About Under the Floorboards by John Kiss
Based on a true story.
War turns ordinary people into heroes.
1943. WWII wreaks havoc upon Poland. The Nazis send the entire population of the Grodno ghetto to the trains. Except for those who managed to escape.
One boy flees through dense forests, seeking survival. As Nazi patrols close in, the scent of his fear draws the vicious soldier dogs near. He must find a place to hide.
In his desperation, he reaches a cabin at the forest’s edge. Inside, a Christian woman catches sight of him through the window and immediately understands his plight. She faces an agonizing choice: should she open the door and risk her family’s safety to save this boy, or turn him away to protect her own?
In war, acts of kindness become acts of defiance.
How will she deal with suspicious neighbors wishing to turn in anyone in exchange for food? Will she be able to fool the Nazi soldiers? And what will happen if more Jewish fugitives knock on her doorstep?
Under The Floorboards is a riveting tale of suspense and hope, based on a remarkable true story. A richly drawn novel that shines a light on the unsung heroes whose sacrifices are often forgotten.
Praise for Under the Floorboards:
“Kiss’s dynamic debut… weaves together the perils of war with a moving exploration of what freedom truly means.” – Boston Chronicle
“An extraordinary novel of pain, love, and homecoming… A haunting and powerful premiere.” –The Montreal Herald
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John Kiss, born Johnathan Kis-Lev in 1985 to Russian Jewish immigrants, grew up in the scenic village of Mishmar Ayalon on the outskirts of Jerusalem. From an early age, Kiss was drawn to the power of art and literature, believing in their ability to bring people together. At 16, Kiss was granted a Visual Arts scholarship that took the aspiring artist on an educational journey to Pearson College in British Columbia. After two years of artistic exploration in Canada, Kiss returned to Israel and completed studies in art and psychology at the Open University of Israel.
Kiss’s work as a street artist is fueled by a commitment to peace and social change. Murals like “The 27 Club” and “The Peace Kids” bring messages of unity and resilience to the streets of Tel Aviv, sparking reflection on the importance of empathy in a divided world. The artist’s work has been showcased in solo exhibitions across Israel and the United States, continuing to inspire and challenge audiences.
In addition to artistic work, Kiss has authored several books that delve into the complex histories and unlikely connections formed during World War II. Novels such as “Dear Tolstoy, Yours Gandhi” (2017) and “The Two Marias” (2020) reflect Kiss’s interest in exploring resilience and the ties that bridge diverse lives. The author’s latest work, “Under The Floorboards,” released in September 2024, continues this exploration with a focus on quiet acts of courage in unexpected places.
Now based in Los Angeles, California, Kiss continues to balance a passion for visual art and storytelling, often drawing on both in creative endeavors.