The Stories We Carry Forward with Sharon Kurtzman

What happens to our family stories if no one carries them forward? This week in The Literary Lounge, Jennifer welcomes author Sharon Kurtzman to discuss her debut novel, The Lost Baker of Vienna, a work of historical fiction inspired by the experiences of her mother, aunt, and grandmother after surviving the Holocaust. Jennifer and Sharon talk about preserving family stories before they’re lost, the lesser-known realities Jewish survivors faced after World War II, and how baking became a symbol of memory, resilience, and hope within the novel. Sharon also shares her remarkable 20-year journey to publication and why she believes the unpublished manuscripts that came before The Lost Baker of Vienna were all leading her to the story she was ultimately meant to tell.  In This EpisodeThe true story that inspired The Lost Baker of ViennaHonoring the past through storytelling The aftermath of war and a lesser-known history Why preserving family stories matters Baking as a connection to memory and heritage Sharon's remarkable 20-year journey to publication Meet Sharon KurtzmanSharon Kurtzman’s debut historical novel, The Lost Baker of Vienna, was published in August 2025 by Pamela Dorman Books/Viking and was inspired by the World War II and postwar experiences of her family. Her novel was a Book of the Month Add-on pick for August 2025, and it will be published in six languages and in over a dozen countries. Prior to becoming an author, Sharon has been an audience research analyst, television ad salesperson, publicist, food writer, the official escort to Danger Mouse at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and a judge at a Chicken Soup Cook-off. Sharon earned her MFA in Fiction from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and her undergraduate degree from Syracuse University. She lives in North Carolina with her husband; they have two adult children.Connect with Sharon sharonkurtzman.comInstagram @sharonkurtzman FacebookSubstack Purchase a copy of The Lost Baker of Vienna  STAY CONNECTED The Literary LoungeFollow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation. Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore) Recommended readsLiterary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co Jennifer CashHost, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge Instagram: @readwithjennifer