touch wood
ŗTouch Wood˛ is based on the authoršs own life when she was growing as a Jewish girl during the German invasion of France. In 1940, Renee and her family were living in Alsace, France, where nothing ever changed. No one expected anything unusual to happen. Then one day, a war with Germany is announced on the radio. The Germans wanted to annex Alsace and forced the Jews to leave. France was split into two zones- the Free Zone and the German occupied zone. Reneešs father chose for them to move to Paris, because it is a big city where he can find work, and also because Reneešs mother has childhood friends there. So, Renee, her parents, her two younger sisters, and their blind grandmother move into a crowded apartment in the German-occupied zone. Renee was disappointed in Paris when she arrived. She finds that everything seems to be smaller in Paris. Eventually, her new neighborhood becomes more of a home and helps Renee to miss Alsace a little. Reneešs parents had left Poland and then Hungary to find a freer, better life. They settled in France and thought theyšd be safe. Then Adolf Hitler, a German man who hated Jewish people, started trouble all over again. First, seven synagogues
were blown up. Then, the Germans created a curfew prohibiting Jews to go during certain hours. Any Jew caught in the street after curfew would be taken as hostage. Also, all Jewish people must wear a Star of David on their shirts. An ordinance is created requiring all Jewish firms to be registered. Then the Jewish are forbidden to go to most public places, and they are only allowed an hour to grocery shop. Suddenly, their familyšs Jewish neighbors are being taken away one by one. Reneešs family becomes fearful. At one point, they have to hide from the police. Reneešs parents decide to take action. They have friends who know Mother Superior. They send Renee and her sisters to a Catholic residence in Normandy until the war is over. Their father emphasizes for them not to tell anyone that they are Jewish. When they arrive in Normandy, they find a cozy bedroom, appetizing meals, and friendly people. Renee has to deal with a nosy housekeeper, who could possibly uncover their secret. Renee and her sisters love their new school, which is much more spacious and modern than the one in Paris. Reneešs main concern is confusion over her religious identity. They must convert to Catholicism to perfect their disguise. Their parents have g
Some common words found in the essay are:
Paris Reneešs, Mother Superior, Star David, Zone German, Alsace France, English Allies, Red Cross, Renee Roth-Hano, Jews Renee, Hitler German, renee sisters, jewish people, mother superior, paris reneešs, reneešs parents,
Approximate Word count = 831
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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