The Right to Happiness. After all they went through. Stories, by Helen Schary Motro

Within literature we encounter storytellers whose narratives defy temporal and spatial constraints, seamlessly intertwining the strands of human experience to create a rich tapestry of profound insights and emotions. Helen Schary Motro is a luminary; her words carry the genuine resonance and wisdom acquired through life at the crossroads of law, journalism, and storytelling.

Renowned as an award-winning writer, Helen Schary Motro has written for publications like The New York Times, Boston Globe, and Newsweek, earning recognition for her astute observations and eloquent writing. Yet, it is her prowess as a storyteller that genuinely distinguishes her. In  Manoeuvring Between the Headlines, the writer presents a lucid and insightful narrative, delving deep into the metamorphosis of life in Israel in the aftermath of the tumultuous events of the Second Intifada in 2000.

With her latest fictional offering, The Right to Happiness, she invites readers to embark on a journey with a collection of short stories in which the threads of the past weave through the fabric of the present, shaping our perceptions, decisions, and, ultimately, our happiness. Through a masterful blend of fiction, she navigates the labyrinth of how bygone moments of the Holocaust echo in the corridors of modern existence.

In The Right to Happiness, the author artfully crafts a tapestry of human experience, immersing readers in a world where the characters grapple with the eternal quest for meaning. From the dynamic streets of New York City to the evocative landscapes of Israel, the diverse narratives pulse with authenticity and emotional depth, resonating long after the final page is turned.

Central to The Right to Happiness is a fundamental inquiry: how profoundly does the Holocaust influence our current reality? Across a spectrum of characters, the author meticulously probes this query with finesse and sensitivity, urging readers to reflect on the delicate dance between memory, identity, and the passage of time.

While each story in the collection possesses its unique narrative, discernible patterns surface that connect them with similarities. In tales like “The Smoker,” “The Parade’’ and “Homecoming on Riverside,” the writer outlines the generational tension surrounding the inheritance of memories. The protagonists are in conflict with their parents, particularly regarding recounting family stories from WWII.

The past often assumes the guise of a taboo subject, shrouded in secrecy and transmitted through objects laden with memories. Certain artefacts, such as cigarette holders and photographs, morph into vessels of familial legend, symbolising a tangible connection to bygone eras. Nonetheless, despite their importance, these objects remain tucked away from sight. They serve as repositories of untold narratives and unvoiced realities, bearing the burdens of past generations.

In “King of Yiddish” and “German Lessons,” the author reflects on the fragile nature of linguistic preservation and the impact of language on cultural identity. These narratives tackle the threat of language’s disappearance, especially in multicultural communities where demand for specific languages diminishes. Furthermore, they stress the psychological impact of acquiring a new language and unearthing latent traumas from the past. Through these tales, characters deal with the existential dread of losing their linguistic heritage, leading to a profound introspection on the interconnectedness of language, memory and historical narrative.

A further prominent theme recurring in the collection is music, emphasising its vital ability to evoke emotions, stir memories, and offer solace. It is portrayed as a potent force capable of saving and uniting individuals during challenging times. The author illustrates how music assumes a common and indispensable role for refugees. It is a universal language that transcends cultural barriers and fosters unity among different voices, forging connections amidst adversity.

“The music is my old language Ladino, the language of all us Sephardic from the Mediterranean. It’s a mixup from all around our wonderful sea – from Spanish, and more from French, Italian, Turkish, Arabic, Hebrew.’’

Fiction intertwines seamlessly with historical figures in The Right to Happiness, enriching the narratives with depth and resonance. Among them, the Polish-Jewish paediatrician and educator Janusz Korczak stands as an example, embodying the theme of education and the imperative of its accessibility to all. Education becomes relevant for accentuating the significance of confronting the past for the young generation.

“But the really important part of our visit to you as representatives of all young people in Israel is what this means for the present, for the future.’’

Moreover, readers can anticipate encounters with other historical luminaries, including Hannah Arendt and Martin Heidegger. Through fictionalised retellings of their stories, Helen Schary Motro explores the obstacles of education during the tumultuous Third Reich era.

“The stamp was adorned with the iron eagle, and over it was the scribbled signature of the Nazi police commissioner of Marburg. This mark of shame was the price demanded by the Third Reich to permit Trude to take her diploma with her when she left the country.’’

The Right to Happiness is a compelling testament to the dance between past and present, rendering it essential for those intrigued by the enduring influence of historical legacies on our contemporary existence. Helen Schary Motro masterfully crafts varied situations and settings, constructing a vibrant selection of short stories that captivate and enthral readers. From the reflections of the impact of war to the examinations of human connections, each story unfolds with depth. Yet, what truly elevates this collection is the abundance of characters whose backgrounds and perspectives offer a kaleidoscope of experiences, enabling readers to emphasise and forge connections with myriad voices.

Available worldwide: https://mybook.to/ApAVv5W