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New book tells story of incredible courage shown by two Dutch Jewish sisters during World War II
Reviewed by BERNIE BELLAN In early August we received an email from a publicist for HarperCollins by the name of Rebecca Silver, who’s sent us interesting books to consider reviewing in the past.
Here’s how Rebecca’s email read:
Hi Bernie,
Roxane van Iperen did not know what she would eventually uncover in her home after she moved in, but later discovered it was once known as the High Nest and became enthralled with the inspiring story of its former occupants. As she unearthed the history behind her own walls, she learned it was a safehouse for Jews in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands. From then on, van Iperen was determined to explore its hidden corners and found she had unprecedented access to two sisters’ personal archives to create this remarkable work of narrative non-fiction.
The High Nest was one of Holland’s most daring rescue operations conducted by Jews for Jews. Through her excavation, she learned the story of two sisters, Janny and Lien Brilleslijper, who joined the Dutch Resistance, helped save dozens of lives, were captured by the Nazis, and ultimately survived the Holocaust. Through renovating her home, the sisters’ ingenuity and drive to survive was exposed by double walls, secret doors, and walled-off annexes that were so well concealed they were left undetected for decades.
Originally published in The Netherlands as The High Nest, the book was awarded the 2019 Opzij Literature Prize, an annual Dutch award given to female authors whose work has contributed to the emancipation, evolution, and awareness of women. Janny and Lien’s story is a remarkable story of resistance, strength, and determination — one you must read to believe.
All the best,
Rebecca
Included with Rebecca’s email was the following synopsis of the book: Eight months after Germany’s invasion of Poland, the Nazis roll into The Netherlands, expanding their reign of brutality to the Dutch. But by the Winter of 1943, resistance is growing. Among those fighting their brutal Nazi occupiers are two Jewish sisters, Janny and Lien Brilleslijper from Amsterdam. Risking arrest and death, the sisters help save others, sheltering them in a clandestine safehouse in the woods, they called “The High Nest.”
This secret refuge would become one of the most important Jewish safehouses in the country, serving as a hiding place and underground center for resistance partisans as well as artists condemned by Hitler. From The High Nest, an underground web of artists arises, giving hope and light to those living in terror in Holland as they begin to restore the dazzling pre-war life of Amsterdam and The Hague.
When the house and its occupants are eventually betrayed, the most terrifying time of the sisters’ lives begins. As Allied troops close in, the Brilleslijper family are rushed onto the last train to Auschwitz, along with Anne Frank and her family. The journey will bring Janny and Lien close to Anne and her older sister Margot. The days ahead will test the sisters beyond human imagination as they are stripped of everything but their courage, their resilience, and their love for each other.
Based on meticulous research and unprecedented access to the Brilleslijpers’ personal archives of memoirs and photos, The Sisters of Auschwitz is a long-overdue homage to two young women’s heroism and moral bravery—and a reminder of the power each of us has to change the world.
Author bio: Roxane van Iperen is a Dutch writer and lawyer who resides in the countryside east of Amsterdam, in a home known as “The High Nest” which was once the center for one of Holland’s most daring rescue operations conducted by Jews for Jews. She was shortlisted for the biggest public prize in Holland, NS Publieksprijs’ Book of the Year.
Now for my review of “The Sisters of Auschwitz”: The information I’ve quoted verbatim from Rebecca Silver’s email gives as complete an idea what the book is about as one might like. The question with which I want to deal is whether I would recommend this book.
It was a year ago precisely that I wrote about a book that was also based on documents that had been found hidden for years and which opened up an entirely different perspective on certain facets of the Second World War. That book was titled “The S.S. Officer’s Armchair – Uncovering the Hidden Life of a Nazi”. (You can read my review by entering the word “armchair” on our website when you click on “search archives”.)
Of course, there’s a world of difference in reading about a hitherto undisclosed account of what life was like for an S.S officer in contrast with the lives of two Jewish sisters (and their families), but the comparison is fair to make because, in both cases, through a combination of luck and great diligence, the authors of the two respective books were able to piece together their subjects’ lives.
As I made my way through “The Sisters of Auschwitz”, knowing that the two sisters who are at the heart of this book actually survived Auschwitz did not detract from the suspense that the author builds in telling the story. Every Holocaust survivor has their own unique story to tell, but it’s in the telling of the story that the great books separate themselves from the more mediocre ones. And, as is evidenced by author Roxanne van Iperen having been shortlisted for Holland’s most prestigious literary award, this book is not just a fine piece of reporting what the author discovered, it’s very wonderfully written.
Rebecca Silver’s email tells you about as much as you need to know about the story that was unearthed by van Iperen’s having had the good fortune to have lived in the house – the “High Nest”, which became the hiding place for Janny and Lien Brilleslijper, along with a great many other Jews, for a good part of World War II. What the author also does so well is describe the terrible fate that befell so many of Holland’s Jews during the Holocaust, when almost 75% of the Jewish population was exterminated, either by being murdered in Holland, sent to labour camps where they perished from exhaustion and hunger, or finally were gassed in death camps, particularly Auschwitz.
I’ve read before how so many Dutch citizens cooperated fully with the Nazis. It still comes as a shock to contemplate that fact because we’ve come to regard Holland as such a liberal state, which for the longest time was thought of as a mecca for those in pursuit of sex and drugs. But when you realize that 76,000 Dutch Jews were sent to their deaths, in no small part because so few Dutch gentiles were willing to come to their aid, it certainly leaves a different impression of the Dutch for Jews who might have thought of the Dutch as being active resisters to the Nazis. Sure, there were many brave souls in the Dutch resistance, but the Nazis were as comfortable in Holland as any Western European country, where they found many Dutch who were all too willing not only to work for the Nazi regime, but who were as cruel as many Nazis in carrying out their duties.
That’s not the major theme of “The Sisters of Auschwitz”, but as you read of Janny and Lien’s constant worry about being betrayed during the fairly long period in which they were able to avoid being detected by Nazi hunters, who were primarily Dutch citizens – zealous in their pursuit of Jews, it’s hard not to wonder whether there was a much deeper anti-Semitism engrained within the Dutch than perhaps we’ve thought.
While the first half of “The Sisters of Auschwitz” deals with Janny and Lien’s being able to hide from the Nazis, also their active involvement in the Dutch resistance, once the storyline moves from Holland to the sisters’ (along with their younger brother and both parents) being transported to Auschwitz, the book becomes nothing less than an outright horror story.
Before Janny was captured, by the way, she was in hiding in Amsterdam, along with her non-Jewish husband, Eberhard, where they were both quite active in the resistance. Once she is captured –and tortured, however, how she manages to endure the horrors that are subsequently thrust upon her is a testament to this woman’s utter resilience. While Lein is brave, nothing compares to Janny’s determination to carry on, no matter how many times you might think to yourself: “Why didn’t she just give up and let herself die?”
Whether it was being starved, beaten, or forced to spend hours naked outside in freezing temperatures, Janny not only managed to endure, her incredible willpower also enabled her to keep Lein alive at the same time – many times when Lein was ready to give up.
What might come as the greatest surprise to readers moreover, is the introduction of the Frank family into the story: father Otto, mother Edith, and sisters Margot and Anne. I was always under the impression that Anne Frank died in Auschwitz, but I was wrong; she died in Bergen Belsen, along with her sister Margot. If the details given in “The Sisters of Auschwitz” are accurate, the fact that Margot and Anne even made it as far as Bergen Belsen after having been in Auschwitz is largely due to the care that was given to both of them by Janny and Lein when both Frank sisters were suffering from typhus in Auschwitz.
As much as this book is a compelling read, I admit that I had a hard time with the many foreign names in the book. There are so many different characters introduced – and that is largely a reflection of just how many different Jews the two sisters were able to hide in the “High Nest” at one time or another, that it became quite confusing for me, as did the names of the sisters’ children. Still, I’m sure that if you concentrate on trying to remember who is who (and I’m terrible at that), it will all come together for you.
Just as reading “The S.S. Officer’s Armchair”, which was published in 2020, enabled an entirely new understanding of what life must have been like for an ordinary Nazi official – 75 years after that particular individual likely died, reading “The Sisters of Auschwitz” also opens up an insight into how some Jews were able to endure the tortures inflicted upon by them by the Nazis that, were it not for a quirk of fate, would also have remained undisclosed.
“The Sisters of Auschwitz”
By Roxane van Iperen
320 pages
Published by HarperCollins
Released for sale August 31, 2021
Available on Amazon
Features
Common Online Casino Mistakes To Avoid
Online casino games can be a brilliant way to bring excitement to life in your spare time. These games have become hugely popular in recent years, but you will find that people often make the same mistakes. These mistakes can lead to financial losses, cybercrime, and an inferior experience, so it is important to be aware of what these mistakes are so that they can be avoided. This post will outline a few of the most common mistakes people make when playing online casino games and explain how to avoid falling into the same trap. Interested? Keep reading to find out more.
Ignoring Terms & Conditions
One of the biggest mistakes players make with online casino games is ignoring the terms and conditions. You should always take the time to read through these, paying close attention to things like the conditions of bonuses and restrictions in withdrawals. This will help you avoid any nasty surprises when playing games.
Not Researching Casinos
Another common mistake people make is not researching casinos. There are endless options for online casinos, but not all are equal, and there are even many that are unlicensed. Therefore, you need to research casinos and find one that is fully licensed and has positive reviews. The best casinos will have a massive selection of games to choose from, including blackjack online. A wide selection of games means it is hard to get bored, and you can always find something to play.
Chasing Losses
One of the most dangerous mistakes people make is chasing losses. This is where players will attempt to win back the money they have lost, which often means betting larger sums. This is a dangerous tactic and a slippery slope, so it is important to be aware of it and take measures to protect against it. The best way to avoid chasing losses is to set a budget before each session – if you spend that amount, you need to be able to walk away.
Not Understanding Games
It is always important to have a strong understanding of the game that you are playing. This will boost your chances of winning and your gaming experience. Therefore, you should always read the instructions when playing a game for the first time. For strategic games like poker, there is a lot of information online that will help you get to grips with the basics and learn strategies to use.
Weak Passwords
Cybersecurity needs to be a top priority when it comes to online casino games. The top casinos will have strong cybersecurity measures in place, but you also have a role to play. It is important to use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to prevent hackers. It is also smart to avoid having large sums held in your online account in case someone hacks your account.
These are the most common mistakes that you will want to avoid when it comes to online casino games. By avoiding these mistakes, you can improve your experience and enjoy the excitement that these games can bring.
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From NPCs to Narrative: How Claude AI Enhances Storytelling In Online RPGs
Discover how Claude AI transforms NPC interactions into immersive narratives, enhancing storytelling in online RPGs and offering players a richer gaming experience.
Many people wonder how does Claude AI work? In the world of online role-playing games, where every element of gameplay is aimed at immersing players in a deep and exciting story, artificial intelligence is becoming an essential tool for creating unique and unforgettable plots. One of these innovative tools is Claude AI, which allows developers to turn interactions with non-player characters (NPCs) into rich and dynamic narratives. This technology opens up new horizons for storytelling, making game scenarios more lively and emotionally rich. Thanks to Claude AI alternative, traditional gaming moments gain depth, allowing players to feel part of a complex and interactive world where every decision and dialog can affect the course of the story.
Claude AI: Artificial Intelligence At The Service Of Gamers
One of the biggest advantages of Claude AI is its ability to enhance the narrative in games. You can actually talk to Claude AI. With the help of AI, developers can create multi-level stories that evolve according to the player’s actions. This allows gamers not only to follow the scenario but also to actively influence the plot development, which adds depth to the gameplay. It is worth remembering that is Claude AI safe. Besides, Claude AI allows creating more natural dialogues between players and NPCs. Artificial intelligence is able to analyze the player’s behavior and customize the character’s lines accordingly, making communication more realistic and exciting.
Answering the question of what is Claude AI, it also allows game developers to significantly improve the quality of interaction between players and games. Thanks to the ability to create dynamic scenarios in which the behavior of non-player characters (NPCs) adapts to the player’s actions, the game world becomes more alive and unpredictable. This means that each player can get a unique experience, depending on their decisions and play style
Claude AI And The Future Of Online Casino Games: Creating Smarter, Fairer Experiences
Using the capabilities of artificial intelligence, developers can create games that not only provide high quality gameplay but also increase player trust and satisfaction. Thanks to artificial intelligence, games can be customized to take into account the individual needs and interests of each player, so you can try SlotsUp’s Free Slots Collection for yourself and discover new emotions. For example, slot machines can adapt to the gaming preferences of the user by changing the difficulty levels, win frequency, or even visual effects to provide an optimal experience.
AI is able to analyze a huge amount of data in real time, which allows to ensure the fairness and transparency of each game. This is especially important for card games, where the accuracy and fairness of card dealing is the key to building trust between casinos and players. Claude AI can help to avoid manipulations and ensure compliance with the rules of the game, which, in turn, increases user confidence in the platform. But Claude AI’s capabilities do not end there. AI also has the potential to create complex and adaptive narratives and dialogues with NPCs (non-player characters), which can significantly improve the experience of playing online role-playing games. The developers wondered how to train Claude AI and decided to use Google Bard for this purpose. Thanks to Claude AI, NPCs can react more naturally to the player’s actions, and their dialogues can be adapted to the development of the plot and the player’s personal preferences, in fact, it works like a ChatGPT query where the answer is based on the available information. This makes the game more exciting and personalized, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the virtual world. Overall, Claude AI opens up new opportunities for online casinos and the gaming industry in general.
From Static NPCs To Interactive Characters
Have you ever wondered how many questions can you ask Claude AI? Currently, it works in such a way that if this information is freely available, it will be very easy to get an answer. Today, innovative solutions such as Claude AI allow developers to create NPCs that can adapt to the player’s actions in real time. Instead of a simple set of pre-prepared lines, NPCs can now engage in complex dialogues, change their behavior depending on the situation, and even remember previous interactions with the player. This adds a new level of depth to the game, as the player feels that their actions have a real impact on the development of the plot and the behavior of the characters.
The transformation of NPCs from static to interactive characters has become possible due to the progress in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning. With tools such as Claude AI, developers can create characters that are more natural, multifaceted, and capable of providing an immersive gaming experience. In the future, these technologies will continue to evolve, making NPCs even more interactive and realistic. With the growing importance of interactive NPCs, players can expect even richer and more immersive games where every interaction counts. This evolution is raising the standards of the gaming industry, delivering a new level of quality that makes gameplay more dynamic, personalized and memorable.
Conclusion
Claude AI opens up new horizons for the development of online role-playing games by revolutionizing the approach to creating narratives and interacting with non-player characters (NPCs). Now there is no question of how accurate is Claude AI. Thanks to the integration of artificial intelligence, NPCs cease to be simple static elements of the game and become dynamic, adaptive characters that can react to the player’s actions, influencing the development of the plot and creating a more personalized gaming experience. This not only increases the realism and immersion in the virtual world, but also opens up endless possibilities for developers to create multi-layered and interactive stories. Claude AI allows each player to feel like a part of a unique narrative where every decision and every dialog matters. This provides a deeper emotional engagement, makes the game more intense, and changes the way we interact with virtual worlds.
This opens a new era in the history of online RPGs, where artificial intelligence does not just support the game, but is an active participant capable of creating real interactive adventures. Going forward, we can expect Claude AI’s role in narrative creation to become even more important, providing developers with a powerful tool to create immersive, customized games. This approach not only changes the expectations of players but also raises the overall quality standard in the industry, making online RPGs more interactive, emotionally rich, and memorable.
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Responsible Gambling: Tips and Resources for Canadians
Understanding Online Gaming in Canada
The online gaming industry in Canada has exploded in recent years and is constantly changing. Aside from sports betting, online casinos are quite popular with gamers, with casinos offering enticing bonuses and promotions to keep players engaged. Online casinos are transforming gaming by introducing live dealer games to an immersive experience for gamers. One of the casinos is Jackpot City, which offers games such as video poker and slots to keep gamers entertained. Progressive jackpot games are also a hit at Jackpot City, promising players a huge win. With the increasing forms of online gambling, it is important for online casinos to encourage responsible gambling.
Tips for Responsible Gambling
Responsible gambling encourages gaming in a way that minimizes the risk of harm. It helps players understand their limits and recognize when gambling goes beyond just a game. Within the Jewish community in Canada, where haval is of moderation and ethical living is highly regarded, responsible gaming is necessary to align with the principles of balanced and thoughtful living. Some of the tips for responsible gambling include:
1. Setting a Budget
Before you place a wager on a slot game or participate in a live dealer session, you must have a budget. Set an amount that you can afford to lose and aim to stick to the plan. Having a budget helps you ensure that gaming remains a form of entertainment and not a burden to you or your family.
2. Understanding the Odds
You need basic knowledge of casino games before playing for real money. Whether it’s sports betting, slots or video poker, you should understand the odds to make informed decisions.
3. Knowing When to Walk Away
Casino games are entertaining, and it is easy to find yourself chasing losses. If you find yourself gambling longer than intended, you should take a break.
Online gambling is entertaining when done in moderation. Playing with friends or family and enjoying it as a social activity ensures that it remains fun and exciting. The key to responsible gambling is ensuring that it remains a positive pastime.
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