This is the story of my family's escape from Hungary during the Revolution in 1956 and our subsequent immigration to Canada.
For the Children is a narrative memoir that tells the true story of the author’s family's escape from Hungary and immigration to Canada in 1956, told from the viewpoint of the seven year old child he was at the time.
After numerous attempts to flee from a revolution torn Stalinist Hungary ending in capture and disappointment, the author’s parents’ pursuit to give their children a better life finally bears success as they walk to freedom across a well guarded and mine strewn border. This is a gripping tale of bravery and the will to survive, the sometimes heart-breaking struggle for freedom, and the wonder and difficulties inherent in starting a life in a new country.
Professional Reviews
4*
An illuminating story of the difficulties of the author's family trying to escape from behind the Iron Curtain and make their way to North America.
Written in a forthright manner, and very much written as a family history., the book follows the family through all the heartaches of leaving, the tensions of the waiting and the difficulties they encountered on their escape.
5*
Easy reading of a very moving real life story which tailored the lives of friends that we care a lot.
4*
An illuminating story of the difficulties of the author's family trying to escape from behind the Iron Curtain and make their way to North America.
Written in a forthright manner, and very much written as a family history., the book follows the family through all the heartaches of leaving, the tensions of the waiting and the difficulties they encountered on their escape.
Personal, first-hand histories of an individual family's escape from Stalinist Hungary is so important because as time passes, we tend to forget that the struggle for freedom in Hungary never happened amid the current day issues and problems. It is so important to get history right before it is lost to those who manipulated for their various purposes.
I recall very vividly when this happened. A few families came to my hometown and I do recall one girl welcomed by us in class when I was in the ninth grade. I don't believe she graduated with us, perhaps her family moved or she was in another class than mine.
Rosetta was born in 1909 as the youngest of ten children. The family had more laughter than money and neighbors would knock on their door to ask, "Can we come in and laugh, too?"
