YA historical fantasy

Rachel Abramson, a sixteen-year-old Jewish girl, lives in Nazi-occupied Denmark and has the ability to erase memories. She must decide whether to use her gift to ease her friends' pain, or to preserve the testimony of what they have been through.

Drawn from Memory

Courage, resistance, and the cost of remembrance collide in Laura Hatosy’s debut—a story for readers who crave history woven with speculative twists.

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What readers are saying

“A masterful melding of history with what makes fiction great.”
“Enchanting book that is impossible to put down.”
“I am awestruck by what it taught me about perseverance.”

About Laura

Writer, activist, mom—sometimes all at once

Laura Hatosy

Laura Hatosy was born in New Jersey, which means she has to fight her predisposition for big hair and pork roll.

She got her Masters degree at Harvard University and taught high school history for several years. It was while teaching the Holocaust curriculum, Facing History and Ourselves, that she learned about the story of Terezin, the camp on which her debut novel, Drawn from Memory, is based.

She eventually stepped away from teaching to care and advocate for her two children, Bella and Jake, both of whom are on the autism spectrum. Elephant Shoes was inspired by her hope that the world will grow to understand and accept them.

She lives in Reading, Massachusetts, and is currently eating a pork roll sandwich.

Stay connected

Email: laura@laurahatosy.com

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Available in print, ebook, and audio!

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Events

Laura Hatosy is available for school, library, and other events!

Laura engages people to think and learn. Her teaching experience spans decades and settings, from museums and libraries to classrooms. She can present any programs below or combine your favorite elements for your own customized experience!

The Writing Process
Grades 7-12

This program covers my writing process, covering the conception of the idea, the research resources required, how much to outline, the pitfalls of drafting, and the types of editing needed to have a polished finished product. This program can take an academic or creative focus. Academically, students learning to write essays/papers, to research, and to read books critically will get a lot out of this program. If a creative lens is preferred, students will explore their creativity, learn to create a compelling narrative, and delve deep into characters.

Lessons from the Holocaust
School or Community Event

Ninety-Nine percent of Danish Jews survived the Holocaust despite Nazi occupation. Other nations lost 50-80% of their Jewish populations. What was the historical context in Denmark? What can we learn from those Danes today about how to protect people in our community?

All one-hour programs are free with a 20-book order ($14 each). Otherwise $150/hr. Email for availability

Resources

Book club

Reading Drawn from Memory for your book club?
Here are some questions to get the conversation started!

What do you think the title, Drawn from Memory, means?
Were you surprised to learn Denmark saved 99% of their Jewish population? Why do you think they did this when so many other countries did not?
The author, Laura Hatosy, has said, “I hate the phrase ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’ I hope no one takes my book to mean that our traumatic experiences are in some way good for us.” What is the difference between the themes of Drawn from Memory and the idea that trauma is good for people?
What would you do if you had Rachel’s gift?
Which character did you relate to the most and why? Who was your favorite?
Terezin was used as a propaganda camp, to prove they weren’t hurting the Jews. What were some features of camp life there that surprised you?
What role did the stuffed pony, Jubilee, play in the story?
Due to the historical nature of the novel, the reader often knows more about what is happening than Rachel and the other characters. Did that spoil the outcome or add to the dread? How?
Although small characters, what role do the Blume Sisters play in the novel?
Were you surprised by the twist of Marek’s identity? Did it change your perspective of the Cauliflower at all? If so, how?

Illustration highlighting Drawn from Memory book club

Hosting Guide

Here are some tips for the host on food, decorations, music and more!

Food

Danish pastries: Called weinerbrod in Denmark (“Vienna bread” because it was made by Austrian bakers in Denmark). Recipe
Danish chocolate torte: Mr. Muller’s chocolate tortes were so good, Annalise doesn’t mind getting sick after eating one. Recipe
Klejner: Also called Danish fried twists. Usually served during the winter holidays in Rachel’s family and Denmark, this dessert can be enjoyed any time. Recipe
Glogg: Usually served during the winter holidays in Scandinavia and in Rachel’s family. Recipe
Akvavit: This Scandinavian spirit is distilled from grain or potatoes and flavored with herbs. Rachel’s father drank this at special occasions.

Other Details

Tape up movie posters from Cary Grant films The Philadelphia Story, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Suspicion.
Play Verdi’s Requiem in the background. Listen
Provide supplementary information about Terezin: Video overview

Food ideas for a Drawn from Memory book club hosting guide

Teacher Resources

Illustration with the words Calling All Teachers

Click here to view the FREE teacher guide including games, activities, and writing assignments.

Want Laura to drop in via Zoom? Email the date to see if it works!

History

The true stories behind the novel

Whenever I read a novel "based on real events," I'm curious which are the real ones and which aren't. Here's a few details about that. Learn more about Denmark and Terezin and their role in Holocaust history here.

Spoiler alert
If you haven't read Drawn from Memory yet, read no further!
This page gives away key events of the book.

Hover, click or tap to reveal the story and click again to return to the picture.