1947

Where Now Begins

By Elisabeth Åsbrink | Publisher: Other Press

About the book

An NPR Best Book of the Year 2018

“One of the best books, certainly the best nonfiction book, that I've read recently.” —Nancy Pearl on NPR’s Morning Edition 

 
“An extraordinary achievement.” —New York Times Book Review


An award-winning writer captures a year that defined the modern world, intertwining historical events around the globe with key moments from her personal history.


The year 1947 marks a turning point in the twentieth century. Peace with Germany becomes a tool to fortify the West against the threats of the Cold War. The CIA is created, Israel is about to be born, Simone de Beauvoir experiences the love of her life, an ill George Orwell is writing his last book, and Christian Dior creates the hyper-feminine New Look as women are forced out of jobs and back into the home. 

In the midst of it all, a ten-year-old Hungarian-Jewish boy resides in a refugee camp for children of parents murdered by the Nazis. This year he has to make the decision of a lifetime, one that will determine his own fate and that of his daughter yet to be born, Elisabeth.

Editions of 1947

Hardcover
ISBN 9781590518960
Paperback
ISBN 9781590511480
EBook
ISBN 9781590518977

Read an Excerpt

An NPR Best Book of the Year 2018

“One of the best books, certainly the best nonfiction book, that I've read recently.” —Nancy Pearl on NPR’s Morning Edition 

 
“An extraordinary achievement.” —New York Times Book Review


An award-winning writer captures a year that defined the modern world, intertwining historical events around the globe with key moments from her personal history.


The year 1947 marks a turning point in the twentieth century. Peace with Germany becomes a tool to fortify the West against the threats of the Cold War. The CIA is created, Israel is about to be born, Simone de Beauvoir experiences the love of her life, an ill George Orwell is writing his last book, and Christian Dior creates the hyper-feminine New Look as women are forced out of jobs and back into the home. 

In the midst of it all, a ten-year-old Hungarian-Jewish boy resides in a refugee camp for children of parents murdered by the Nazis. This year he has to make the decision of a lifetime, one that will determine his own fate and that of his daughter yet to be born, Elisabeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1947 about?

An NPR Best Book of the Year 2018

“One of the best books, certainly the best nonfiction book, that I've read recently.” —Nancy Pearl on NPR’s Morning Edition 

 
“An extraordinary achievement.” —New York Times Book Review


An award-winning writer captures a year that defined the modern world, intertwining historical events around the globe with key moments from her personal history.


The year 1947 marks a turning point in the twentieth century. Peace with Germany becomes a tool to fortify the West against the threats of the Cold War. The CIA is created, Israel is about to be born, Simone de Beauvoir experiences the love of her life, an ill George Orwell is writing his last book, and Christian Dior creates the hyper-feminine New Look as women are forced out of jobs and back into the home. 

In the midst of it all, a ten-year-old Hungarian-Jewish boy resides in a refugee camp for children of parents murdered by the Nazis. This year he has to make the decision of a lifetime, one that will determine his own fate and that of his daughter yet to be born, Elisabeth.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in 1947?

History and Archaeology > History > General and world history

Where can I read a sample of 1947?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781590518960

Who is/are the Author/s of the book 1947?

Elisabeth Åsbrink

Who is the Publisher of the book 1947?

Other Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

1947 is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781590518960) and paperback(ISBN 9781590511480) and ebook(ISBN 9781590518977)

Where can I buy 1947 online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy 1947 from below

Where can I buy 1947?