H. S. Moore

FROM:

Review

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By Sophie Knab

Before she became an author, Hannia Moore had been in five countries, resided in 12 different cities and towns and could speak five languages. Born into a Jewish family in the

Ukraine. Hannia Moore spent her early years as

one of the “hidden children” of World War II. When her family’s village was bombed by Germans, Moore’s parents fled and placed their baby daughter with a Christian family in a

a nearby village who kept her identity a secret.

After the war the family lived in Poland for a short time before immigrating to Israel.

Moore began to explore her Jewish identity by writing and translating Hebrew poems. At the age of 25, she immigrated to Canada and taught Judaic studies in Winnipeg and at the

Hebrew Academy of Toronto. A few years later she moved once

again – to New York City. Even though she earned her livelihood in the fashion industry, she never lost her interest in Jewish studies, immigrant history and literature.

Her research led her to the poem “The New Colossus,” inscribed on the Pedestal of the statue of Liberty written

written by 19th century Jewish poet, Emma Lazarus.

Most people do not recognize the title of the poem or the name or the name of the woman who penned it, but its famous

lines bring instant recognition.

The poem was written 120 years ago. The author remained largely in obscurity until 1930s when the poem was rediscovered and with it, the recognition that Emma Lazarus

so largely deserved.

Hannia Moore’s book, Liberty’s Poet, Emma Lazarus, fills an important gap in recognizing America's early women poets

and writers. Moore’s work in Jewish studies helped her find a strong voice for the life of a woman who is increasingly being regarded as America’s first Jewish Americann poet.

The book is written for children but even adults will find the book highly enjoyable.

I recently spoke with Ms. Moore.

Hannia Moore on writing: I was about 10 when I first started to write short poems. It evolved into journaling. In college I was in the habit of jotting down a sentence or two – just little ideas as they occurred. I never thought of becoming a writer – it just helped to get clarity about what I was thinking.

Sophie Knab: How long did it take to write Liberty’s Poet, Emma Lazarus?

HM: It took almost six years but I was devoting time to other projects as well. Prior to that, I’d spent 3-4 years on the research. I had no idea that this would be a book, I wanted to find out as much as I could just to satisfy my own curiosity.

SK: Are there any particular challengers in writing for children?

HM: You don’t want the writing to be formal. It has to be lively. I had to walk a delicate balance because this book is set in the 19th century. I tried to be true to the flavor of the period.

SK: Any advice for new writers?

HM: One needs to cultivate enough self knowledge to be able to recognize the negative self-talk and habits that undermine one’s confidence and to go past them. If you want to (write), I would encourage you to impose some self-discipline. You can

have discipline if you are writing about what matters to you. Then you have the passion, the dedication and the will to write and rewrite and do whatever it takes. I like what Ralph Waldo Emerson says to Emma Lazarus in the book: "An artist

spends himself like a crayon, till he is all gone.” Getting started is difficult for young and old alike. It is never too late.

(From: Literature/ Forever Young.)