“I am Sasha” by Anita Selzer – To be launched by Mr Robert Sessions, Former Director, Penguin Books
It is German-occupied Poland in 1942 and Jewish lives are at risk. Nazi soldiers order young boys to pull down their trousers to see if they are circumcised. Many are summarily shot or sent to the camps.
A remarkable mother takes an ingenious step. To avoid suspicion, she trains her teenage son to be a girl: his clothing, voice, hair, manners and more. Together, mother and son face incredible odds as their story sweeps backwards and forwards across occupied Europe.
Anita Selzer writes non-fiction for children and adults. Her interest is in women and history. She has written about Australian sportswomen who achieved at high levels including the Olympics: athletes, basketballers, golfers, hockey players, netballers and swimmers; girls’ education in Australia; governors’ wives in Australia; and the pastoral pioneers of Como House. Before becoming a writer, Anita was a teacher of English and Politics and completed Masters and Doctorate degrees in Education, focusing on gender and history. Anita is married with three children and lives in Melbourne.
‘A remarkable act of love by writing.’ Morris Gleitzman.
‘A compelling reminder of the cruelty of discrimination . . . and a testament to a boy’s bravery, sublimating his true identity in the face of ever-present danger.’ Simon French.
‘An astonishing story of survival set against the backdrop of the Holocaust.’ Associate Professor Mark Baker.
Date: April 22, 2018
Start Time: 2:00 pm
Event Type: Book Launch
Venue: Melbourne Holocaust Museum
Address:
13-15 Selwyn St
Elsternwick 3185
Bookings & Enquiries:
9528 1985 or admin@mhm.org.au