Tiny Lights for Travellers

Lewis’s memoir Tiny Lights for Travellers follows two threads: the story of her life and divorce, alternating with her Opa’s escape from Nazi-occupied Netherlands. The intergenerational trauma of the Holocaust is touched on as Lewis examines her complex relationship with her Jewish identity. Much of the memoir is an exploration of the ways in which identity and history shape us, yet the tone is very inviting and, at times, humorous despite the deep topics covered. While this work certainly could be used in English and social studies lessons, there are also strong connections with health topics because of the exploration of personal identity.

Awards: Shortlisted, Non-Fiction, 2019 Governor General’s Literary Awards