Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
October 16, 2025
Bright One: A Mother's WWII Survival Story Inspired by True Family History
TLDR
- Readers gain insight into survival strategies during historical crises, offering perspective on resilience in challenging circumstances.
- Lisajoy Sachs meticulously researched family letters and oral histories to craft this authentic historical fiction novel about pre-WWII Jewish survival.
- This novel preserves important historical narratives and honors the quiet heroism of women who maintained hope during humanity's darkest hours.
- Bright One immerses readers in vivid sensory detail, walking alongside characters through their emotional journey in pre-war Romania.
Impact - Why it Matters
This novel matters because it preserves crucial historical memory of Jewish experiences during the Holocaust era, reminding us how ordinary people faced extraordinary circumstances with courage and resilience. In an age of rising antisemitism and historical revisionism, stories like Jetti's serve as vital testimony to the human cost of hatred and the power of maternal love to endure against overwhelming odds. The book's grounding in actual family documents and oral history makes it particularly valuable as firsthand accounts from this period become increasingly rare, ensuring that future generations understand the personal realities behind historical events.
Summary
Inspired by true family stories, Lisajoy Sachs' debut novel "Bright One" brings to life the harrowing journey of her great-grandmother Jetti Finkelthal, a young Jewish mother navigating the rising tide of antisemitism in pre-World War II Czernowitz, Romania. As war approaches and the world collapses around her, Jetti faces impossible choices while desperately clinging to her daughter Berta, believing that love and courage might still carve a path through the encroaching darkness. The novel, published by Historium Press, draws from Sachs' grandmother Berta's letters, photographs, and family oral histories, creating an intimate portrait of daily life disrupted by historical forces beyond individual control.
"Bright One" unfolds with vivid sensory detail, immersing readers in Jetti's world as she demonstrates remarkable resilience and sacrifice to protect her family. The story explores the enduring strength of family ties and the lingering shadow of trauma across generations, offering a profoundly human portrait of love tested by history's darkest hours. As Book One of the Bright One series, it has drawn comparisons to works like "The Child Who Lived" by Ellie Midwood and "Sophie's Choice" by William Styron, with Book Two, "Golden Flight," scheduled for release in Spring 2026. Readers can learn more about the author and her work through the Historium Press website, where they can discover Sachs' unique background spanning fine arts, interior design, and craft beer expertise.
Lisajoy Sachs brings a diverse professional background to her writing, holding a Master of Fine Arts from CUNY and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Alfred University, along with certifications as an Accredited Jewelry Professional and Cicerone Certified Beer Server. Her fiction reflects a deep respect for history and family heritage, often featuring characters navigating profound social and personal change. The novel is available through Ingram Distributors with a 55% wholesale discount and returnable terms, making it accessible to booksellers and readers interested in historical fiction that resonates long after the final page. Those interested in connecting with the author can visit her website through Historium Press to arrange interviews, lectures, or book signings.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, Bright One: A Mother's WWII Survival Story Inspired by True Family History
