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We Share the Same Sky: A Memoir of Memory & Migration

Written by:
Rachael Cerrotti
Narrated by:
Rachael Cerrotti

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
34
Narrator
16
Release Date
August 17, 2021
Duration
6 hours 50 minutes
Summary
In 2009, Rachael Cerrotti, a college student pursuing a career in photojournalism, asked her grandmother, Hana, if she could record her story. Rachael knew that her grandmother was a Holocaust survivor and the only one in her family alive at the end of the war. Rachael also knew that she survived because of the kindness of strangers. It wasn’t a secret. Hana spoke about her history publicly and regularly. But, Rachael wanted to document it as only a granddaughter could. So, that’s what they did: Hana talked and Rachael wrote.

Upon Hana’s passing in 2010, Rachael discovered an incredible archive of her life. There were preserved albums and hundreds of photographs dating back to the 1920s. There were letters waiting to be translated, journals, diaries, deportation and immigration papers as well as creative writings from various stages of Hana’s life.

Rachael digitized and organized it all, plucking it from the past and placing it into her present. Then, she began retracing her grandmother’s story, following her through Central Europe, Scandinavia, and across the United States. She tracked down the descendants of those who helped save her grandmother’s life during the war. Rachael went in pursuit of her grandmother’s memory to explore how the retelling of family stories becomes the history itself.

We Share the Same Sky weaves together the stories of these two young women—Hana as a refugee who remains one step ahead of the Nazis at every turn, and Rachael, whose insatiable curiosity to touch the past guides her into the lives of countless strangers, bringing her love and tragic loss. Throughout the course of her twenties, Hana’s history becomes a guidebook for Rachael in how to live a life empowered by grief.
Reviews
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Jennifer U.

This was one of those books when you were heartbroken when it ended, because you did not want to leave the characters. It tells the story of a young woman who like many adults, really didn’t know what she wanted to do for a living and was kinda floundering trying to figure out her job situation. During this time, she was captivated by her grandmother’s holocaust story, and finding out and documenting not only all that happened before and during the war, but the unexpected experiences and reception she received after she came to America. Hana’s story is one that highlights the extraordinary courage of strangers in many countries that risked their life to keep her safe, including a German soldier who guided her to a safe house before the Jews in her town were rounded up for deportation. When traveling in a small boat from Denmark to Sweden (and getting lost along the way), it was a young bout who saw them and immediately got his father who welcomed and comforted them, along with placing them all with families in Sweden who keep them safe and comfortable. I had not known of the courage of the Scandinavian countries in placing their own lives at risk to make sure the Jews in their towns were safe and hidden. This book is not about the grisly details of the death camps (although that is a fact of Hana’s family), but instead of the extraordinary measures taken by strangers to do what is right for humanity.

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Sherlrina T.

wonderful read of how two worlds can be so similar yet so different. A must read if you have an appreciation for Jewish memoirs

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Johnnie P.

This is an absolutely amazing book. I love it. I’m a 52yr old Bostonian living in the Colorado Rockies! I have no family left except my children (and I’m quite happy happy, satisfied and grateful to have them). My spouse of 30yrs passed away suddenly WAAAY too soon from diabetes (well maybe cardiac arrest actually did it but the certificate right poop

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Sandra H.

As an American who lives in Denmark by marriage for the last 25 years, this book was very moving. I knew much of the history she wrote about, but it made it all very personal and real in a way I've not experienced before. Your heart will also be stirred as you read this book.

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Anonymous

Very touching story

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Kimberly B.

So much to take away from this book. Thought provoking and life changing.

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Jamie

I really liked this book. I wanted to listen straight through! It was interesting learning from another perspective. The heartbreaks for the victims of the Nazis! So sad!! This is a story of strength, resilience and survival… for both main characters. The author/narrator was good and I liked her investment in discovering her grandmother’s story, but sometimes I felt she was just reading it to us. She does have a pleasant voice and I did like knowing that it was her family’s story as well as her own. I wish her well on her life’s journey.

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Jaime Vega

What a wonderful book. I didn't want it to end. The images that were conveyed in words, took me on a journey. I couldn't put it down. LOVE it and highly recommend it!

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