May 4, 2018
Artur Mandelkorn is a young Hungarian Holocaust survivor who is on a desperate quest to find his beloved sister Manya after they become separated during the war. Artur’s journey takes him to Israel where he falls in love with Fanny, a young woman who still bears the scars of her own tragic past. Intersecting Artur’s tale is that of Suzy Kohn, a Toronto teenager in the late 1960s whose seemingly tranquil life is shattered by her uncle’s sudden death. Groping for answers, she becomes entangled in a troubled relationship with a charismatic young musician. As Suzy’s coming of age story reaches a climax, Artur’s quest for his sister leads to a shocking discovery. Their stories come together in Israel following the Six-Day War, when the reader travels through time and place to arrive, ultimately, to the connections between generations.
Chosen as a Readers Choice Book by the Historical Novel Society, COME BACK FOR ME is a riveting story of trauma, loss, and the redemptive power of love.
Discussion Questions
Courtesy of Sharon Hart-Green
- The title “Come Back for Me” is taken from a crucial line in the novel. What broader significance do you think it has in the story? To what extent is “coming back” a recurrent theme, and if so, how?
- The novel begins with Suzy Kohn and her response to her uncle’s death. How does her grief manifest itself throughout the novel? In what way does it shed light on her relationship with her parents?
- Artur Mandelkorn’s tie to his sister Manya is severed early in the novel when the German soldiers forcibly separate them. What are the various ways that Artur attempts to keep that relationship alive?
- Beyond saving Artur and Manya, what role does Ferko ultimately play in the novel?
- How would you compare Artur’s attitude toward going to Israel versus how he feels when he arrives? What are the reasons for this change?
- Why does Suzy ultimately blame herself for her problems with Fin?
- How would you compare the two characters named Emil in the novel? How have their life experiences influenced their individual choices in life?
- What role does Bella play in the novel? How does she eventually come to terms with the death of her husband?
- To what extent is this novel a coming of age story of Suzy Kohn? What are some of the significant events that bring about a change in her life?
- In his discussion with Suzy, Artur Mandelkorn asserts that “tenacity” is a key ingredient in Jewish survival. What role does tenacity play in his own life?
