Lucy Adlington, autora de "Las modistas de Auschwitz"

Summary

In this interview, historian and author Lucia de Linton discusses her book *Las Modistas de Auschwitz* (The Seamstresses of Auschwitz), which tells the powerful story of young women who used their sewing skills to survive the horrors of the Auschwitz concentration camp. Lucia shares her journey of discovering this incredible story through her research on Holocaust history and the fashion world. She highlights the roles these women played in resistance, both through their work and efforts to aid fellow prisoners. The interview also touches on her emotional experience interviewing the last surviving seamstress from this group.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lucia de Linton is a historian specialized in the history of fashion, and her book *Las modistas de Auschwitz* focuses on the story of Jewish women who worked as dressmakers in Auschwitz during the Holocaust.
• 😀 The story of the dressmakers of Auschwitz came to Lucia by a fortunate twist of fate, as part of her research on the Holocaust and the role of fashion in concentration camps.
• 😀 These women, led by Marta, used their positions in the sewing workshop to resist the Nazi regime and help each other survive through acts of solidarity.
• 😀 Marta, as the head of the workshop, had access to critical information and was involved in the underground resistance, spreading crucial messages and organizing efforts to help fellow prisoners.
• 😀 The act of simply staying alive in Auschwitz was considered a form of resistance, but the women in the sewing workshop took this further by collaborating and defying the Nazis' oppressive system in small but significant ways.
• 😀 Clothing and fashion played a central role in the survival of these women, who used their skills to create garments that helped them maintain dignity and navigate the horrors of Auschwitz.
• 😀 The contrast between the uniforms of the SS officers and the humble, degrading outfits of the prisoners symbolized the stark divide between the oppressors and the oppressed.
• 😀 Lucia's emotional journey in writing the book was deeply influenced by the traumatic history of these young women, especially as she researched their stories and connected with their emotional experiences.
• 😀 A pivotal moment for Lucia was her meeting with Bracha, the last surviving dressmaker, who shared her personal experiences and insights about the fashion worn by the SS officers in Auschwitz.
• 😀 Lucia emphasizes the importance of humanizing historical events, and the conversations with survivors, like Bracha, brought a personal and human element to the narrative of the Holocaust.

Q & A

How did Lucia de Linton come across the story of the seamstresses of Auschwitz?

Lucia de Linton discovered the story through a combination of research and serendipity. As a historian specializing in the history of clothing, she was investigating the role of a salon that existed in Auschwitz, which led her to learn about the seamstresses' experiences.

What role did the seamstresses play in Auschwitz, and how were they involved in resistance efforts?

The seamstresses' primary role was to create clothing, which allowed them to survive. However, their involvement in resistance was more subtle. One key figure, Marta, the head of the fashion salon, used her position to pass on clandestine information, distribute food and medicine, and aid in the escape of prisoners. The simple act of survival and helping each other was itself a form of resistance.

Can you explain the significance of fashion in the context of Auschwitz, as discussed in the interview?

Fashion was central to the story for two main reasons. Firstly, the women used their sewing skills to create garments that could help them survive. Secondly, the contrast between the SS officers' uniforms and the prisoners' uniforms symbolized the power dynamics in the camp. Fashion also added a layer of meaning to the narrative, helping to humanize the historical events.

What emotional challenges did Lucia face while researching and documenting this story?

Emotionally, the process of researching the story was intense, as it involved uncovering the painful experiences of young women who endured unimaginable suffering. Lucia had to balance the historical facts with the emotional weight of the survivors' stories, which made the writing process both complex and deeply moving.

How did Lucia’s background as a historian influence her approach to writing this book?

Lucia's background in history, particularly in the history of clothing, allowed her to provide a unique perspective on the story. Her understanding of fashion’s significance helped to enrich the narrative, adding layers of meaning to the survivors' experiences and offering a deeper insight into their struggles.

How did Lucia emotionally connect with the last surviving seamstress, Brajá?

Lucia felt a profound emotional connection with Brajá, the last surviving seamstress from the group. Their conversation was pivotal to the book, as Brajá's personal story brought the historical events to life. Brajá’s resilience, optimism, and her efforts to keep her friends alive left a lasting impact on Lucia.

What was the role of Marta, the head of the fashion salon, in the resistance?

Marta, as the head of the fashion salon in Auschwitz, played a crucial role in the resistance. Due to her relatively privileged position, she had access to vital information and used her influence to spread information through a clandestine radio. She also helped smuggle food and medicine into the camp and was involved in plans to escape, although she was ultimately not the one to flee first.

What is the significance of the survivors' emotional stories in the context of this book?

The emotional stories of the survivors are key to humanizing the horrors of the Holocaust. Lucia aimed to show the humanity behind these historical events, focusing on the resilience and strength of the women who fought to survive. This emotional depth adds a personal, relatable aspect to the narrative.

How did the seamstresses’ work contribute to their survival in Auschwitz?

The seamstresses’ work in the fashion salon was crucial to their survival, as it provided them with a degree of protection and sustenance. Their sewing skills allowed them to stay in relatively less harsh conditions compared to other prisoners. The work also offered a sense of purpose, which helped them maintain hope.

What did Lucia learn from interviewing Brajá, and how did it impact her writing?

Lucia learned a great deal about the personal sacrifices and resilience of Brajá, who had fought to survive in Auschwitz. Brajá’s optimism and her focus on helping others during her imprisonment deeply influenced Lucia. This encounter shaped the emotional tone of the book, underscoring the importance of human connection and survival.