In her memoir, "Austrian Again: Reclaiming a Lost Legacy," Anne Hand recounts her family's untold Holocaust story. Timothy Nelson joins her for a conversation about identity and reclaiming lost roots.
Following the reading and conversation, the author will sign copies of her book.
About the Book (from the publisher):
In this captivating memoir, the author embarks on a deeply personal journey to uncover her family's hidden history during the Holocaust while pursuing Austrian citizenship. As Austria opens the door to reparation citizenship for descendants of those victimized by the Nazi and Austrofascist regimes, Anne digs through fragments of family stories and documents to trace her Austrian and Czechoslovakian roots. Through her search, she pieces together the story her ancestors withheld from their children after World War II, while reflecting on identity, migration, and heritage.
Navigating the bureaucratic process of gaining citizenship, this journey becomes much more than just a legal pursuit. It transforms into a reflection on memory, loss, and resilience, culminating in the celebration of legacies both long buried and still cherished. Along the way, she confronts the silences and gaps in her family's past, grappling with the weight of history and its impact on future generations. This story is a heartfelt meditation on the intersection of personal and shared history, and a joyful tribute to the power of remembering and belonging.
This memoir is a timely, thoughtful exploration of what it means to reclaim a lost heritage and gain a new place in today's world.
About the Author:
Anne Hand was born in 1985 in New York. Her grandmother was a librarian, and she grew up attached to the power of the written word. Her love of books and the worlds they transported her to have always fueled her desire to make change in the world. Anne has spent her career blending research, policy, and practice to create social impact across the Americas and beyond. She is a recognized expert in global education and development, frequently publishing on topics related to technology and social impact. She holds a B.Sc. from McGill University and an Ed.M. from Harvard University.
About the Moderator:
Dr. Timothy Nelson is a Lecturer in Sociology and Public Policy at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. He is the author of numerous articles and books on poverty and low-income fathers, most notably "Doing the best I can: Fatherhood in the inner city" with Dr. Kathryn Edin, and has explored the role of religious faith in public life. He previously held academic roles at Johns Hopkins University and Harvard University.
This event is co-sponsored by the West Windsor Arts.
