Toynton, Evelyn. They Were Good Germans Once: My Jewish Émigré Family, a Memoir. Delphinium Books, 2024.
They Were Good Germans Once is a poignant look at Toynton’s origin story and beyond. It is not a cohesive or linear autobiography. It is not a standard biography either, but rather a remembrance of various family members, spouses and children. They Were Good Germans Once shares what it meant to be German and Jewish before and after Hitler’s rise to power. At times, the lineage is confusing but trust that the writing is superb. Imagery and memories are crystal sharp. As Toynton recalled abuses suffered at the hands of her relatives I thought how difficult this book must have been to write and yet, it is beautiful at the same time.
Music: Giuseppe Giampoppa, Beethoven, “Der Ring des Polykrates” Schiller, and Bracha Tzfira.
~*LunaSea*~ 