A sweeping story of a Romanian family’s miraculous survival of World War II, becoming refugees, fleeing communism, starving after the war, and coming to the United States to live the American Dream.
Life in rural Romania was full of promise for the young Maroscher family. Gustav loved teaching and Helene was busy raising two boys and managing their small farm. The war changed everything. In September, 1944, Gustav was on the front when the Russians broke through. Knowing their army’s reputation for brutality, Helene fled with her sons to her sister’s house in Weimar, Germany.
During the three-week train trip they faced hardships, including numerous air attacks. Helene transformed from a shy young mother into a lioness, “negotiating” with a Nazi refugee camp director, illegal pistol pointed at his head, to save her younger son. They faced frequent bombing raids until the end of the war.
Winner of the Independent Author Network’s 2016 Book of The Year in the Non-fiction / History category.
Independent Author Network
Conditions under American occupation were tolerable, but worsened when the Russians replaced the Americans. Gustav became a prisoner of war. He was released in poor health and returned home, only to face certain arrest and a slave labor camp in Russia. He was saved by a Jewish friend, now the communist police commissioner, whom Gustav had helped years before, at considerable danger to himself. Eventually his friend could protect him no longer, and Gustav fled to the West.
A memoir that offers a rare, under-represented perspective of World War II.
Kirkus Reviews
Hoping to reunite the family, Helene and her sons made a dangerous nighttime border crossing from communist East Germany to the West. After being reunited in West Germany they faced more deprivation and hunger. The family immigrated to the USA and embraced the freedoms and opportunities of America. Through diligent work and study, Gustav became an engineer who worked on NASA’s Moon Shot. Helene also worked hard, raised her sons, and became an independent business woman after Gustav’s death. Their sons continue to thrive and enjoy their freedom.
The book speaks of the resilience of the human spirit, dedication to family, and the love of freedom.
Read the first two pages of the book to discover the story behind the book’s unusual title!
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Gerhard has published a revised and re-edited Second Edition, in a handy 6in x 9in format.
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From a reader:
This is such a fantastic read. I was running, hiding and starving my way through Chapter 12 with you.
I had never heard of the Morgenthau Plan until reading this book. I noticed the parallel of political moves over the last few years with our country with that of Europe in the 1940s. Then the wonders of immigrating to the United States of America, and realizing the American Dream.
I’ve had a great deal of respect for Gerhard for the last 25 years, and this book explains a lot of what experiences turned him into the wonderful person he is. Thank you for finally writing this book Gerhard. It truly has been a blessing. Now to pass it on to my children to experience!
Christopher Thacker