Frank Koerner sought to demystify the Sudetenland homeland of his parents, which “vanished” when he was a child. He journeyed to the former Czechoslovakia (the present Czech Republic's provinces of Bohemia and Moravia) and what he found was magically fascinating. His book recounts his discoveries, flavored by their intriguing happenstances. The vignettes are written with a commendable command of language and style. Mr. Koerner smartly balances personal emotions and reactions with historical information, while presenting a clear depiction of his trip overseas. Each recounted tale occurred during an excursion to that faraway land which no longer “exists.” Why is he drawn to a region from which people of his heritage are vengefully banned in perpetuity? His marvelous ability to depict a personal anecdote or memory to highlight its timelessness and universality is remarkable.

A Heritage Disappeared ! Where did it go?
The link above takes you to the book's website. Several reviews are presented, as is a link to a 20 minute audio interview by DearMYRTLE's Family History Hour. What is Frank's book about? It is difficult to categorize. Set as a memoir that overcomes bi-cultural hurdles, this book embraces elements of travel, adventure, history, customs, culture, exploration, geography, politics (past, present, future), ethnic cleansing, deportation, genealogy, heritage, childhood memories, Human Rights, Jungian synchronicity, (Whew!) and humor. All this unfolds in a land that no longer exists. Join Frank on his trip as he discovers "the missing piece of his heritage puzzle" and relates its unique, modern connection to the events of World War II, Adolf Hitler, Nazi Germany, Edward Benes, Neville Chamberlain, Benito Mussolini, Edward Daladier, the Munich Agreement (1938), and Longfellow's Evangeline (1755). See why Frank's story is still relevant in today's European Union (EU).