Granddaughter Unveils Grandmother’s Hidden Struggles During Nazi Era

The release of *Life Is Rosi* by Jess Robinson uncovers the hidden struggles of her grandmother, Rosi Schul, during the Nazi regime. This poignant narrative, told through Rosi’s diary entries from October 1938 to March 1943, reveals a life filled with both beauty and horror. The book provides a unique insight into the experiences of Jewish individuals during a dark chapter of history.

Rosi, remembered by her family as a proud and talented woman, lived a vibrant life in Esslingen, a picturesque town near Stuttgart. Her upbringing in a musical and cultured household fostered her love for teaching and the arts. She found joy in working at an orphanage, where she engaged with children through plays and cultural discussions. Rosi’s idyllic life came to a screeching halt on the night of October 28, 1938, when the Gestapo arrested her and three young charges, marking the beginning of her harrowing journey.

As Rosi was forcibly taken from her home, she displayed remarkable resilience. Amidst the chaos, she comforted the children, telling them to remain cheerful even as they faced uncertainty. The diary entries reveal her strength in the face of adversity, capturing her maturity and understanding of the grim reality she was confronting.

Arriving in Zbaszyn on November 1, 1938, Rosi found herself among thousands of expelled Jews living in dire conditions. According to her writings, individuals were crammed into stables and barns, lacking basic necessities such as food and water. Rosi’s diaries reflect her determination to maintain her spirit, stating, “In the face of such relentless, harsh, terrible power as Germany’s, there is no point in responding with upset.”

The juxtaposition of Rosi’s experiences with those of her granddaughter, Jess Robinson, enriches the narrative. Jess’s diaries, which commence in 2006, highlight the modern struggles of young women, including the challenges of life and love in contemporary London. On the same day Rosi arrived in Zbaszyn, Jess was navigating the complexities of securing a mortgage. This side-by-side comparison emphasizes the universality of female experiences across different eras.

Rosi’s journey included an agonizing six months of internment, where her role as an educator became her lifeline. Despite the horrors surrounding her, she focused on entertaining the children in her care, striving to create a semblance of normalcy. In August 1939, she was finally able to escape to England through a Kindertransport, while the war loomed over Europe.

While Jess’s experiences differ in intensity, they are still transformative. She faced her own challenges, including assault and the pressures of the entertainment industry. Ultimately, both women found strength in their resilience and creativity, echoing themes of survival and empowerment.

The book also delves into family dynamics, particularly the relationship between Rosi’s daughters, Jess’s mother Jackie and her sister Stephie. The contrasting experiences of the sisters reveal how familial expectations can shape individual identities. Jackie, a gifted pianist, felt the weight of high expectations, while Stephie remembers a nurturing and kind maternal figure. Their interactions, captured in text messages, highlight the complexities of sibling relationships and the lasting impact of their mother’s past.

As Jess embarks on a journey to reclaim German citizenship for her family, she uncovers Rosi’s hidden diaries and documents. This treasure trove of history sheds light on Rosi’s “great adventure” and confronts the family’s unspoken challenges. The narrative culminates in a moving reunion at The Wiener Holocaust Library, where Rosi is celebrated by the children she once cared for, who affectionately recall her as a motherly figure.

*Life Is Rosi* serves as a powerful testament to resilience, love, and the enduring impact of history on family identity. Through the lens of a granddaughter’s discovery, the book honors the memory of a woman who faced unimaginable hardships while illuminating the shared experiences of women across generations.