Author Talk: Maya's Dance with Helen Signy & Michelle Barraclough

Join author Helen Signy in conversation with Michelle Barraclough as they discuss her new book, Maya’s Dance. Her fictional novel is inspired by the true story of Lucie Pollak-Langford, a Holocaust survivor who lived out her life in Sydney.

Helen met Lucie through a mutual friend and is now supported by Lucie's family to tell her story through this novel. Helen drew from Lucie's self-published memoir, My Memoir, her oral testimonies, as part of Steven Spielberg’s USC Shoah Foundation project, survivor accounts, interviews, and research including visits to Auschwitz, Sawin, Sobibór, and Majdanek in Poland.

Maya, a young dancer during the Holocaust, finds freedom through dance. Forced to perform for a Commandant at a labor camp, she captures the heart of a Polish guard named Jan who helps her escape, but they lose touch. Fifty years later, Maya teams up with journalist Kate to search for Jan and reunite.

A timely story of survival, resilience and enduring love set in the darkest of circumstances.

Books will be available for purchase and signing on the night.

$5.00 + booking fee

Non-alcoholic refreshments and nibbles on arrival.

Bookings required.

Writers & Readers: "Maya’s Dance" by Helen Signy

Join author Helen Signy in conversation with Angela Mollard about Helen's new book Maya’s Dance. This novel is inspired by the true story of Lucie Pollak-Langford, a Holocaust survivor who lived in Sydney and died in 2021.

Author Talk with Helen Signy

Come join us with an author talk with Helen Signy as we help launch her new book 'Maya's Dance.'

Helen Signy in conversation with Claire Halliday

Join Helen in conversation with Claire Halliday as they delve into the research and writing journey involved in crafting and honouring the remarkable story of Lucie Pollak-Langford.

Suitable for ages 15 and up.

Sydney Jewish Museum - Meet the Author

Holocaust survival stories defy logic. They are tales where 1000 little pieces have to come together in order to save one life. Such is the case with the story of Lucie Pollak-Langford (1926-2021), a survivor from Brno, Czechoslovakia, whose life was saved by a Polish engineer, Jan Hensel. 

Lucie wrote her memoir in 2014. Now, 10 years later, her story has been turned into a heartfelt novel by the English-Australian author, Helen Signy.

Join Helen and Museum staff including Jacqui Wasilewsky, Historian Konrad Kwiet and Head of Community Engagement, Kathy Baykitch, as they discuss the power and complexities of turning memoir into fiction. 

This event is held in partnership with Simon & Schuster.

Discover a debut author: Helen Signy

Maya’s Dance is a powerful story of survival, resilience and enduring love for fans of Heather Morris, Anthony Doerr and Armando Lucas Correa.

A moving historical romance debut inspired by a true Holocaust story, Maya’s Dance follows the incredible escape of a teenager from a Nazi labour camp in Poland, 1942. 

Inspired by the true story of Lucie Pollack-Langford, a Holocaust survivor who lived in Sydney and died in 2021, Maya’s Dance follows seventeen-year-old Maya Schulze who is struggling to survive in a brutal Nazi labour camp. Maya finds courage and beauty in dancing, and falls in love with Jan, a guard. Fifty years later Maya tells her story to a journalist hoping to find Jan before it’s too late.

Maya’s Dance is thoroughly researched, but firmly a fictional novel that also examines the long-term effects of trauma, how survivors use the trauma to create something beautiful and have a desire for their stories to be heard.

Debut author Helen Signy is an Australian writer and print journalist who grew up in England. Most of her writing involves science communication for academics, governments and not-for-profits, but she never lost her passion for telling an amazing story. 

Come along and hear about Helen’s extensive research into Lucie’s story that led her to Auschwitz, Sawin, Sobibór and Majdanek in Poland and her journey to publication. 

This author talk is part of our Discover a Debut Author Series, helping you discover your next great read by connecting you with an exciting new voice in fiction. Read outside your comfort zone, get a new perspective, and discover a new favourite!

Book Launch: Maya's Dance by Helen Signy

Join us to celebrate the launch of Maya’s Dance, by talented local journalist Helen Signy. From 6pm on the 6th March at Harry Hartog Warringah Mall!

‘If there is one thing you learn from Maya's Dance, it is that art sets us free. An unforgettable and moving love story in the midst of one of the darkest and most terrible times of humanity. A book that from the first page you can't stop reading.’ Armando Lucas Correa, bestselling author of The German Girl

‘Maya's Dance combines the perfect blend of tragic heartache and enduring hope.’ Anita Abriel, bestselling author of The Light After the War

‘This novel, based on the true story of a Holocaust survivor, resonates with the horrors of these terrible times.’ Maya Lee, bestselling author of The Nazis Knew My Name