Nathan and the Lions of Lodz is Edgar Miskin's sequel to the historical novel Illegal Journey. After Germany invades Poland on September 1, 1939, Jews are relocated from villages and towns to ghettos and concentration camps. as adults are taken away from one country district near Lodz, a number of young Jews escape and make their way to a rendezvous hut in the forest of Las Lagiewnicki. It is in this forest where they resolves to live together and attack the German war effort whenever possible. They elect Nathan Kochinski, age 19, as the interim leader of their group. Soon, teenagers from all over Lodz join the group in the forest, and they name themselves the Lions of Lodz, derived from a battle in World War I between Germany and Russia where the combats were described as lions. The Lions of Lodz carry out two daring operations: a successful raid on a German village headquarters and the destruction of a German night train carrying supplies. Soon after, the Lions of Lodz join the underground Polish Home Army and become fully trained solders of the Intelligence Platoon. They continue aiding against the German army, including digging an underground tunnel into the ghetto to transport food, medical equipment, and clothing. Their strength, intelligence, and bravery persevere until the liberation of Poland, when they choose to bring their fighting spirit to Palestine. This historical novel brings to life the action and suspense of the post-Wolrd War I era as it follows Nathan and his daring cohorts.
About the Author:
Edgar Miskin has spent most of his working life as an accountant, both in private practice and in commerce, including some years as Financial Controller in a large aircraft company. He was a British Army Officer in World War II, and has been a lifeguard, a center lathe operator in an engineering factory, a film actor, and a real estate developer. However, if he had to do it over again, he would probably choose to be an antiquarian, in line with his interests in ancient history and languages as well as anthropology and archaeology. Edgar is also the author of The Exchange, Illegal Journey, and The Sage of Nathan, a continuation of Nathan and the Lions of Lodz.