False papers

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False Papers tells the story of a Jewish family who survived the Holocaust by living openly under false identities. Robert Melson's mother, through sheer determination, secured identity papers that disguised her family as Polish Catholics, adopting the noble persona of the Zamojskis. Operating under the belief that visibility could protect them, the family, now the Count and Countess Zamojski and their son, Count Bobi, navigated life in plain sight, blending in with elegance and confidence. Melson's father leveraged his impeccable German to forge a successful business relationship with a German businessman akin to Schindler, allowing the Zamojskis to inhabit beautiful homes in Krakow and Prague, where they entertained Nazi officials. Their elaborate masquerade not only saved their lives but also those of an uncle and three Jewish women, one of whom became part of their family. The narrative is candid and occasionally humorous, portraying a stylish family that dazzled the Nazis before gradually unraveling post-war. Melson, a child during these events, reflects on his family's experiences, shifting between identities as a Catholic, a Jewish child, and a refugee. By intertwining adult perspectives with his childhood insights, Melson creates a poignant, entertaining, and troubling account of resilience against the Nazi regime.