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The Endless Steppe

Growing Up in Siberia

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The Endless Steppe

By: Esther Hautzig
Narrated by: Alyssa Bresnahan
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About this listen

 Poland, 1940. The Russian army invades the beautiful city streets of Vilna. Soldiers storm 10-year-old Esther Rudomin's house and arrest her entire family. The Rudomins, the soldiers say, are "capitalists - enemies of the people".

Forced from their home and friends, the Rudomins are herded onto crowded cattle cars. Their destination: the endless steppe of Siberia. For five years, Esther and her family live in exile, weeding potato fields and working in mines, fighting against all odds to stay alive. It is not an easy life. But through it all, Esther sustains the hope that one day she will return to Poland - and to freedom.

A National Book Award finalist, The Endless Steppe is the true story of Esther Rudomin Hautzig's girlhood in World War II Siberia. For over 25 years, this extraordinary book has touched the hearts of young people around the world with its vivid portrayal of life during World War II and its inspiring testament to the power of hope in the harshest conditions.

©1968 Esther Hautzig (P)1995 Recorded Books Biographies Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Historical Discrimination Nonfiction Russia Heartfelt Solider
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Historical context and a family’s response to hardship was interesting and revealing about the human spirit. The Siberian setting was fascinating as well.

Event

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Read 1st in early 70's at school although now a different perspective through adult eyes

Timeless !

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My grandfather was in Siberia for eight years in captivity. I know nothing about his time there, so I read anything that was written about that period and that place. The best way to understand what it might have been like for him is to read about personal experiences. This one was about deportation and exile, so, not quite the same. But it was a moving story, well read, and enlightening. I enjoyed listening to it. It's an important account of an era of injustice and cruelty, but also about survival, strength, resilience, family bonds, and the small but vital things that make life worth living. I wanted to read on and was sad when it ended.

An important and enjoyable read

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So well read, and well written. Deep themes about war, identity and loss. Highly recommend.

Great reading

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