Linda Margolin Royal, a former advertising copywriter from Australia, released her debut novel “The Star on the Grave” in January 2024 amidst concerns about the global rise of antisemitism. The story is a fictional historical account of how her family was saved from the Holocaust by Chiune Sugihara, a heroic Japanese diplomat known as “the Japanese Schindler.” Royal received positive feedback on her book, which was the No. 1 Australian fiction debut in the month after its release, but she continues to feel a deep connection to her family’s history as she tells their story.
Chiune Sugihara, along with another diplomat named Jan Zwartendijk, saved many Jewish people from death during World War II by issuing visas that allowed them to escape to other countries. Despite facing consequences for their actions, both men were honored as The Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem, The World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Nobuki Sugihara, the son of Chiune Sugihara, shared how his father’s selfless actions saved thousands of lives, including those of Royal’s family, as well as potentially hundreds of thousands when considering descendants of the survivors.
Royal was deeply moved by meeting Nobuki Sugihara, the son of his father’s hero, at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City. She expressed her gratitude to him, acknowledging that her life and the lives of her children were saved because of his father’s actions. Through her novel, she imagined what it could have been like to meet Chiune Sugihara himself, creating a poignant scene between her protagonist and the real-life hero.
“The Star on the Grave” explores the generational trauma experienced by the descendants of Holocaust survivors, delving into the impact of past traumas on family dynamics and individual mental health. Royal consulted with a therapist to accurately depict the characters and their struggles, incorporating elements of trauma and healing into the narrative. She drew on her own family history, particularly her grandmother’s experiences, to create a rich and poignant story that highlights the lasting effects of historical events on future generations.
Royal’s novel also addresses the rise in antisemitism today, drawing parallels between current events and the social climate that allowed the Holocaust to occur. Inspired by Chiune Sugihara’s bravery and selflessness, Royal hopes to promote awareness and education through a “Power of One” program that emphasizes the impact of individual actions in combating intolerance and hatred.
The author’s personal connection to the story, combined with her research into trauma and resilience, adds depth and authenticity to “The Star on the Grave,” making it a powerful exploration of loss, survival, and the enduring impact of historical events. Through her work, Royal honors the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust and seeks to inspire a new generation to stand against hatred and injustice.
