Picture a Brooklyn-born storyteller who weaves tales of resilience and family, drawing from the shadows of history—meet Shirley Russak Wachtel! A historical fiction novelist and educator, Wachtel’s work, like her acclaimed memoir My Mother’s Shoes, captures the human spirit’s triumph over adversity. As the daughter of Holocaust survivors, her stories and teaching career reflect a deep commitment to illuminating the past and inspiring hope.
With a Doctor of Letters from Drew University and over three decades as a professor at Middlesex College, Wachtel has shaped countless minds. Her writing, rich with emotional depth, explores themes of survival and the enduring bonds of family, making her a unique voice in historical fiction.
The Making of Shirley Russak Wachtel
Born on August 23, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, Shirley Russak Wachtel grew up in a home shaped by her parents’ Holocaust survival. Her mother, Blima, and father, Charles, carried scars from Poland’s concentration camps, yet fostered a love for storytelling in their daughter. As a child, Wachtel roamed library shelves alone, devouring books despite her parents’ struggles with English. By age eight, she penned her first work, a pamphlet of verse, and at twelve, co-wrote a mystery, The Mystery of the Three Red Gowns. These early efforts sparked a lifelong passion for writing.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts from Brooklyn College and a Master’s from Long Island University, Wachtel worked as a newspaper editor and columnist for outlets like the Brooklyn Times. Her teaching career began at Madison High School, but she found her calling as a professor at Middlesex College, where she’s taught English literature for over 35 years. Her Doctor of Letters from Drew University in 2002 further fueled her creative drive.
Shirley Russak Wachtel’s Unforgettable Stories
Wachtel’s writing blends historical fiction, memoir, and poetry, often drawing from her family’s Holocaust experiences. Her memoir My Mother’s Shoes (2011) is a poignant tribute to her mother, Blima, tracing her journey from a Polish bakery to Bergen-Belsen’s horrors and a new life in Brooklyn. Narrated through three voices—Blima, her American alter-ego Betty, and Shirley—the book explores intergenerational trauma and the unbreakable mother-daughter bond.
Her debut novel, A Castle in Brooklyn (2023), follows two Polish Jewish boys, Jacob and Zalman, who survive the Holocaust and build a home in America. This moving tale of friendship, loss, and the immigrant dream earned a spot on Amazon’s First Reads. The Story of Blima: A Holocaust Survivor (2005) offers a focused look at her mother’s wartime ordeal, while The Music Makers (2014) weaves interconnected stories of ordinary people finding harmony amid personal struggles. Wachtel’s poetry collection, In the Mellow Light, and children’s books like Zoey and the Purple Elephant showcase her versatility.
Her style is lyrical yet accessible, blending vivid historical detail with emotional intimacy. Whether crafting prose or verse, Wachtel’s work celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, making her stories resonate with readers seeking hope in dark times.
Why Shirley Russak Wachtel Matters
Wachtel’s impact extends beyond her books. As a professor, she’s inspired generations of students, introducing them to literature like Elie Wiesel’s Night and fostering empathy through discussions of survival and identity. Her establishment of the Holocaust and Human Rights Center at Middlesex College earned her the 2017 Faculty Scholar of the Year Award, cementing her legacy in education. Her podcast, EXTRAordinary People, highlights inspiring individuals, amplifying her humanistic mission.
Through her writing and teaching, Wachtel preserves the stories of Holocaust survivors while encouraging readers to find strength in their own challenges. Her work reminds us that even in the face of tragedy, the human spirit can rebuild and thrive.
- Born: August 23, 1951, Brooklyn, New York
- Key Works: My Mother’s Shoes, A Castle in Brooklyn, The Story of Blima, The Music Makers
- Awards: Middlesex County College Scholar of the Year (2017), Innovative Teaching Award (2006)
- Fun Fact: Wachtel is a proud grandmother to three precocious granddaughters!
Snag My Mother’s Shoes or A Castle in Brooklyn and dive into Shirley Russak Wachtel’s heartfelt historical fiction!