A Shadow Over My Life

A Shadow Over My Life is a personal memoir by Lilo Cohn, written as a child survivor of the Holocaust. The story is told through the eyes of a young girl, capturing the turmoil and chaos at the dawn of World War II in Germany 

The narrative begins with a happy childhood in Berlin but quickly shifts as the shadow of the Nazi regime descends. Lilo and her family face increasing danger, and the book details their escape from the Nazis by the skin of their teeth. The account includes harrowing moments such as the Night of Broken Glass and the final days in Berlin before fleeing over the ocean to safety in America.

The memoir is not only a historical record but also a reflection on the loss of the older generation of survivors. As the last witnesses to the Holocaust’s horrors, Lilo and others like her are now the “last survivors,” and the book serves as a testament to the importance of sharing these experiences with future generations.

The work blends narrative, poetry, and illustrations by Lilo herself, offering a deeply personal and emotional portrayal of a life lived in the shadow of the Holocaust. It is both a historical account and a call to remember, ensuring that the voices of child survivors are preserved for posterity.