Granddaughter Uncovers Nazi-Era Diaries of Her Grandmother Rosi

A new book, Life Is Rosi, by actress and impressionist Jess Robinson, sheds light on the harrowing experiences of her grandmother, Rosi Schul, during the Nazi regime. The narrative draws from Rosi’s personal diaries, revealing her suffering as a Jewish woman between October 1938 and March 1943. This poignant account not only highlights Rosi’s resilience but also intertwines her story with Jess’s contemporary life, offering a unique perspective on generational trauma.

Rosi’s Early Life and Descent into Persecution

To her grandchildren, Rosi was a proud and talented woman with a passion for music and teaching. Raised in a nurturing household in Esslingen, Germany, she excelled with instruments, notably the piano and guitar. Her idyllic life, replete with cultural experiences, took a dark turn when, at the age of 23, she was arrested by the Gestapo on October 28, 1938, along with several children from the orphanage where she taught.

In the chaos of her arrest, Rosi managed to collect a few belongings before leaving with the children. She reassured them to “be cheerful” as they were herded into a cattle car, a stark contrast to her previous life filled with laughter and creativity. Upon arriving in Zbaszyn, Poland, on November 1, 1938, Rosi and thousands of other Jews faced deplorable conditions, sleeping in stables and barns with little access to food or water.

Rosi’s diary entries reveal a remarkable stoicism in the face of brutality. She recognized that responding with anger or despair was futile against the overwhelming power of the Nazi regime. Her strength shone through as she continued to entertain and teach the children around her, maintaining a semblance of normalcy during their internment.

A Dual Narrative of Survival and Modern Challenges

In an innovative structure, Jess Robinson’s own diaries run parallel to Rosi’s, offering a compelling juxtaposition of two 23-year-olds from different eras. While Rosi faced the horrors of internment, Jess navigated the challenges of life and love in modern London. On the very day Rosi arrived in Zbaszyn, Jess was dealing with mundane issues, such as securing a mortgage. Their experiences, though separated by decades, reveal common themes of resilience and growth.

The contrast between their lives becomes even more pronounced when Jess recounts her own struggles, including experiences of assault and career challenges. While Rosi was imprisoned simply for her Jewish identity, Jess grapples with issues of self-acceptance and professional rejection, stemming from stereotypes. This parallel narrative invites readers to reflect on the universality of women’s experiences across time.

Rosi’s eventual escape from Zbaszyn came as she joined a Kindertransport in August 1939, leading her to England just as the war was escalating. Her journey to safety marked a turning point, yet the trauma of her past remained a significant part of her identity.

Rediscovering Family History and Healing

As the narrative unfolds, Jess embarks on a mission to uncover her grandmother’s hidden past. This journey is motivated by her family’s desire to reclaim their German citizenship, as well as a longing to understand Rosi’s life during the Holocaust. Obtaining Rosi’s diaries and documents reveals not only her grandmother’s traumatic experiences but also the complexities of family dynamics.

Jess highlights the contrasting perceptions of Rosi held by her daughters, Jackie and Stephie. Jackie, a gifted pianist, felt the weight of expectations that often led to resentment, while Stephie recalls a more nurturing relationship. Through these differing perspectives, the book addresses the intricacies of familial love and the impact of trauma across generations.

The culmination of Jess’s journey occurs as she reflects on her grandmother during an event at The Wiener Holocaust Library in London. Here, Rosi is reunited with children she once cared for, who fondly remember her as a maternal figure during their darkest days. This emotional reunion, alongside the acquisition of their German passports, symbolizes a reclaiming of identity for both Rosi and her family.

Life Is Rosi not only serves as a testament to Rosi Schul’s indomitable spirit but also emphasizes the enduring impact of history on family identity. Jess Robinson’s heartfelt narrative invites readers to confront the past while recognizing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The book is available for purchase at the Mail Bookshop for £16.99, offering a profound glimpse into a life shaped by both suffering and strength.