Catherine Bauer, Tulips for Breakfast, Ford Street Publishing, October 2022, 200 pp., RRP $19.95 (pbk) ISBN 9781922696199
The early childhood of Adelena (Lena for short) was a comfortable life – best friends by her side, looking for fairies, and getting up to mischief by pulling pranks. It never mattered that she was Jewish. Her new hometown, Amsterdam, was perfect and beautiful. Until May 10th 1940 when the ‘Occupation’ happened. The Nazis swept through her city, stripping away the joys from Jewish people’s lives, eventually creating a colourless world controlled by fear and hatred. Many had gone into hiding, terrified of being imprisoned or killed. Others turned in their neighbours and friends, hoping to be spared.
For her safety, Lena’s parents leave her in hiding at the home of her music teacher. This arrangement is fraught with danger. Lena will have to overcome her sense of betrayal and adapt to life under the terror of the Nazis. To do this she must work out who she can trust, seek help and be of help to others, and most importantly, not be discovered by the Nazis.
A powerful tale about evil, life, death and friendship is tested through the perspective of a young girl living through World War II. The story is based loosely on the real accounts of Hanneli Goslar-Pick, friend of Anne Frank’s and a survivor of the Holocaust. Beautifully written by author Catherine Bauer, this story conveys the desperation of the time and the overwhelming challenges people faced. Powerful and moving, Tulips for Breakfast is recommended for ages 12+.
Reviewed by Isobel Stevens
