Part 1: Chapters 7 and 8 Summary and Analysis

Arthur sends frequent letters. He has a job and sends money to his parents to help them. Gerda is learning German writing and reading from her father, Julius. The village of Bielitz at one time had eight thousand Jews. By the spring of 1940 there are only several hundred. There are virtually no young men left and only a few young girls remain. Only Gerda and two of her friends still have both parents. The family is almost out of money. Helene is talented at knitting and crocheting wearing apparel. Gerda helps her mother unravel sweaters and other garments to make new items for sale. Since the family can only buy food on the black market, Helene takes her pay in food for the clothing she makes for sale.

Gerda receives a letter from Arthur on her birthday...