forces at Bergen–Belsen. They married in 1949 and lived in North London, having two children and five grandchildren.

Kate Thompson is a journalist and bestselling writer. As well as being passionate about capturing lost voices and untold social histories, Kate’s also a library campaigner. Her 100 libraries project celebrates the richness and complexity of librarians’ work and the vital role of libraries in our communities.

Alongside her journalism and writing, Kate is also a podcaster and recently launched her own podcast, From the Library with Love.

Do Not Cry When I Die is an incredibly moving and deeply crucial book that tells the shocking story of one of the oldest Auschwitz-Birkenau and Bergen-Belsen survivors–and the mother’s love that saved her life

To schedule a book club visit with Kate or any of our authors on Adventures by the Book:

Registration

While this event is FREE and open to the public, registration is required in order to receive a Zoom link (to be emailed to you 3 days prior to the event). Books may be pre-ordered below to ship directly to you.