West Branch Nonfiction Book Discussion

Mala's Cat by Mala Kacenberg

West Branch's monthly nonfiction book discussion group; meets in person or on Zoom. October: Mala's Cat: A Memoir of Survival in World War II by Mala Kacenberg

The West Branch Nonfiction Book Discussion group meets the third Tuesday of the month to read a variety of contemporary nonfiction. Meets in person at the West Branch or on Zoom--please register to receive the Zoom link. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the West Branch Contact discussion leader Janet Stephens at 630-264-3626 or email jstephens@aurorapubliclibrary.org for a copy of the book or for more information.

Book description:

Mala's Cat by Mala Kacenberg

The incredible true story of a young girl who navigated dangerous forests, outwitted Nazi soldiers, and survived against all odds with the companionship of a stray cat.

Growing up in the Polish village of Tarnogrod on the fringes of a deep pine forest, Mala Szorer had the happiest childhood she could have hoped for. But at the age of twelve, as the German invasion begins, her beloved village becomes a ghetto and her family and friends reduced to starvation. She takes matters into her own hands and bravely removes her yellow star, risking sneaking out to the surrounding villages to barter for food. It is on her way back that she sees her loved ones rounded up for deportation, and receives a smuggled letter from her sister warning her to stay away. In order to survive, she walks away from everything she holds dear to live by herself in the forest, hiding not just from the Nazis but hostile villagers. She is followed by a stray cat who stays with her—and seems to come to her rescue time and time again. "Malach" the cat becomes her family and her only respite from painful loneliness, a guide, and a reminder to stay hopeful even when faced with unfathomable darkness.

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