With an Unopened Umbrella in the Pouring Rain

Before a war that will irrevocably alter their way of life, the stories in this collection take place in the Maramures region. Bruckstein's writings explore the lives of ordinary people whose fates are governed by unpredictable forces, depicting them with empathy, compassion, and forgiveness. He belongs to a generation that has been shaped by historical events.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 160 pages
\n Publication date: 27 January 2021
\n Publisher: Istros Books
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The stories within this collection delve into the lives and hardships of a diverse range of characters residing in the Maramures region, in the years preceding a war that will irrevocably alter their way of life. The unsettling conclusion of numerous tales is the moment when their protagonists board the cattle trains destined for Auschwitz, leaving their often tragic fate unstated. Bruckstein's works, encompassing novels, stories, and plays, explore the often cruel, sometimes comical, existence of ordinary individuals whose fate is governed by unpredictable forces. He portrays these individuals with empathy, compassion, and forgiveness, smiling at the petty concerns and trivialities that people take seriously while often remaining oblivious to the very real and existential dangers that surround them. Bruckstein belongs to a generation aptly described by Czeslaw Milosz in his book, "The Captive Mind": "Few inhabitants of the Baltic States, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, or Romania could summarize in a few words the story of their existence. Their lives have been intricately woven by the course of historical events."

The Stories:

Within this collection, the stories unfold as a tapestry of lives, each one unique and filled with its own set of challenges and struggles. The characters, drawn from the diverse tapestry of the Maramures region, navigate the tumultuous years leading up to the war that will forever change their lives. Their stories are a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

One of the most striking aspects of these stories is the moment when the protagonists climb aboard the cattle trains bound for Auschwitz. It is a chilling reminder of the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust, and the sheer scale of human suffering that unfolded during that period. Bruckstein's decision to leave the fate of these characters unstated adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue, leaving the reader to ponder the aftermath of their journey and the impact it had on their lives.

Through his writing, Bruckstein delves into the lives of ordinary people whose existence is shaped by the forces of history. He portrays their struggles, triumphs, and everyday joys with a deep understanding and compassion. He smiles at the petty worries and trivialities that people take so seriously, yet he remains aware of the very real and existential dangers that lurk just beneath the surface.

Bruckstein's works are a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of literature to shed light on the complexities of human experience. His characters are relatable, flawed, and human, and their journeys evoke a range of emotions in the reader. Whether it is the fear and uncertainty of the war, the resilience and determination of the human spirit, or the bittersweet memories of a lost way of life, Bruckstein's stories leave a lasting impression.

In conclusion, the stories in this collection offer a glimpse into the lives and struggles of a diverse range of characters living in the Maramures region in the years leading up to a war that will irrevocably alter their existence. Bruckstein's writing is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of literature to capture the essence of human experience. His characters are relatable, flawed, and human, and their journeys evoke a range of emotions in the reader. Through his understanding, compassion, and forgiveness, Bruckstein reminds us of the importance of empathy and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

\n Weight: 180g\n
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 15 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781912545223\n \n