View from Here

THE VIEW FROM HERE is a rich, compelling testament to the strength and resilienceof the human spirit. Frieda Bermans clear, honest story illustrates the Jewish immigrantexperience, from escaping the pogroms of Russia in 1920 to fl eeing the persecution of theNazis in Romania, to discovering love and building a home in a New Jersey suburb. Friedabravely examines her fears, sadness and regrets with infectious candor. Frieda Berman offers us an important historical perspective on the struggles and triumphs ofwomen from her generation. It gave me even more appreciation for the choices and optionswe have available today, while giving me fi rsthand insight into the diffi culties the women ofyesterday faced and the strength and courage they needed to survive. - Robyn Hatcher What happens when the curtain of words daughter, wife, mother, grandmother is pulledback and the woman is revealed? Describing fl eeing pogroms and Nazis as a child, to livingon her own for the fi rst time at age eighty-fi ve, THE VIEW FROM HERE tells the story ofcourage and determination to live and love in the face of crisis and loss. In the cracks of thehard life so many immigrants faced in America, Frieda recognizes the poetry around us makesthe day and the days stack up to make a life. -C.O. MoedJoyce McKee is a freelance screenwriter who lives in New York City with her husband andtwo sons.