We Were the Lucky Ones

The Kurc family is living in Łódź. They stayed in Warsaw for a time, but the city became uninhabitable due to the bombings. They considered trying to return to Radom, but Halina discovered that a Polish family was living in their old apartment, with no intention of relinquishing it. Nechuma and Sol decided to remain with the Górskis, for their safety.

Halina found two apartments large enough to accommodate the whole family in Łódź: “The city’s ghetto had been liquidated later than most, which meant there were hundreds of vacant homes in the old Jewish Quarter and not enough Poles to fill them” (335). There have been changes within the family: Bella is now six months pregnant. Felicia is still recovering from the scurvy she contracted in the convent bunker. At first, it was too painful for her to eat, but now she is finally regaining her appetite.

The family gathers to listen to a live radio broadcast by the President of the United States, translated into Polish. They hear Harry Truman’s voice proclaiming that Germany has surrendered: “He pauses for effect, and then adds, ‘The flags of freedom fly all over Europe!’” (335). The family is overcome with emotion, hearing this announcement.