In 'The Hare with Amber Eyes', Edmund de Waal embarks on a mesmerizing journey through the intertwined fates of his family and a remarkable collection of netsuke, tiny Japanese carvings. These delicate figurines, inherited from his great-uncle, serve as portals to a past filled with art, history, and the shadows of the Holocaust. De Waal's quest to uncover the stories behind the netsuke reveals the resilience of memory and the enduring ties of love and loss. As he uncovers his family's history, the narrative unfolds across continents and generations, highlighting the fragility of culture and identity. This evocative memoir compels readers to reflect on what we inherit, both tangible and intangible.
By Edmund de Waal
Published: 2011
"The past is not a series of events that happened, but a series of stories that we carry with us, shaping who we are."
Traces the parallel stories of nineteenth-century art patron Charles Ephrussi and his unique collection of 360 miniature netsuke Japanese ivory carvings, documenting Ephrussi's relationship with Marcel Proust and the impact of the Holocaust on his cosmopolitan family.
Edmund de Waal is a renowned British author, potter, and artist, best known for his evocative storytelling and exploration of memory and identity. He gained international acclaim with his memoir 'The Hare with Amber Eyes', which intricately weaves personal history with the larger narrative of art and the Jewish experience in Europe. De Waal's writing often combines elements of memoir, history, and philosophy, marked by a lyrical style that reflects his background in visual arts. His other notable works include 'The Lost Rabbis' and 'Letters to Camondo', both of which delve into themes of heritage and the significance of place. Through his unique fusion of art and literature, de Waal captures the profound connections between objects, memories, and the past.
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“The past is not a series of events that happened, but a series of stories that we carry with us, shaping who we are.”
The Hare with Amber Eyes
By Edmund de Waal
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