Regina’s
Closet: Finding My Grandmother’s Secret
Journal
Diana M. Raab
Reviewed by Amy Lignor
There are many words that can be used to describe this
book: beautiful, sad, sweet,
wonderful…but all will pale in comparison once you sit down and read Regina’s
vivid journal.
The Author, Diana Raab’s, grandmother was her caretaker
until she was ten years old. They had
the most amazing relationship, making it all the more horrible when you
find
out at the beginning of this book that Regina took her own life when
Diana was just
a little girl. Young Diana had been left
with so many questions that plagued her own life as she grew into
adulthood
that she truly couldn’t believe her good fortune when her mother passed
along
her beloved grandmother’s journal.
The author was going through her own horrifying illness as
she opened the pages and sought solace and warmth – as well as a way to
reconnect – with her grandmother. As the
story unfolds, we learn of Regina’s
amazing strength, dealing with a mother who treated her coldly, at
best, and a
father who made choices after it was already too late.
We are told of the real life events as World War I started
spreading through Regina’s
small
hometown of Kalush. We see the anger on
the streets and the blood flow as Regina’s
family, friends and neighbors watched their world disappear. We go through illness, war, pain, and travel
into
Vienna, as Regina
tries to save her own life and the life of her sister.
As we continue, the German soldiers begin
knocking on the door as the atrocities of World War II come into being.
But, I must say, even though the historical pictures and
tales are amazing to read about, the true color, flavor, and heart
comes from Regina,
herself. This author’s grandmother was a
true heroine when they were in incredibly short supply.
She pulled her way through nightmarish times
with her strength and her smarts. I
found this woman beyond incredible, and I am so sorry that her ending
came in
sadness.
I applaud the author and thank her for letting the world see
what a truly wonderful woman her grandmother was. I
also long for everyone to leave journals
behind for their children and grandchildren.
Think of all the wisdom…all the incredible stories that have
been lost
over time. I would savor every moment
that I could get with my grandparents and I would have loved for them
to leave
their stories behind so that I could understand the power of their time
on this
Earth.
Enjoy!