This blog is for students who are reading The Children of Willesdon Lane:Beyond the Kindertransport: A Memoir of Music, Love and Survival By Mona Golabeck and Lee Cohen
This blog is for students who are reading The Children of Willesdon Lane:Beyond the Kindertransport: A Memoir of Music, Love and Survival By Mona Golabeck and Lee Cohen
Family is always important, no matter how far away from them you are. In the novel,The Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen, it talked about how the main character and her family are struggling to keep in touch after Lisa and her younger sister Sonia are sent to London after the Nazi's attacked Vienna. "They vowed to writing often, especially if either heard any news of the family" (221). As hard as it is to grow up with no family support, Lisa has been able to push through hard times and focus on her future. Everything that Lisa does is because she wants to help find her family and bring her remaining sister to London. Whether you get along with your family or not, just know that they're supporting you in some way.
ReplyDeleteLisa Jura was known throughout the Jewish district of Vienna as a prodigy. Her talent shone through the darkness of the Holocaust, and gave her neighbors, coworkers, and friends alike hope that one day life could return to normal. In the novel, The Children of Willesden Lane, authors Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen illustrate the true beauty of Lisa’s determination, and the effect it had on others around her. When she played piano, neighbors stopped in their tracks to hear the lovely music floating through the air. As being Jewish became increasingly grueling under Nazi reign, Lisa began devoting more and more of her time to the piano.. Every week she looked forward to her piano lessons. That is until her teacher, Professor Isseles, informed her he couldn't teach her anymore because she was Jewish. It was then Lisa truly realized that life had changed for good. Soon after, her parents agreed to send her to England on the Kindertransport. Before she left, her mother said "Your music will help you through--let it be your best friend, Liseleh"(28). These words guided Lisa through her strange new life in England. They helped her be brave as England was bombed, and they gave her the motivation to make something of herself.While her entire world changed in a matter of days, the piano was a steadfast part of her life forever.
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ReplyDeleteHaving a family that is supportive in decision making, installing good morals and values, giving support and love is everything when it comes to the making of a great confident person. When reading the book The Children of Willeden Lane by Mona Golabeck and Lee Cohen, in the last two chapters, the writers emphasize that the importance of family being in one's life is what really matters. Lisa claimed, “Her heart filled with joy as she realized she had done it. She had fulfilled the promise she had made to her mother. She had held onto her music"(269). The writers meant that even though she never saw her mother again, she was proud of holding onto the promise that Lisa had given her mother which was to be herself, follow her dreams and continue her passion in music by playing the piano. Her mother still lived through her by the way of Lisa’s actions of playing the piano, and how she lived on with her mom in her heart. The lesson to take away from this book is no matter how many curve balls life throws, what is really important is holding onto family values, believing in yourself, staying true to yourself and knowing that family is always there in one way or another.
In the novel “The Children Of Willesden Lane” by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohan, the main character Lisa Juda had to leave her whole life behind because of the violence in Vienna (World War II) which is heartbreaking because she had to leave her family and her music. Lisa always kept her music alive because of her mom’s words, “never give up on what you love the most” (the piano)”. And so she did. Lisa had to spend 6 years in England which was a new and awkward experience for her to learn a new language, eat new food and meet new people which was a huge twist.
ReplyDeleteIn the novel The Children Of Willesden Lane like many wonderful authors, Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen illustrate their characters and their experiences so vividly that it is effortless to relate to their issues, fears, and passions. When Lisa was sent to England, WWII was raging upon the world. “She played feverishly, her chords her only ammunition. She played with such intensity that she couldn't even hear that the bombs were coming even closer” (142). Lisa has always wished to become an accomplished pianist, to play in concert halls, her fingers dancing among the white and black. She wished to hear her concertos and sonatas and the Chopin ballade and the Pathetique bouncing off the walls, the audience in a stilled silence. Catching every note and holding onto it for dear life, their ears snatching up the music greedily as though they feared if they didn’t, they would lose it. Lisa has such a talent that most crave. A talent that would make people stop and lose themselves in the music. Then she gets her chance. After her audition and acceptance into London’s most prestigious academy of music, and her hard work under the teachings of Mrs. Floyd, she is offered a debut at Wigmore Hall.
ReplyDeleteWith conviction, I can say that when you finally reach the ending of the book, you feel a sense of serenity knowing that everything worked out perfectly in the end for Liseleh Jura.
The children of wildesn lane by Mona Goblek: The Second world war a was tough one on everyone. Different countries battling , with continents at war. During this time there was a girl from Vienna, people described her as a goddess on piano, This girls name was liza. During her childhood in Vienna, World War ll, she went alone by train to england. During this time she lived in a mansion, Alone, sure she had other maids and other folks there but it wasn't the same as being embraced in your own mothers arms. So one night she decided to leave. She was expected into a hostel and there was something she loved, a piano. During her time at the hostel lisa is told about her dream school.
ReplyDeleteShe was told that there would be auditions.. In nine months. So over the nine months liza practices, during bombings, cold weather, and difficult times. I picked the quote “She practiced from four to six in the afternoon, ate dinner then continued from eight to nine. She had just a little under a year until the audition date, and knew she’d need every moment to learn two major works(Ch17 page 175)”. This quote simply speaks for itself. Liza jura presses on and strive for greatness. She pushes herself and practices continually. As it relates to the theme of the book “music”, the second implies here because it exemplifies lizas yearn for achievement. I enjoyed this book thoroughly, I love the descriptions, the wonderful cast of characters, and so much more!
In the novel The Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen , the main character, Lisa Jura, finally finds happiness and peace after six years of leaving her home. Lisa was forced to leave her home because Hitler’s army had invaded Vienna and her parents feared for her because she was Jewish. "Again the solemnity of Beethoven’s music returned with the reprise of its opening chords. In the majestic simplicity on the notes, Lisa’s hands searched just the right touch to convey the poignant that lay within her” (209). Lisa´s music was her inspiration, love and joy. Music has saved and inspired Lisa. Her courage and perseverance took her to places she never thought she could go. After all the suffering Lisa is finally made her dreams come true.
ReplyDeleteIn the novel The Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen,the main character, Lisa was caught in the middle of the Second World War in Vienna. Being a Jew, all her human rights were taken away. Lisa's mother and father agreed to send Lisa to London to escape the upcoming devastation of the war. There she traveled from house to house until she finally found a nice home on 243 Willesden Lane where she will spent five years there."Once all was silent, Lisa waited a few breaths until the air of expectation was almost unbearable”(265). Over the six years since Lisa left Vienna on the Kindertransport she continued her talent as a pianist. Even without her mother to guide her along. Her family from 243 Willesden lane was able to support her through those tough years, through the bombings of London to the long hard year Lisa practiced to get a chance to share her piano playing skills to all of England and eventually to the world.
ReplyDeleteEveryone has a has a passion, in the book The Children of Willesden Lane,by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen, Lisa Jura is the main character. She plays the piano, she is 14 years old and is refugee girl. Her family sent her on the Kindertransport to London, from Vienna, in order to escape the war and live a better life. Lisa was assigned to a hostel, ¨...243 Willesden Lane” (258),¨where the people who lived with her became her second family. Mrs. Cohen, the hostess, loved Lisa and gave her the privilege of playing the piano. Lisa practiced everyday she loved it! Eventually she had the opportunity to tryout for the Academy of Music. Lisa was accepted. ¨She had fulfilled the promise she had made to her mother. She had held onto her music¨( 269). Lisa had many hardships but always had her music to guide her, this is truly amazing how she had kept her promise and accomplished her dream. Lisa Jura is an inspiration, she will never be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteEven in difficult times, people can still smile. In the novel, The Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen " It was silly, but it felt good to smile" (138). When this was said in the book it was a few days after the bombing had started, and one of the factory workers started singing to the main character, Lisa Jura. Lisa is only fifteen years old and she has so far survived several Nazi attacks in both London and Vienna. She has been sent to London from Vienna after the Nazis took over. She and her family have been separated because they are Jewish and in order for her her to survive she had to move to London. She got a sponsor for her sister to go too, but because of the war they have not been able to see each other for two years. London and Germany are at war, but people are still trying to and figuring out how to laugh and smile through these hard times.
ReplyDeleteIn the book The Children of Willdesen Lane by Mona Golbabek and Lee Choen, Lisa Jura must go to London on a train. Only to find out that her uncle cant take her to live with them. "I'm afraid we have to move outside London. My wife just had a baby, so we're leaving the city, and well we're moving to a one room flat,you see. There just isn't enough room. we wont be able to take you; we're very sorry." (44). So Lisa has to search for a new home and winds up working in a mansion. Witch she then buys a bike and runs away to another foster home. Eventually the foster home find her a home on willesden lane where she meets Aaron, Gina, Gunther, and Hans.
ReplyDeleteLisa Jura was a brave young lady who went through ups and downs. The novel The Children Of Willesden Lane written by < Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen> , is about Lisa Jura, a 14 year old girl that lived in Vienna. She had to be the first one in her family to take the Kindertransport to London. Lisa is frightened by the thought that she has to go and leave her family. Lisa’s mother tells her something before she goes and that is “ You are strong, Lisa. You are strong and you have your music to guide you” (Pg. 23). This is important because while Lisa is in London and having a hard time, she turns to the piano to help ease the stress. The piano makes her feel better because it reminds her of the memories of playing back when she still lived in Vienna with her family, before Hitler attacked. She eventually got the opportunity to play in front of all of London , this occurred because of her great talent.
ReplyDelete“You are strong, Lisa. You are strong and you have your music to guide you..." (Mona Golabek 23). In the novel The Children of Willesden Lane Lisa Jura was a very brave girl who had her piano to guide her through all of the hard times. She was the first one in her family who was sent on the Kindertransport. Lisa had a very busy life when she got to her house on Willesden Lane. She worked sewing uniforms during the day and practiced piano at night. She would practice piano whenever she had free time and eventually she had the chance to play for all of London.
ReplyDeleteEverybody has a talent. In the novel, The Children of Willesden Lane, by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen, the main character, Lisa Jura, has a natural talent for playing the piano. When she starts to play, everyone lights up with the flow of music. She always has a crowd! As Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen explain,"She saw the large group of well-dressed English Teenagers and their parents and felt the bottom drop out of her stomach" (205). Many children who came to London on the kindertransport didn't have much money. When Lisa saw the many children, with their beautiful dresses and sophisticated parents behind them, trying out for the scholarship to The Academy of Music, she started to doubt herself and butterflies grew in her stomach. When they called her name, she stood up, trying not to show how terrified she was. She walked up to the piano, trying to focus on what piece to play first, and as soon as she touched the keys her butterflies flew away. Music filled the room. A few months later Lisa got a letter announcing her acceptance to The Academy of Music with a full scholarship. Lisa has an amazing gift that she hopefully gets to share with the world.
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ReplyDelete“There were curfews now. Jews were not allowed on the streets at night or in movie theaters, concert halls, or most public places." (Golabek and Cohen 19). In the novel, "The Children of Willesden Lane" by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen is about how Lisa Jura, the main character, was forced out of her home because of the Germans/Nazis who came to fight the Jews in war. Lisa had to go on the Kindertransport to London to get out of Vienna which was getting out of control in rules and fights. From there, she went to a hostel on Willesden Lane, missing her parents and having the doubt if she would ever see her parents, or sisters again. Eventually, all the sisters were reunited. There was still no word from their parents, years and years of hoping for a letter or call, that never came. When all the sisters met, not one of them had heard a word of their parents, they came to the conclusion that no one wanted to face. Lisa, Rosie, and Sonia’s parents had died. Although they had a rough childhood, they all ended up having a wonderful future. They got married, had children, and got wonderful jobs. This story showed me how strong people are, and how lucky we are to be able to go to school, instead of having to work at such a young age to make money. Kids these days act so spoiled, which in a way we are. We have IPhones, school, no work, and to the people who went through what Lisa Jura and her family went through, we are spoiled. They all went through a rough road that was hard for them to pull themselves out of, but in the end, they did pull themselves out, and they all lived a happy life.
Either you get along with your family or not they are always going to support you in a good way.Lisa Jura's family was always very important to her but once she was sent away to London they didn't have much communication together. In the novel (i)THE CHILDREN OF WILLESDEN LANE(/i) by Mona golabek and lee Cohen Lisa Jura the main character has lots of trouble trying to stay in touch with her family because she was sent to London after the nazis attacked Vienna and all the Jews. It was hard to try to keep growing up without your whole family to support you in your journey. The quote ‘’They Vowed to write often’’ Lisa is really trying to do everything to find and reconnect with her family and not just write. Things can change really fast but, no matter what your family will always support you.
ReplyDeleteIn the novel, The Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen the authors write about a young girl who is a music prodigy. The authors are showing that many Jewish families had hardships and was discriminated. Her whole life changes because of Hitler and his army. “I am sorry, Miss Jura. But I am required to tell you I cannot continue to teach you” (6). Lisa Jura ends up at going to her cousin's house and on her way she meets someone who listened to her play one of Lisa’s favorite songs. The lady that listened to Lisa play said that her son used to play the piano and loved hearing someone play the piano. Lisa is a really great pianist and now a day she listens to her daughter play.
ReplyDeleteIn the novel,The Children of Willesden Lane, Lisa Jura, a very talented pianist who lives in Vienna, was invaded, along with her whole town by the Nazis. A bunch of little children, including her, were taken to the Kindertransport to be put on a train to London. According to Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen, “Nazi cruelties had continued. Soldiers kept up their attacks on stores and homes, and beatings in the street became a common sight. Storm troopers broke into homes and arrested many of the men. It was whispered that they were being taken away to prison camps(19). I am very displeased by this abrupt misfortune in our World History. Although Lisa is very unlucky that the Nazis invaded and having her family kept hostage, she was lucky enough to get a seat on the Kindertransport to London. And luckily enough, her house in London has a beautiful piano, acting like a talisman, just waiting for Lisa to grant it a new life through music. Lisa has experienced a lot of hardships, but she was able to find resilience and find new family and friends.
ReplyDelete"Lisa walked elegantly onto the stage and was greeted by enthusiastic applause, as she sat at the nine-foot Steinway grand”(,Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen 256). Throughout the story, Lisa's goal to reach success is evident whenever she reminds herself of how encouraging her mother was, and how she told Lisa to "make something of yourself", so at this point of the story(The Children of Willesden Lane), when the book is coming to a close, the reader feels Lisa's triumph over the odds.
ReplyDeleteHitler and his army came and attacked Vienna, the skies were blue before, until Hitler showed up, now no one is safe. Most young children are off on their own in London, cold and in danger, searching for their family. In The Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen, they express that "His poem struck a chord in her heart that was usually reserved for music” (132). This quote has a lot of meaning towards Lisa Jura because in the novel, Lisa clearly states that her music means everything to her, aside from her family. Music is one of Lisa's passions she has had for a while and for her having something reach her heart as much as her music has a huge meaning towards her.
ReplyDeleteFrom the slow town of Vienna to the fast pace city of London and in the end to America. These are the places that Lisa Jura traveled to, some she did not have a choice to go to or not. In the book, The Children of Willesden Lane by Golabek and Cohen they explain Lisa’s story and her incredible piano skills. Even her piano teacher admired her affinity, "He watched as Lisa's hands traveled over the keyboard with an outstanding speed and dexterity"(Golabek 171). The piano is a very expensive instrument that is hard to learn how to play. There are 7500 working parts of the piano, it is known as the "King of Instruments" and Lisa Jura played it like she had invented it. Vienna was where Lisa learned how to play from a german instructor named Professor Issele. She lived in the Jewish part of Germany, the rights for Jews kept on being less and less, and the chance of Lisa being a pianist got smaller and smaller. Lisa later took the kinder transport to London where she jumped around a few houses and landed on the house at 243 Willesden Lane, in Willesden Green. In the end she goes to the United States and lives with her daughters who become great pianists as well.
ReplyDeleteRisks and near death experiences describe Lisa Jura in the novel, The Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen. Lisa and her friend live through the hardships of Hitler and the Nazis'. Even with uniforms to sew, Lisa still finds a way to play her music on the piano like she promised her mother back in Vienna. "You must promise me... that you will hold onto your music. Please promise me." (Lisa Jura 23). This is an important part of the novel because if Lisa Jura had not continued with her music she would not have auditioned for the music school in London. Lisa is consistently now practicing her music in preparation for her audition.
ReplyDeleteIn difficult situations one quote can help get through a difficult time. In the novel, The Children of Willesden Lane, by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen, a saying ¨Hold on to your music¨(1) helped the main character Lisa Jura, through a tough time. During World War II. Music was a very important thing to Lisa because it would take her mind off of everything that was going on around her such bombings, missing her family and the sadness of those around her. Not only did Lisa's Music help her get through a difficult time but it helped those around her.
ReplyDeletePeople will do anything for their family members, in the novel Children Of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen "My sister, Sonia. I'm hoping she will come soon on the Kindertransport...Please let me stay in London, I'll help look for Simone ,... I promise," she begged” (71). Even though Lisa was working at a nice place she was willing to do anything so she knew that her sister was with her and safe so raised the money to buy a bike and go back to Willesden Lane. This shows that Lisa was willing to go to extreme extents to be with her family.
ReplyDeleteFamily is always important, no matter how far the distance. In the novel, The Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek and Lee Cohen, families end up being countries apart. The main character, Lisa Jura, and her family struggle to keep in touch after they are separated Lisa and her younger sister, Sonia, are sent to London after the Nazi's attacked Vienna. "They vowed to writing often, especially if either heard any news of the family" (221). As hard as it is to grow up with no family support, Lisa has been able to push through hard times and focus on her future. Everything that Lisa does is because she wants to help find her family and bring her remaining sister to London. Whether people get along with their family or have difficulties , just know that the bond of a family is one of the strongest life connections.
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