Edmund de Waal
Edmund de Waal is a British artist and author, renowned for his work in ceramics and his critically acclaimed books, including 'The Hare with Amber Eyes'.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Hare with Amber Eyes
A Hidden Inheritance
This book is a family memoir that traces the journey of a collection of miniature Japanese sculptures, called netsuke, through generations of a wealthy Jewish family. The narrative delves into the family's rise to prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, their survival during the Nazi regime, their post-war struggles, and their eventual decline. The author uses the netsuke as a lens to explore the themes of art, loss, and family legacy.
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2. Der Hase Mit Den Bernsteinaugen
A Hidden Inheritance
The book is a captivating family memoir that traces the history of a collection of Japanese netsuke, small intricately carved sculptures, through several generations of a prominent European Jewish family. The narrative spans from 19th-century Paris to Vienna, Tokyo, and London, intertwining personal stories with historical events, including the rise of the Nazis and the impact of World War II. Through meticulous research and personal reflection, the author explores themes of art, memory, and the resilience of family heritage, offering a poignant meditation on the enduring power of objects to connect past and present.
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3. Common People
The History of an English Family
This book delves into the intricate tapestry of a family's history, tracing their journey across generations and continents. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, historical context, and vivid storytelling, it explores themes of identity, belonging, and the enduring impact of the past on the present. The narrative weaves together the lives of ordinary individuals, revealing the extraordinary stories hidden within the fabric of everyday life. With a keen eye for detail and a deep sense of empathy, the author paints a poignant portrait of resilience, connection, and the universal quest for understanding one's roots.
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4. The Best Of Everything
Set against the backdrop of post-war Europe, this compelling narrative weaves together the intricate lives of a family deeply rooted in the world of porcelain. Through the lens of their craft, the story explores themes of resilience, identity, and the enduring legacy of art. As generations grapple with the shifting tides of history, the delicate beauty of their creations becomes a symbol of hope and continuity, offering a poignant reflection on the intersection of personal and cultural heritage.
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5. Letters To Camondo
An epistolary meditation addressed to a Parisian Jewish collector, written from within the preserved rooms of his mansion-turned-museum. It evokes the glittering world of Belle Époque taste and the intimate rituals of collecting, then traces the shattering impact of war and antisemitism that obliterated his family. Through close attention to objects—porcelain, furniture, letters—it explores memory, loss, and the fragile solace of beauty.
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6. My Name Is Leon
A tender, urgent coming-of-age novel about nine-year-old Leon, a mixed-race boy in 1980s Britain who is torn from his family after his mother is unable to care for him and his baby brother; thrust into the foster-care system and determined to find and protect his brother, he navigates racism, poverty, and bureaucratic indifference while clinging to love, memory, and the hope of being reunited. The narrative captures his voice and resilience as he learns what family and belonging mean in a harsh social landscape.