The Children of Willesden Lane A True Story of Hope and Survival During World War II

The Children of Willesden Lane : A True Story of Hope and Survival During World War II
ISBN: 9781760630805
Publication Date: 23 August 2017

A true story of courage and survival during World War II, and a celebration of the power of music to lift the human spirit.

Jewish musical prodigy Lisa Jura has a wonderful life in Vienna. But when the Nazis start closing in on the city, life changes irreversibly. Although he has three daughters, Lisa's father is only able to secure one place on the Kindertransport. The family sends Lisa to London so that she may pursue her dreams of a career as a concert pianist. Separated from her beloved family, Lisa bravely endures the trip and a disastrous posting outside London before finding her way to the Willesden Lane Orphanage.

Here, her music inspires the other children, and they, in turn, cheer her on in her efforts to make good on her promise to her family to realise her musical potential. Through hard work and sheer pluck, Lisa wins a scholarship to study piano at the Royal Academy. As she supports herself and studies, she makes a new life for herself and dreams of reconnecting with the family she was forced to leave behind.

Based on the true story of her mother, Mona Golabek describes the inspirational story of fourteen-year-old Lisa Jura Golabek's escape from Nazi-controlled Austria to England on the famed Kindertransport.

About the Author

Mona Golabek is a Grammy-nominated recording artist, internationally celebrated concert pianist, and star of the one-woman show The Pianist of Willesden Lane.

Lee Cohen is a journalist, screenwriter and poet.