Jalynn Venis, a resident of Springfield, has recently released her book, "Janina's War," inspired by the true World War II experiences of her aunt, Janina Korzeniewska. Venis describes the project as "a labor of love" and regards her aunt as the most remarkable person she has known.
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At the onset of World War II, Korzeniewska was a 17-year-old cosmetology student in Warsaw, Poland. Following the German bombing of the city, she fled her vocational school, only to be captured by a Nazi captain. Venis recounts, "After being captured by the Germans on the first day of WWII, the captain, who was attracted to her, put Janina on top of a tank with bags of stolen goods from hotel guests and told her to deliver them to German headquarters." During this risky ride, Janina managed to cling to the tank while bullets flew around her, ultimately escaping from the immediate danger.
Korzeniewska's resilience and charm appear to have played a crucial role in her survival. She eventually escaped captivity and worked to help her family smuggle Jews out of the Warsaw Ghetto. Korzeniewska faced multiple captures throughout the war but consistently found ways to escape and assist others. Venis highlights her aunt's indomitable spirit, recalling an incident where Korzeniewska led a group of women to safety during an Allied bombing raid after they were forced to work in a German munitions factory.
Venis began interviewing her aunt in 2018 for the book, having grown up hearing her aunt’s survival stories. Korzeniewska passed away in October 2019 at the age of 97 in Carmel, Indiana. Venis, originally from Dallas, Texas, has lived in Colorado for 38 years before moving to Springfield to be closer to family. She finds the landscape of her new home inspiring for her writing.
Since its release this summer, "Janina's War" has garnered positive reviews on Amazon and is available for $15.99. Venis has also written a screenplay based on the story, currently under review by executives in Los Angeles. She aims for readers to find inspiration in her aunt's story, which she believes highlights the spirit of resistance against fascism and oppression.
Venis will participate in the inaugural Troy Book Fest on October 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Troy-Miami County Public Library, where she will discuss her novel.