The Endless Steppe: Growing Up in Siberia

Travel Guide

Vilnius – Lithuania

This is a portrayal of what it was like to live during WW2 through the eyes of a  Jewish 10-year old from Vilna. Vilnius, as it is called today, is now the capital of Lithuania but during the time the book portrays it was actually part of Poland.

This book is more impressive still when you realise that it’s an autobiographical account of the author’s childhood in Siberia.

The Russsian Steppes

The history within the story is poignant and heartbreaking. Real true life issues explored centre around the deportation of the Jews to Siberia. Many spent a great deal of time being forced to move from one place to another and forced to live in villages close to and on the russian steppes. This was no place to live for families and the conditions were poor and very difficult. Just wait until you experience the Siberian snowstorm in the book!

The book does not focus on war but the child’s experience and understanding of it. How this new strange location can be something adventurous for child who simply wants to stay with their family, go to school and of course play in the snow. Little do they realise the significance of what they do.