A nice surprise today in the Times Book section where columnist Melanie Phillips has selected “Stolen Legacy” as one of her three favorite books of the year. It is listed alongside her other two recommended authors – the illustrious Niall Ferguson and Michel Houellebecq. To be in such company is truly flattering.
One day ahead of a meeting to decide the future of the Kurt Hamann Stiftung (Foundation) at Mannheim University, the German online newspaper, The Local, published a story on the issue. The Victoria insurance company (now part of ERGO insurance) had foreclosed in the late 1930s not only on the building once owned by my family but had also expropriated many other Jewish-owned properties and businesses. Dr. Kurt Hamann had been chairman before, during and after the war. Is this really a suitable person to be honored with a foundation in his name? I am waiting to find out.
In the Winter 2015 issue of JW Magazine, published by Jewish Women International, “Stolen Legacy” was recommended as a Book for Giving, under Memoirs of Interesting Lives (next to Donna Karan!).
The Jüdische Allgemeine newspaper reports the story that ERGO insurance group and Mannheim University to decide on the future of the foundation named for Dr. Kurt Hamann, the villain in Stolen Legacy who insured Auschwitz. (Article is in German.)
In Washington Independent Review of Books‘ popular feature “Bedtime Stories” I share what books are queued up and ready to read on my nightstand. Curious? Read it here.