Poland, 1940. The Russian army invades the beautiful city streets of Vilna. Soldiers storm ten-year-old Esther Rudomin's house and arrest her entire family. The Rudomins, the soldiers say, are "capitalists-enemies of the people." Forced from their home and friends, the Rudomins are herded onto crowded cattle cars. Their destination: the endless steppe of Siberia. For five years, Esther and her family live in exile, weeding potato fields and working in mines, fighting against all odds to stay alive. It is not an easy life. But through it all, Esther sustains the hope that one day she will return to Poland-and to freedom. A National Book Award finalist, The Endless Steppe is the true story of Esther Rudomin Hautzig's girlhood in World War II Siberia. For over 25 years, this extraordinary book has touched the hearts of young people around the world with its vivid portrayal of life during World War II and its inspiring testament to the power of hope in the harshest conditions.
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"Even though this is a true story about the author's childhood, it never had a dry, autobiographical feel to me. It was always very interesting, and Esther and her family were very likable people. In spite of the dreadful things they endured, it was not a gloomy book, and is highly readable."
— Qt (5 out of 5 stars)
" I love WWII era books but this one was different. All about life in a SIberian work camp. Quick read. "
— Kristi, 2/15/2014" I still remember my first reading of this when I was in 7th grade. It started me on a long reef of books related to the era. I highly recommend this book. In fact I made sure all three of my children read this story. "
— Connie, 2/6/2014" Every girl should read this book. I am a fan of books with a strong female character and this one is not a disappointment. I hope to read it again someday when my girls are old enough. Fantastic and tragically devastating story. "
— Pamela, 2/5/2014" A book about character, staying true to yourself no matter the circumstance. As the book ended, I was saddened that my journey with Esther was over. I wanted to know more. "
— Julie, 2/1/2014" Reading reviews for Between Shades of Grey reminded me of this book. Read it ages ago, but it looks very similar. "
— Jennifer, 1/23/2014" it was in middle school, but I remember loving it and can still feel some of the scenes. "
— Christina, 1/15/2014" What impressed me about this book when I read it years ago was the bleakness and grimness of the Siberian setting. How anyone could survive there is amazing to me. To think that there are actually people who choose to live there! Recommended! "
— Krista, 1/11/2014" I cannot believe I had never heard of this incredible book. This is a must-read on so many levels--history, relationships, growing up, tragedy, fear, survival, forgiveness and love. "
— Sarah, 12/30/2013" Not what I thought it was, but an excellent story - very interesting and well-written. "
— Kaijsa, 12/16/2013" One of my favorites when I was a kid. "
— Dawn, 12/11/2013" Thanks to Rebecca for this book! I read it in an afternoon and thououghly enjoyed it. "
— Kelly, 12/1/2013" Apparently, this is one I was supposed to read as a kid. Didn't do all that much for me as an adult. A painful story, but the writing isn't great, and the story seemed fairly ordinary for the time. "
— Marshaferz, 7/7/2013" i read this book in middle school and it still remains among my favorites. its such a sad story. i felt such empathy and sorrow for the great suffering of so many people. its amazing how drastically our lives and views of the world can be changed without our permission or participation. "
— Marie, 4/17/2013" all time fave from my youth- enjoy reading it each year with my classes "
— Leslie, 7/17/2012" This is a very beautiful book written about the author's years in Siberia, where she and her family were exiled during WWII. "
— Rachel, 9/16/2011" I read this book when I was in the sixth grade. I think it was the first book that I just could not put down. "
— Lori, 7/10/2011" Love this book. I like the imagery, the story, and I am amazed at the humanity found amonst inhumanity. Beautifully written. "
— Kathi, 5/17/2011" Tough times. Family working through it. Good story. "
— Tammy, 4/26/2011" Good book. I never thought about what the communists were doing during WWII. "
— Skye, 3/30/2011" One of my favorites when I was a kid. "
— Dawn, 3/16/2011" Okay so I only read this for a book report but it actually was a good book. This book helped me understand what it would be like to be sent to siberia, the Russians dump for people they don't like. "
— Matthew, 2/19/2011" A very moving young adult book. I read it several times and enjoyed it each time. Gives a great perspective of hardship on a young girl growing up. "
— Rena, 2/6/2011" What a wonderful book! Courage! Faith! Esther definitely is strong facing opposition.<br/>Made me think how much we take things for granted.<br/>I would read it again. "
— Melissa, 1/9/2011" I picked this out randomly from a shelf in the library at my middle school, but I loved it. I should probably re-read this, it's been so long. "
— Wendy, 1/4/2011" One of those books that stayed with me since childhood "
— Pam, 12/29/2010" I enjoyed listening to this book. I have heard and read so much about Germany and the concentration camps, but had never read much about Poland. It was a wonderful book about determination, perseverance, and family. Sad and tragic, but beautifully written. "
— Kl, 12/27/2010" this book is good but a little depressing. "
— Molly, 12/20/2010" The book was really good, though it was sad at some parts. "
— Emily, 12/15/2010Esther R. Hautzig (1930 – 2009) was born in Poland, but was displaced by WWII. She moved to America, married concert pianist, Walter Hautzig, and became a writer best known for her award-winning book The Endless Steppe.
Alyssa Bresnahan is a dynamic dancer, actor, and audiobook narrator. She has narrated over two hundred audiobooks, has earned twenty Earphones Awards, and was named one of AudioFile magazine’s Golden Voices. In 2009 she was a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for best fiction narration.