Creating Beauty from the Abyss

Lesley has done an amazing service in preserving and presenting the life of Sam Herciger to us. It is an intimate portrait of a life which experienced the extremes of suffering and joy. No wonder his art overflowed from within him. She moves from the life of Sam himself to sections which provide the needed historical background. As she does so, she captures in searing prose the horrors of the Holocaust, while at the same time showing glimpses of the humanity, faith and goodness present in its victims. Reading her book is a journey well worth the taking. - Colin Barnes, M.Th., author of They Conspire against Your People; the European Churches in the Holocaust

This gripping testimony presents a vivid tapestry, weaving the dark Genocide together with the bright will of one man who longed to express his art. Sam's works remain a testimony of triumph. - Dr. Meridel Rawlings Ph.D., author of Fishers and Hunters, Stain Remover

Lesley Ann Richardson's new book Creating Beauty From the Abyss is ariveting manuscript that should be required reading for this generation. It is a biography of Holocaust survivor and Israeli artist Sam Herciger, with each chapter of one man's story set within the context of brilliantly researched historic narrative. The gripping tale of artist Sam Herciger describes the heroic spirit of Holocaust survivors and the supernatural strength often imparted in the most dire circumstances, even when their bed was made in Hell. Lesley Ann Richardson has painstakingly given us a monumental work of historic fact and power. - Christine Darg, Founder, The Jerusalem Channel