The Children of Willesden Lane Beyond the Kindertransport: A Memoir of Music, Love, and Survival

With the raw emotion of The Diary of Anne Frank, Mona Golabek's powerful memoir is a poignant story of tragedy and triumph in a time of war. Famed concert pianist Mona Golabek shares the inspirational true story of her mother's escape from pre-World War II Vienna to an orphanage in London-243 Willesden Lane. 'The music will give you strength....it will be your best friend in life.' With these words-the last she would ever hear from her mother-ringing in her ears, young piano prodigy Lisa Jura boarded the Kindertransport and headed for safety. Amidst the dozens of Jewish refugees trying to make their way in war-torn London, Lisa forms indelible friendships, finds romance, and, against all odds, wins a scholarship to study piano at the Royal Academy of London. This is a stunning testament to the power of music to lift the human spirit and to grant the soul endurance, patience, and peace.

Mona Golabek is an internationally acclaimed concert pianist, the host of the popular syndicated classical music radio show, "The Romantic Hours," and Grammy-nominated recording artist. With her sister, Rene Golabek Kaye, she has performed at the Hollywood Bowl, Kennedy Center, and London's Festival Hall. Ms. Golabek lives in Los Angeles.

Lee Cohenis a journalist, screenwriter, and poet. He lives in Los Angeles.