In Spite of It All

An ominous darkness hangs over the streets of Vienna, but in the large dining room of our house, the chandelier is lit, and some of the soft light spills out to the darkened streets. I lie on my mattress, which has been relocated to a makeshift bed under the enormous grand piano. My room has been given over to refugees.

My parents are sure that I’m fast asleep, dreaming the sweet dreams of a carefree six-year-old, and so they don’t even try to censor the intense conversations that fill the room. But under the piano, while they think I’m sleeping, I hear every single, fearsome word.

The many refugees who fill our house bare their souls and reveal their deepest fears. They describe in gruesome, terrifying detail the persecution of the Nazi German government from which they escaped by the skin of their teeth. I lie still and I listen. I listen to every word.

A small, close-knit family is thrown without warning into a whirlwind of wandering, escape, hair-raising border smuggling, and death camps. The family members cling to life with all their might. Throughout their struggles, they encounter sinister, hypocritical individuals, beasts in human clothing and murderers of the worst caliber. On the other hand, they experience Jewish heroism, the Chosen People’s greatness of spirit and even humanity of loyal righteous gentiles.

With his talented pen and engaging style, the author draws us into his fascinating life story, replete with ups and downs, breathtaking moments and perfectly orchestrated hashgachah pratis. This is a fully authentic account, full of suspense, with no need for added drama or fantasy to engage the readers and leave them with eternal, invaluable assets.