The Mascot
Unraveling the Mystery of My Jewish Father's Nazi Boyhood
By Mark Kurzem | Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
About the book
The \"spellbinding\" (The New York Times) true story of a Jewish boy who became the darling of the Nazis
When a Nazi death squad massacred his mother and fellow villagers, five-year-old Alex Kurzem escaped, hiding in the freezing Russian forest until he was picked up by a group of Latvian SS soldiers. Alex was able to hide his Jewish identity and win over the soldiers, becoming their mascot and an honorary \"corporal\" in the SS with his own uniform. But what began as a desperate bid for survival became a performance that delighted the highest ranks of the Nazi elite. And so a young Jewish boy ended up starring in a Nazi propaganda film.
After sixty-three years of silence, Alex revealed his terrible secret to his son Mark. With his son's help, Alex retraced his past in search of answers and vindication. His story is at once a terrifying account of survival and its psychological cost as well as a brutally honest examination of identity, complicity, and memory.
Editions of The Mascot
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780670018260
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780452289949
- EBook
- ISBN 9781101213865
Read an Excerpt
The \"spellbinding\" (The New York Times) true story of a Jewish boy who became the darling of the Nazis
When a Nazi death squad massacred his mother and fellow villagers, five-year-old Alex Kurzem escaped, hiding in the freezing Russian forest until he was picked up by a group of Latvian SS soldiers. Alex was able to hide his Jewish identity and win over the soldiers, becoming their mascot and an honorary \"corporal\" in the SS with his own uniform. But what began as a desperate bid for survival became a performance that delighted the highest ranks of the Nazi elite. And so a young Jewish boy ended up starring in a Nazi propaganda film.
After sixty-three years of silence, Alex revealed his terrible secret to his son Mark. With his son's help, Alex retraced his past in search of answers and vindication. His story is at once a terrifying account of survival and its psychological cost as well as a brutally honest examination of identity, complicity, and memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Mascot about?
The \"spellbinding\" (The New York Times) true story of a Jewish boy who became the darling of the Nazis
When a Nazi death squad massacred his mother and fellow villagers, five-year-old Alex Kurzem escaped, hiding in the freezing Russian forest until he was picked up by a group of Latvian SS soldiers. Alex was able to hide his Jewish identity and win over the soldiers, becoming their mascot and an honorary \"corporal\" in the SS with his own uniform. But what began as a desperate bid for survival became a performance that delighted the highest ranks of the Nazi elite. And so a young Jewish boy ended up starring in a Nazi propaganda film.
After sixty-three years of silence, Alex revealed his terrible secret to his son Mark. With his son's help, Alex retraced his past in search of answers and vindication. His story is at once a terrifying account of survival and its psychological cost as well as a brutally honest examination of identity, complicity, and memory.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Mascot?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Memoirs
Where can I read a sample of The Mascot?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780670018260
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Mascot?
Mark Kurzem
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Mascot is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780670018260) and paperback(ISBN 9780452289949) and ebook(ISBN 9781101213865)
Where can I buy The Mascot online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Mascot from below
Where can I buy The Mascot?