The Lucky Ones: Author of Series Unveils Family’s Holocaust Story
As a child, my admiration for my grandfather knew no bounds. He had a deep love for dark chocolate and a strong dislike for ketchup. I knew he had a knack for puns and was fluent in seven languages, often speaking French at the dinner table. His Steinway piano was his pride and joy, and he had a talent for crafting things by hand, like the curtains in his living room that he wove on a loom he built in his basement.
What I didn’t know about my grandfather was his upbringing in Radom, Poland, as one of five siblings in a Jewish family of Holocaust survivors. These revelations came to light when I was 15, a year after his passing, through a school project and an interview with my grandmother Caroline.
The discovery led to many questions and further exploration of my family’s history. It wasn’t until a family reunion six years later that I heard stories from relatives about their experiences during the war – tales of resilience and survival that left a lasting impact on me. This gathering inspired me to document our family’s story, which eventually evolved into my novel, We Were the Lucky Ones, a best-seller on the New York Times list.
Partnering with Tommy Kail to bring the book to the screen was a dream come true. Tommy, a longtime friend, introduced me to Erica Lipez, and together we worked to ensure the adaptation stayed true to the essence of the story. The journey to turning the novel into a series for Hulu was filled with challenges and triumphs, but the end result was a testament to our commitment to authenticity and honesty.
Filming took place in Bucharest, Romania, where the set design and attention to detail brought the story to life in a vivid and modern way. Every aspect of the production, from the cast to the costumes, was approached with care and dedication to honoring the Kurc family legacy.
The experience of seeing the series come to fruition was both exhilarating and humbling. Reflecting on the process, I couldn’t think of any major changes I would make to the adaptation. The project was a labor of love, and I was grateful for the opportunity to share my family’s story with a wider audience.
If given the chance, I would wish to have my grandfather by my side as we watched the series together. I would point out the details that mirrored his life and share how his music was beautifully arranged for the show. I would express my gratitude for the team that made it all possible and ask for his opinion on how we portrayed our family’s journey. I believe his answer would be a resounding yes.
This story first appeared in a June standalone issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.