Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Best-selling author Jenna Blum, who rose to prominence with 2004’s Holocaust-themed novel “Those Who Save Us,” will be in Maitland next month to discuss her latest work, “The Lost Family”—just released in paperback—which last year was named a summer must-read by The Jewish Journal, JewishBoston.com and Detroit Jewish News.

Blum will speak at 7 p.m. Aug. 27, at The Roth Family Jewish Community Center as part of the JCC Cultural Arts Department’s Visiting Author Series. Blum’s talk will also serve as the kickoff to the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando Women’s Division Book Club. The Federation is co-sponsoring Blum’s appearance with The Roth Family JCC.

Prior to her debut as a novelist, Blum spent four years documenting the stories of Holocaust survivors as an interviewer for Steven Spielberg’s Shoah Foundation at the University of Southern California.

With “The Lost Family,” Blum again explores themes related to the Holocaust in a masterfully crafted story that takes the reader on a journey that explores the depths of love and loss.

Brenda Janowitz, writer of Popsugar’s “The 25 Best New Books to Put in Your Beach Bag This Summer,” said fans of “Those Who Save Us” had been clamoring for a new Jenna Blum novel, and the author did not disappoint.

“Beginning in 1965 Manhattan, we meet Peter Rashkin, the handsome and single owner and head chef of the popular restaurant, Masha’s,” Janowitz wrote. “He is also a survivor of Auschwitz, where his wife and daughters died. When an up-and-coming model catches his eye, they begin a whirlwind romance. But that’s just where the story begins. Spanning three decades, ‘The Lost Family’ is a beautiful story about love, family, and the legacy of loss and how it defines us.”

Blum’s visit is the inaugural event for the new JFGO Women’s Division Book Club, which is being spearheaded by Federation Development Officer Carol Feuerman.

“As someone who loves books, I am excited that I’ll get to read the book and then meet Jenna to discover firsthand the thought process and research that went into its writing,” Feuerman said.

Jennifer Cohen, Cultural Arts director of the Roth Family JCC, said tickets are available for purchase in three tiers:

$36 for a VIP reception with Blum, reserved seating for Blum’s discussion and a copy of The Lost Family.

$25 for general admission seating and a copy of “The Lost Family.”

$10 for general admission seating only.

Those who purchase ticket/book bundles can pick up their books locally immediately after purchase so that they have ample time to read them before Blum’s appearance on Aug. 27. Blum will sign books after the program.

You can purchase tickets and books at orlandojcc.org/visitingauthor. If you have questions about the event, please contact the JCC’s Jennifer Cohen at JenniferC@orlandojcc.org.