A personal depiction of life in Poland set against the Nazi and Soviet takeovers of Europe and their cataclysmic aftermaths. It is the compelling memoir of Alexander Kimel, taking him from a shtetl in the Polish Ukraine to a Nazi ghetto to liberation. It is also the harrowing story of his wife, Eva, whose father is murdered in the “Holocaust by Bullets.” A dialog across generations with narrative written by their son, the book is a rare portrayal of Jewish survivors who remained in Communist Poland after the war. It is a story of the many challenges they faced and the life they built together after quitting Poland in 1956 for Israel, ultimately emigrating to America. By including the stories of other family members, the book also provides a panoramic view of Polish Jewry before, during, and after the war. “[A] must-read for any­one seek­ing a per­son­al, cross-gen­er­a­tional, deeply researched, and mov­ing account of what Pol­ish Jews faced [before, during and after the Holocaust].” — Jewish Book Council “ The Pessimist’s Son: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope is a moving chronicle of Polish Jewry that belongs in every archive, in every library, indeed, in every home.  But it is much more than that.  In this powerful volume Martin Kimel brings together two extraordinary tales woven into a third inspiring testimony.  The stories of his father and mother are told in the aftermath of the radical assault on the soul that defined the Holocaust.  And they are tales of a kind of healing that each soul offers to the other.  The Pessimist’s Son is a memorial and a testimony not only to what happened during those days of destruction but, above all, to why it matters—something that is often forgotten.  That is what makes this book a memoir of hope, a remembrance for the sake of the future.  That is what makes it so urgent to the world we live in today.” — David Patterson , Hillel A. Feinberg Distinguished Chair in Holocaust Studies , University of Texas at Dallas  “A compelling memoir of Jewish life in Russian occupied Poland in World War 2, the German invasion of Russia and life underground during the ensuing Holocaust of bullets. Alexander Kimel's story is interwoven at every step with his son Martin's magnificent work of narrative nonfiction to provide a wide-angle view with other first-hand accounts and the larger historical context, including the parallel survivor journey of Alexander’s wife, Eva. Beautifully written and deeply researched, The Pessimist’s Son is a riveting testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the human spirit when faced with impossible circumstances. Everyone should read it.” — Scott Lenga, Author of The Watchmakers “This manuscript bridges the past and present, weaving a profound dialogue across generations. Authored by the son of Holocaust survivors, it delves into the harrowing experiences of his parents during one of history's darkest periods. The narrative, rich with personal anecdotes and historical context, offers a unique lens into the lives of survivors and the enduring impact of their stories on their descendants. It's a moving testament to resilience and the unbreakable bonds of family, providing invaluable insights into the collective memory of the Holocaust and its lasting legacy.” — Dr. Daniela Ozacky Stern, Western Galilee College, Israel “This remarkable book is an account of the lives of two holocaust survivors, Alexander Kimel and Ewa Najnudel…. The book is based on a memoir by Alexander, edited by his son Martin, who has written an account of Ewa’s survival and the subsequent history of the couple. It provides a moving analysis of the Nazi mass murder of the Jews of Poland and of the situation of Jews under the Polish communist regime from liberation until 1956. It is essential reading for all interested in the fate of the Jews in East-Central Europe under Nazism and Communism.” — Antony Polonsky, Emeritus Professor of Holocaust Studies, Brandeis University, Chief Historian, Global Education Outreach Project, Museum of Polish Jews in Warsaw “ The Pessimist's Son is a profoundly moving account of the Kimel family's experiences during World War II. Alexander Kimel's narrative spans his childhood in Russian-occupied Poland, his time in the Rohatyn ghetto, and his survival of the ghetto’s liquidation. Meanwhile, his wife Eva's remarkable story of perseverance under Nazi occupation, including her hiding in the Ukrainian forests, is equally powerful. Their son Martin thoughtfully edited this history to breathe life into their stories, offering a poignant tribute to the human spirit's capacity for resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. As the last remaining Holocaust survivors pass away, their stories become increasingly precious, and this account serves as a vital link to the past. The Kimel family's story is a testament to the rich Jewish heritage of Eastern Europe, which the Holocaust and its aftermath tragically ravaged. Through a dialogue between g