From Pain to Storytelling: How Israeli Author John Kiss Confronts October 7 Trauma Through Fiction
Historical fiction often sheds light on overlooked narratives, offering readers a glimpse into the personal struggles and triumphs left out of history books. Through works like The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay, we witness the strength of the human spirit in the face of loss, survival, and unthinkable hardship, reminding us that even in the darkest times, hope prevails.
Another novel to join these powerful narratives is Under the Floorboards, by artist-turned-author John Kiss. A transgender artist from Israel, Kiss (she/her) draws deeply from real-life experiences, using her story to confront the trauma and psychological scars left by war. The novel follows a young boy hiding from the Nazis during World War II, a narrative that resonates with Kiss herself, who felt the weight of hiding in fear during the terror of October 7. Reflecting on this personal connection, Kiss shares, “It felt right to revisit the story to help me deal with the daily uncertainty and fear.” She adds, “In Tel Aviv, hearing the air raid sirens, feeling the collective trauma-it was a stark reminder of what countless others have endured.” This novel is not just a story but a journey through fear, survival, and the echoes of history that continue to shape us.
Source: Kyu Oh
After October 7, the manuscript of Under the Floorboards took on a deeper purpose, transforming into a powerful narrative that brings history to life. Kiss witnessed the fear “that permeated the city” and felt an urgent need to “bring to life the stories of those who, even in the darkest times, found ways to survive.” In the novel, she captures the strength and resilience of those who endured unimaginable hardships.
She began editing her manuscript, a process she says could “honor those who’ve lived through it in the past and the present.” Kiss not only paid tribute to their resilience but also found a way to process her own emotions. Showing us how storytelling has the power to revive those lost stories that continue to impact our lives today.
Though known for street art, Kiss’s shift to fiction stems from a deep, long-held passion for storytelling. “I’ve always felt compelled to write,” she says.“Art is powerful, but certain stories demand the depth and nuance that prose provides.”
Inspired by the true story of Dr. Felix Zandman, who survived the Holocaust by hiding beneath floorboards for over a year, Under the Floorboards explores the emotional toll of survival. The novel delves into Zandman’s trauma, while also honoring the heroes who risked everything to save him: the maid, the moneychanger, and many others. Kiss doesn’t just tell Felix’s story; she brings to light the heroic acts that preserved his life, creating a narrative that resonates deeply with readers.
Source: John Kiss
The emotional journey of writing this novel was intense and cathartic. “The hardest part was capturing the trauma-the constant fear, the loss, the choices people had to make just to stay alive. It’s not easy to write about such dark experiences without overwhelming the reader, but these stories deserve to be told.”
The research for the novel was exhaustive, encompassing survivor testimonies, historical archives, and a visit to Israel’s Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. Zandman’s story, especially his lifelong battle with trauma, deeply resonated with Kiss. “It’s not just about surviving,” she says. “It’s about rising above that trauma and refusing to let it define you.”
The novel shines a light on the heroes of the Holocaust, like the maid and her husband, who risked everything to protect Zandman. “In the face of evil, some people still choose to do good. Those decisions whether to help or turn away what define us as human beings.” Through their courage, Kiss reveals the timeless truth that the choices we make in moments of darkness reflect our humanity.
Writing historical fiction has many challenges, demanding a delicate balance between historical accuracy and emotional truth. “I didn’t want to romanticize anything,” Kiss explains. “The boy in the story is not a traditional hero. He’s just trying to survive, like everyone else, and that’s where the complexity comes in-showing the brutality of war alongside the small acts of kindness that made survival possible.”
Under the Floorboards explores the themes of trauma, survival, and moral ambiguity, challenging readers to reconsider their perceptions of war and its lasting psychological impact. “It’s a story about what it means to be human,” Kiss says. “To feel fear, hope, love, and grief all at once. I hope readers walk away feeling the weight of that experience.”
Kiss often reflects on horrific events like October 7, seeing them as a “wake-up call for humanity.” This moment, she believes, sends a powerful signal to our collective consciousness about our inevitable coexistence. As histories collide and shared human experiences unfold in the wake of tragedy, Kiss feels that October 7 symbolically “compels us to embrace peace as the only viable path forward.” To achieve “lasting peace,” she argues, reconciling with Palestinians and truly “listening to their voices” is the only way to begin the healing process.
This novel doesn’t just tell a story but opens a window into the lasting emotional impact of historical trauma, encouraging readers to reflect on how the echoes of the past continue to shape our present and our humanity.
