By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

Molly Crabapple's "Here Where We Live Is Our Country: The Story of the Jewish Bund" is an audacious and meticulously researched exploration of a revolutionary movement that has been unjustly relegated to the peripheries of history. The Jewish Labor Bund, founded in 1897 in Vilnius, Lithuania, was a secular, socialist, and anti-Zionist organization that championed the rights of Jews to live with dignity and equality in their countries of residence, rather than seeking a homeland elsewhere. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/molly-crabapple/here-where-we-live-is-our-country/?utm_source=openai))

Crabapple's narrative is both personal and expansive. Drawing from her own lineage—her great-grandfather was a Bundist—she intertwines familial anecdotes with the broader historical tapestry of the Bund's rise and fall. This approach lends an intimate authenticity to the work, making the historical figures and events resonate deeply with the reader.

The book is richly illustrated with Crabapple's own artwork, providing a visual dimension that complements the textual narrative. These illustrations serve not merely as adornments but as integral components that breathe life into the stories of insurgent poets, clandestine revolutionaries, and lovers on the barricades. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/molly-crabapple/here-where-we-live-is-our-country/?utm_source=openai))

Crabapple does not shy away from the complexities and contradictions within the Bundist movement. She delves into their staunch anti-Zionism, their struggles against both Tsarist oppression and Nazi atrocities, and their ultimate decimation during the Holocaust. The narrative is unflinching, presenting the Bundists as both idealistic and pragmatic, visionary yet grounded in the harsh realities of their time.

Critically, the book serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of ethnonationalism and the enduring importance of solidarity and justice. As Naomi Klein aptly notes, reading this work "feels revolutionary," a testament to Crabapple's ability to connect past struggles with contemporary issues. ([penguinrandomhouse.com](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/646320/here-where-we-live-is-our-country-by-molly-crabapple/?utm_source=openai))

However, the book is not without its challenges. The dense historical detail, while commendable, may overwhelm readers unfamiliar with Eastern European history or Jewish political movements. Additionally, Crabapple's passionate advocacy for the Bund's ideals occasionally borders on hagiography, potentially glossing over internal conflicts and shortcomings within the movement.

In conclusion, "Here Where We Live Is Our Country" is a formidable and essential read for those interested in Jewish history, socialist movements, and the ongoing struggle for human rights. Crabapple's fusion of art and narrative creates a compelling homage to a movement that, despite its obliteration, offers enduring lessons for our contemporary world.

Final Recommendation: Highly recommended!

Recommendation: Highly recommended!

written on: 4/16/2026