From Where We Are

Nicole Zelniker

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“A kaleidoscopic gem that adeptly showcases how the shameful misdeeds of the past reverberate into modern acts of violence… An emotional tour de force.” —David Jackson Ambrose, author of Unlawful Disorder

Gabi Keefer flees Holocaust-era Germany with nothing but her husband, her nephew, and the clothes on her back, but that isn't the whole story.

Over generations, her granddaughter, Lena, struggles with drug addiction and an unplanned pregnancy; her sort-of nephew, Zane, grieves for his wife three years after her death in an antisemitic mass shooting; and her great-niece, Miranda, advocates for Palestinian liberation against her family's wishes.

Each character's tale begs the questions: What does it mean to be part of a family, what does it mean to survive, and is that enough?

Trigger warning: Content in this book includes depictions or mentions of ableism, anti-semitism, characters struggling with mental health, death and grief, drug abuse, domestic violence, gun violence, homophobia, misogyny, racism, statutory rape, suicide, xenophobia, and Zionism.

Reviews

Reading “From Where We Are” by Nicole Zelniker was an incredibly moving experience that left a lasting impact on me. The novel intricately weaves the multi-generational story of the Keefer family. Much like the TV show “This is Us,” the structure of the book—non-linear—keeps you on your toes, guessing the fate of each character until the very end. The ups and downs of the Keefer family, experienced through different members across various timelines, are expertly crafted, creating a tapestry of heart and hurt that is both beautiful and heartbreaking.

The book’s non-chronological storytelling was a refreshing change, keeping me deeply engaged and emotionally invested in each character’s journey. From Gabi Keefer’s harrowing escape from Holocaust-era Germany to her granddaughter Lena’s struggles with addiction and an unplanned pregnancy, each story is layered with depth and emotion. Zane’s story, in particular, resonated deeply with me. His grief over the loss of his wife in an antisemitic mass shooting was portrayed with such raw authenticity that it stayed with me long after I finished reading. The inclusion of queer representation was a pleasant surprise, adding another layer of richness to the narrative.

Moreover, the novel’s sensitive exploration of contemporary Jewish history, along with the discussions on Israel and Palestine, felt incredibly relevant to the current political climate. The book does not shy away from heavy themes, including ableism, anti-Semitism, mental health struggles, and more, which might be triggering for some readers. However, these themes are handled with care and contribute to the powerful message of survival and resilience that permeates the novel. “From Where We Are” is a masterful exploration of family, identity, and the enduring impact of intergenerational trauma, and it is a book that I wholeheartedly loved.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5