Beach Moose & Amber
Finding My Jewish History
When Sharon found typewritten pages tucked in the back of her deceased father’s accordion folder, she had no idea she was holding an invitation to the greatest writing adventure of her life. The pages were her mother’s final attempt to record her Jewish family’s history — a history that she had kept secret for decades.
With her mother’s written permission to explore the past, Sharon embarked on a journey that would take her from the Russian Revolution to Nazi-occupied Lithuania, ending in rural Nova Scotia, Canada. The journey was often painful, as Sharon learned more about her Jewish identity and uncovered the trauma her family had experienced before and during the Holocaust. Grieved for the murdered aunts, uncles and cousins whom she never got to meet, Sharon found herself struggling with depression and sleepless nights.
But if Sharon’s journey was one of grief, it was also one of love and perseverance. Adolf Hitler failed in his attempt to eradicate the Jewish race. The Nafthal and Isserlin families live on in the three generations born in Canada since Sharon’s mother and grandparents fled Europe weeks before World War II. Thanks to Beach Moose & Amber: Finding My Jewish History these generations know the great courage, strength and determination that run through their blood.
Beach Moose & Amber
“Beach Moose & Amber reads like you're watching a movie!
With minimal first-hand information and much research, Sharon has woven her story to flow and come alive. The events she described will leave you with a lasting impression. A must read.”
Bill Goldston – Owner/Operator: Framework Cycle & Fitness, https://frameworkfitness.com
“Beach Moose & Amber: Finding My Jewish History is a testament to Sharon Goldston-Easton’s courage and perseverance in the face of a lifetime of family secrets.
As she pieces together the circumstances of her maternal grandparents’ and mother’s daring escape to Canada six weeks before the outbreak of World War II, Easton must grapple with her own grief and horror at the discovery of family members lost to the Holocaust – great aunts, uncles and cousins who came to life for her as she learned their stories for the first time.
But there is hope in this book as well. Thanks to their resilience, Easton’s grandparents and mother were able to rebuild their lives in Nova Scotia, and to pass down a legacy of courage, strength and determination to the three generations that have since followed.
Beach Moose & Amber is an inspiring story on many levels – one I won’t soon forget.”
Rachel Dunstan Muller – author, editor, storyteller and podcaster https://racheldunstanmuller.com
“I feel very privileged to have read Sharon’s profound book, Beach Moose & Amber: Finding My Jewish History.
I was deeply moved by the stories of generations of her family as they endured the terrible realities of the Holocaust and ultimately immigrated to Canada. The horrors that they faced, and, even more, their resilience and courage brought me to tears many times.
Sharon’s discovery of her mother’s writings launched her into an incredible journey to uncover the unspoken truth of her mother Vera, grandparents Liza and Max. Researching the history of the Jewish experience and her own family not only led Sharon to the truth, but also led her to make surprising, rich connections with family members around the globe. Sharon brings all the pieces together in this very touching and inspiring book.
I have never been a “history reader” – but I LOVE this book. It does such a beautiful job of bringing history to life – through the experiences, choices, tragedies, victories, and resolve of very real people.
Everyone should read this book – and it should be part of every high school and university reading list.”
Sharon Styve, Nanaimo BC
“Beach Moose and Amber: Finding my Jewish History is an important work.
Sharon Easton takes a deep and personal dive into one of the most horrific eras in history: the plight of European Jews in the pre-World War II years, the Holocaust, and the aftermath.
We are, of course, familiar with many of the horrors and hardships of World War II, but Easton’s story puts a real and raw face to the events.
We meet her remarkable family, Liza and Max, and their beloved daughter Vera. We share in the danger and fear, the courage and even the denial of the family, as they navigate the perils and pitfalls of the Nazi machine. We connect with this family and are incredibly invested in their flight to safety and eventual life in Canada.
Bravo to Sharon Easton for the courage to open the family wound, give voice to the voiceless, and honour her heritage. We are all the better for it!”
Margaret Murphy; storyteller, teacher and writer, Nanaimo BC
“My sister, Sharon, wrote a good story, from a sad and historic time, that flows well, holding the interest of the reader. I’m so proud of all the work and research she did.”
Peg Brinton, Dartmouth, NS
“You have a very powerful story that’s heartbreaking in many ways. Also, a great tale of resilience and courage. Congratulations on a very good book.”
Bruce Patterson, Author
Canadians of Everest
“Sharon’s story is one that deserves to be told. And she tells it in such a way that makes you feel part of it. Reading it was a privilege. It is truly a gripping story in so many ways, it’s one that stays with you. It’s a very powerful story.”
Lesley Ripley – Studio L Hair Design, Nanaimo BC