Radom, Poland

Radom is the Polish city where the Kurcs and various other characters live throughout the vast majority of the novel. The invasion and occupation of Poland by Germany marked the beginning of World War II. Shortly after occupation, the Jews of Radom were forced to leave their houses and move into ghettos. The Kurcs lived in the Old Quarter on Warszawska Street. This is a relatively affluent area; the Kurcs ran a successful fabric shop before the war began. From Rio, Addy recalls Radom's rye fields, orchards, and horse chestnuts, while Genek misses the city's restaurants and cinema. After the occupation, the Germans establish two ghettos. The larger is called Walowa, and this is where Nechuma and Sol (and briefly Mila) live. The smaller ghetto, Glinice, is home to Bella's parents until it is "liquidated" (224) in August, 1942. Its inhabitants are killed or sent to the Treblinka death...