Witness History

'I wrote Schindler's List'

Jan 16, 2025
Thomas Keneally, the acclaimed Australian author of 'Schindler's Ark', shares the incredible journey that led him to write 'Schindler's List'. He recounts his fortuitous encounter with Holocaust survivor Leopold Pfefferberg, who inspired the narrative detailing Oskar Schindler's complex character – a businessman turned unlikely hero. Keneally reflects on the moral ambiguities of Schindler's actions and the profound connections he formed with survivors during his research. The discussion reveals the importance of telling these powerful stories to honor resilience in history.
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ANECDOTE

The Broken Briefcase

  • Thomas Keneally's briefcase broke in Beverly Hills, leading him to a shop.
  • The shop owner, Leopold Pfefferberg, told him about Oskar Schindler.
ANECDOTE

A Persistent Pitch

  • Pfefferberg, a Holocaust survivor, persistently shared Schindler's story.
  • Keneally, intrigued by the Holocaust, was finally captivated by it.
INSIGHT

Schindler's Contradictions

  • Schindler was a complex figure, a rogue with unconventional virtues.
  • His contradictory nature, managing the SS while running a black market, fascinated Keneally.
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