86 pages • 2 hours read
The Endless Steppe
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Book Brief
288
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Siberia • 1940s
1968
YA
12-18 years
880L
Super Short Summary
In The Endless Steppe, 10-year-old Esther Rudomin's life is upended when she and her Jewish family are deported from Vilna, Poland, in 1941 by Russian soldiers to a Siberian village. Enduring harsh conditions and separation, they adapt through various trials, including manual labor in a gypsum mine, navigating school, and coping with family grief. After several years, as World War II ends, the family eventually prepares to return to a profoundly changed Poland. Sensitive topics include forced deportation, family separation, and oppression.
Challenging
Melancholic
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
7,113 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Endless Steppe by Esther Hautzig is widely praised for its poignant storytelling and authentic depiction of life in exile. Reviews commend its vivid descriptions and emotional depth, though some found its pacing uneven. It's celebrated for its resilience themes and historical insights. Overall, it's a compelling read with minor pacing flaws.
Who Should Read The Endless Steppe?
Readers who appreciate historical memoirs, especially those similar to Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl and Red Scarf Girl, will enjoy The Endless Steppe by Esther Hautzig. It appeals to those interested in WWII stories, survival, and resilience, seen through the eyes of a young girl in a Siberian labor camp.
7,113 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Samuel Rudomin/Father
Samuel Rudomin/Father
Esther’s father, whose gentle nature and leadership skills earn him respect, is a source of love and warmth for Esther throughout their trials.
Raya Rudomin/Mother
Raya Rudomin/Mother
Esther’s practical and strong-willed mother, who often acts as a foil to her husband Samuel, demonstrating both resilience and pride during hardship.
Grandmother Anna
Grandmother Anna
Esther’s paternal grandmother, known for her dedication to tradition and spirited nature, shares a special bond with Esther through their emotional expressiveness.
288
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Siberia • 1940s
1968
YA
12-18 years
880L
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