Remember Us to Life

Winner of the Nordic Council Literature Prize, "Remember Us to Life" is a masterful graphic memoir, now available in English, that delves into one woman's quest for identity as she uncovers the truth about her Jewish relatives' disappearance during World War II. Joanna Rubin Dranger blends illustrations, photography, and found objects to chronicle her investigation into her family’s history, spanning across continents in search of her lost relatives. As she retrieves discolored photos, Joanna discovers the startling modernity and vibrancy of the lives her family never spoke about, and the violence that led to their senseless murders.

Carefully researched and expertly told, "Remember Us to Life" recounts Joanna’s family’s immigration from Poland and Russia to Sweden and Israel, their lives, and the horrors to come. Interwoven are historical accounts of Jewish persecution and the antisemitic actions of Sweden. Joanna’s unflinchingly brave portrayal captures and breaks readers’ hearts, making it a thought-provoking exploration of grief, alienation, and reclamation of one’s history.

Who might be interested in reading?

• Readers interested in historical accounts of Jewish experiences during World War II told through a personal lens.
• Individuals who appreciate graphic novels that blend illustrations, photography, and found objects to tell a story.
• Those who enjoy memoirs that explore themes of identity, family history, and the search for truth.