Author Shirley Russak Wachtel discusses her latest book, THE BAKER OF LOST MEMORIES, NYC, generational trauma, history, and much more in this compelling interview.
“As a daughter of Holocaust survivors,” Wachtel explains, “I have heard many tales of loss, trauma, and even heroism. These stories inspire me not only in the way I live my life, but also in the topics I take on as a writer. In THE BAKER OF LOST MEMORIES, I turn to the story of a child of someone in my generation—the second generation—who carries her parents’ trauma throughout her life. The experiences of our parents and the resounding effects on the next generation are what make this story compelling.
SYNOPSIS: It can take a lifetime to turn painful memories of the past into hope for the future. Growing up in 1960s Brooklyn, Lena wants to be a baker just like her mother was back in Poland prior to World War II. But questions about those days, and about a sister Lena never even knew, are ignored with solemn silence. It’s as if everything her parents left behind was a subject never to be broached.
The one person in whom Lena can confide is her best friend, Pearl. When she suddenly disappears from Lena’s life, Lena forges ahead: college, love and marriage with a wonderful man, the dream of owning a bakery becoming a reality, and the hope that someday Pearl will return to share in Lena’s happiness―and to be there for her during the unexpected losses to come.
Only when Lena discovers the depth of her parents’ anguish, and a startling truth about her own past, can they rebuild a family and overcome the heart-wrenching memories that have torn them apart.
To learn more about Shirley, or to purchase her book, please go to: https://www.shirleywachtel.com/
Creator/Host: Tammy Takaishi
Audio Engineer: Alex Repetti
Visit the Self-Care Institute at https://www.selfcareinstitute.com/
Visit www.creativepeacemeal.com to leave a review, fan voicemail, and more!
Insta @creative_peacemeal_podcast
FB @creativepeacemealpod
Redbubble CPPodcast.redbubble.com
Creative Peacemeal READING list here
Popular Podcasts
Cold Case Files: Miami
Joyce Sapp, 76; Bryan Herrera, 16; and Laurance Webb, 32—three Miami residents whose lives were stolen in brutal, unsolved homicides. Cold Case Files: Miami follows award‑winning radio host and City of Miami Police reserve officer Enrique Santos as he partners with the department’s Cold Case Homicide Unit, determined family members, and the advocates who spend their lives fighting for justice for the victims who can no longer fight for themselves.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.