“Once I was lost in a forest. I was so afraid. My blood pounded in my chest and I knew my heart's strength would soon be exhausted. I saved myself without thinking. I grasped the two syllables closest to me, and replaced my heartbeat with your name.”
Fugitive Pieces is a novel that follows the life of Jakob Beer, a Polish Jewish child who survives the Holocaust by hiding in the ruins of his home. Rescued by a Greek geologist, he is taken to the island of Zakynthos, where he begins to piece together his shattered past. The narrative later shifts to Athos, a young Canadian historian who becomes obsessed with Jakob's story. The book delves into themes of trauma, the act of bearing witness, and the ways in which history and personal memory intertwine. Through lyrical prose, the novel examines how the past can be both a burden and a source of strength, and how storytelling can offer a path toward healing. more
Anne Michaels, born on April 15, 1958, is a renowned Canadian poet. Her works are known for their profound emotions and unique narrative style, which have won her a wide audience. more
“sometimes, how a situation is perceived carries more weight than the reality of the matter.”
“"Choosing to be with you, isn't a difficult decision, Jacqueline"... "It's easy. Incredibly easy."”