And the Walls Sang

Olga Swan

May 2026 · Book Guild Publishing

About this ebook

Spanning three centuries, this vivid narrative explores the rise of Birmingham’s Jewish community through the lens of its magnificent Grade II* listed Singers Hill Synagogue, built in 1856. From the early Jewish families of the seventeenth century to the industrious artisans and entrepreneurs of the Victorian era, the book uncovers a world of tailors, jewellers, cinema pioneers and renowned professionals who helped to shape the city’s character.

Woven throughout is the author’s own family story: a grandfather’s journey from Lithuania, a marriage forged at Singers Hill, and childhood memories of the demanding Victorian Hebrew School.

A rich portrait of a community and a city transformed – and of the places and people whose stories deserve to be remembered.

About the author

Olga Swan has a BA Hons (Open) in the Humanities, majoring in English language and literature. For many years she worked at The University of Birmingham, following which she spent twelve years living in SW France before returning to Birmingham in 2017. She has written fourteen books and is published by The Book Guild, and SpellBound Books.