Heshel’s Kingdom is Dan Jacobson’s search for family roots in Lithuania, and is a story written in a sensitive manner, but also written in a unique autobiographical perspective. Jacobson brings us historical fact regarding how the Jews were perceived and treated before and during World War II. But, he also brings us his own journey through his ancestral past. We follow him through his travels from South Africa to Lithuania to try to find some answers to questions that he himself has wondered about.

Jacobson comes to the conclusion that he would not have been born if his grandfather had not returned to Lithuania from a trip to the U.S. That might sound odd or bizarre, but due to circumstances, it is, in fact, true. One must read the book in order to understand the background regarding that situation.

In the book, Jacobson writes a letter to his grandfather, a letter that almost seems like it might have been a catharsis for him (Jacobson) to write. The unsentimental letter encompasses Jacobson’s thoughts regarding his grandfather, which (for me) was an unexpected, yet insightful and important addition to the book, adding more depth to the narrative which was already filled with a lot of substance.

Heshel’s Kingdom is not a happy book, and there is no beautiful or fairy tale ending, but it does bring into focus how the decisions of past ancestors affect the lives of the present, in a moving manner.  Jacobson writes with excellence, and precision. The book moves slowly, but he has given us many details and many thoughts to ponder in an extremely compelling read. I recommend it to everyone.

I personally own and have read this book.

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Jew Wishes…Peace to you all.
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