Join Beth Abraham after Shabbat services on June 27, to hear award-winning journalist, podcaster and author, Laura Knoy speak about her recently published historical fiction novel, The Shopkeeper of Alsace. Inspired by a true story, the book follows Sarah, a Jewish woman whose experiences during World War I help her protect her family during World War II in the Alsace region of France.

The book follows Sarah from her youth in Poland through her life as a successful shopkeeper in Colmar, detailing her resilience and resourcefulness as she navigates the dangers of the Nazi occupation. Drawing on real family accounts and letters, The Shopkeeper of Alsace is a powerful story of survival, and the impact of war on ordinary people.

For 25 years, Laura Knoy hosted New Hampshire Public Radio’s live, daily news and public affairs call-in show The Exchange. Over the years, she interviewed thousands of inspiring, wonderful people. At both the state and national level, the show was repeatedly cited for its intelligence, depth, and civility.

During her presentation, Laura will discuss the inspiration for her novel, rooted in a 35-year friendship with Annette, whom she met as an exchange student in Strasbourg, France in the mid-1980s. Annette, who was about Laura’s mother’s age, once casually mentioned she was hidden at a convent during the war.

After Annette’s death in 2015, Laura regretted not asking more about Annette’s wartime girlhood. But then in 2018, Annette’s daughter, Brigitte, revealed that cassette tapes existed in which Annette and her siblings had recorded their memories of the war. She also connected Laura with Annette’s brother, her Uncle Jacques, who, at age 95, still remembered everything. Between her interview with Jacques and the cassettes, the foundation for The Shopkeeper of Alsace came to life.

A light lunch will be served after Shabbat services. There is no charge, but donations for programs like this one, are strongly encouraged. Open to all.

Follow the link to register, https://tbanashua.shulcloud.com/event/lunch-and-learn---laura-knoy.html.