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August 30, 2025
‘Good, but not hopeless’ — a Jewish tragicomedy
In his wise and wry novel, My Name is Stramer, Mikolaj Lozinski imagines the lives of a Polish family during the turbulent first half of the 20th century
**'Good, but not hopeless' — a Jewish tragicomedy**
Mikolaj Lozinski’s novel, *My Name is Stramer*, offers readers a poignant and often darkly humorous glimpse into the lives of a Polish-Jewish family navigating the tumultuous first half of the 20th century. The book, described as a tragicomedy, doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the era, yet it manages to find moments of levity and resilience amidst the suffering.
Lozinski masterfully weaves a narrative that captures the everyday existence of the Stramer family. We witness their struggles, their joys, and their unwavering bonds as they grapple with the shifting political landscape and the growing threat of antisemitism in Poland. The novel paints a vivid picture of a community on the brink, clinging to tradition while facing an uncertain future.
The story unfolds against a backdrop of immense historical change, a period marked by both hope and despair. Through the eyes of the Stramer family, readers experience the anxieties and uncertainties that defined the era. Lozinski doesn't shy away from the complexities of the time, exploring the internal conflicts and moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught in the crossfire of history.
What sets *My Name is Stramer* apart is its ability to find humor in the face of adversity. The characters, despite their hardships, possess a sharp wit and a tenacious spirit. This blend of tragedy and comedy creates a uniquely compelling reading experience, one that is both heartbreaking and uplifting. The novel suggests that even in the darkest of times, hope and humor can serve as powerful tools for survival.
Lozinski’s writing is both wise and wry, offering insightful commentary on human nature and the enduring power of family. *My Name is Stramer* is not simply a historical novel; it is a deeply human story that resonates with readers long after they turn the final page. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, the possibility of hope remains. The novel's title, taken from a line within the book, perfectly encapsulates the delicate balance between despair and optimism that defines the Stramer family's journey.
Mikolaj Lozinski’s novel, *My Name is Stramer*, offers readers a poignant and often darkly humorous glimpse into the lives of a Polish-Jewish family navigating the tumultuous first half of the 20th century. The book, described as a tragicomedy, doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the era, yet it manages to find moments of levity and resilience amidst the suffering.
Lozinski masterfully weaves a narrative that captures the everyday existence of the Stramer family. We witness their struggles, their joys, and their unwavering bonds as they grapple with the shifting political landscape and the growing threat of antisemitism in Poland. The novel paints a vivid picture of a community on the brink, clinging to tradition while facing an uncertain future.
The story unfolds against a backdrop of immense historical change, a period marked by both hope and despair. Through the eyes of the Stramer family, readers experience the anxieties and uncertainties that defined the era. Lozinski doesn't shy away from the complexities of the time, exploring the internal conflicts and moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught in the crossfire of history.
What sets *My Name is Stramer* apart is its ability to find humor in the face of adversity. The characters, despite their hardships, possess a sharp wit and a tenacious spirit. This blend of tragedy and comedy creates a uniquely compelling reading experience, one that is both heartbreaking and uplifting. The novel suggests that even in the darkest of times, hope and humor can serve as powerful tools for survival.
Lozinski’s writing is both wise and wry, offering insightful commentary on human nature and the enduring power of family. *My Name is Stramer* is not simply a historical novel; it is a deeply human story that resonates with readers long after they turn the final page. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, the possibility of hope remains. The novel's title, taken from a line within the book, perfectly encapsulates the delicate balance between despair and optimism that defines the Stramer family's journey.
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