A rare suspense novel designed to show young readers the tensions and moral dilemmas of life under Nazi occupation is now available in English, thanks to Jeffrey Shandler, associate professor of Jewish studies, who translated the work by Yankev Glatshteyn, a major figure in the dynamic Yiddish literary scene in New York.

“Emil and Karl” – believed to be one of the first books of its kind – was published in Yiddish in 1940. It is the story of two boys, one of them Jewish, who find themselves homeless and separated from their families in Vienna, Austria, on the eve of World War II. The boys meet several adults in their attempt to find safety, and the journey becomes a kaleidoscope of ethical choices in a fast-paced, dangerous world. 

“It’s a very compelling work that raises questions about integrity, identity, loyalty, and courage – as relevant today as when it was written. It’s also one of the first books for young readers, in any language, on the Holocaust,” said Shandler, who encountered the book while in graduate school at Columbia University.   

Written before the mass murder of European Jews has begun, the book explores the agonizing dilemmas faced by all citizens living under Nazi occupation.  The boys meet adults who do what they believe to be right, privately, but must side with the Nazis publicly. Some are deeply troubled by the human rights abuses and upheaval around them, but others view the new social order as an opportunity to steal or settle old scores.

Glatshteyn intended the book for American children who attended secular Yiddish schools, called shules, after school and on weekends, at a time when the subject of Nazi persecution was generally ignored in the classroom.  This is the only children’s book written by Glatshteyn (1896-1971), who was born in Poland and settled in New York in 1914. Glayshteyn also published 10 volumes of poetry, two novels for adults, and five volumes of essays.

“Glatshteyn clearly wanted children to see that Nazism had consequences for everyone, not just Jewish people. The lives of Jews and non-Jews in the book are interdependent. All are transformed as they face the tumult around them and make difficult and painful decisions,” Shandler said.

Shandler is the author or translator of several books on modern Jewish culture, including “While America Watches: Televising the Holocaust” and “Adventures in Yiddishland: Postvernacular Language and Culture.” “Emil and Karl” is published by Roaring Brook Press, 2006.