Surviving in Silence

Surviving in Silence

by Eleanor C. Dunai

Join Readfeed freeFind clubs reading this
Rate this book:

Browse books you can read free on Readfeed

No club is reading this yet — be the first to start one

1 readers worldwide want to read this book

Start a club free
About
"As a deaf, Jewish boy existing under the Nazi regime, Izrael Deutsch endured a mind-numbing series of life-wrenching experiences. In his earliest years, he lived in a rural area of Czechoslovakia, where his father supported his family with a country store and a farm. Stories of this time center around boyish pranks, such as setting a hay pile on fire and dozing off after eating some toast covered with stolen poppies. His mother set in motion the first jarring change in Izrael's life by taking him to Budapest, Hungary, to attend a special school for deaf Jewish children."--BOOK JACKET.

Discussion questions for Surviving in Silence

Bring these to your book club — or discuss them with readers on Readfeed.

  1. 1

    Izrael's deafness is central to his story. How does his inability to hear and the broader theme of "silence" (as hinted in the title) uniquely shape his understanding and experience of the growing Nazi threat, contrasting with what a hearing person might perceive?

  2. 2

    The book description opens with charming anecdotes of boyish pranks, then shifts to "a mind-numbing series of life-wrenching experiences." How does this juxtaposition of childhood innocence and impending horror affect your reading experience, and what do these early stories reveal about Izrael's character before his world changed?

  3. 3

    Izrael's mother makes a pivotal decision to take him to a special school for deaf Jewish children in Budapest. What factors do you think might have influenced her choice, and how does this decision introduce the complex themes of parental protection, sacrifice, and the search for specialized care in a time of escalating danger?

Sign up free to see all 8 questions & discuss

Discuss Surviving in Silence with other readers

Join or start a book club for Surviving in Silence on Readfeed. Live chat, shared reading progress, and AI discussion questions — free to get started.

Sign up freeBrowse book clubs

Frequently asked questions

How do I join a book club for Surviving in Silence?

Sign up free on Readfeed, then browse public clubs or start your own club with Surviving in Silence as the current read. Invite friends with a share link and discuss together with live chat and AI discussion questions.

Can I discuss Surviving in Silence with other readers online?

Yes. Readfeed book clubs let you chat live, share progress, and join discussions about Surviving in Silence with readers worldwide — whether your club is virtual, in-person, or hybrid.

Is Readfeed free?

Yes. Creating an account and joining book clubs is free. Sign up to find readers who love the same books and start discussing today.