The Secret Holocaust Diaries

The Secret Holocaust Diaries is a haunting eyewitness account of Nonna Lisowskaja Bannister, a remarkable Russian-American woman who had seen and survived the unspeakable evils of the Holocaust as a young girl. For half a century, she kept her story secret while living a normal American life. She locked all her photos, documents, diaries, and dark memories from World War II in a trunk. Late in life, she unlocked the trunk, first for her husband, and now for the rest of the world.

Nonna’s story is one of suffering, torture, and death—but also of incredible acts of kindness that show the ultimate triumph of faith and love over despair and evil. The Secret Holocaust Diaries is in part a tragedy, yet it’s also an unforgettable true story about forgiveness, courage, and hope.

Born into an aristocratic Russian family, Nonna Lisowskaja fully expected to enjoy a cultured, privileged life. Her family had many advantages at a time when other Russians struggled to buy food. By her sixth birthday, Nonna spoke four languages. She had a good life.

But then her life fell apart.
The Nazis invaded Russia.
And, though her family was not Jewish, she lost everything . . . except a few family photos and scraps of a journal hidden from the Nazis in a small pillow.

This is her story.

Recommended by Staff!
Adelle says, "Nonna’s story is one of pain, loss, confusion and God’s undying faithfulness. Saved from death by a starving Jewish boy named Nathan, she endures and witnesses many horrors. Watching her father slowly die over six weeks, she learns patience and peace through trials and to totally rely on God. Follow her journey to the end of the war and his eventual trip to . Be ready to be moved and blessed by this story."