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My Dear Boy
- A World War II Story of Escape, Exile, and Revelation
- Narrated by: Kate Mulligan, Traber Burns
- Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins
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My Dear Boy
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Summary
After the death of Joanie Holzer Schirm's parents in 2000, she found hundreds of letters, held together by rusted paperclips and stamped with censor marks, sent from Czechoslovakia, Great Britain, China, and South and North America, along with journals, vintage film, taped interviews, and photographs. In working through these various materials documenting the life of her father, Oswald "Valdik" Holzer, she learned of her family history through his remarkable experiences of exile and loss, resilience and hope.
In this posthumous memoir, Schirm elegantly recreates her father's youthful voice as he comes of age as a Jew in interwar Prague, escapes from a Nazi-held army unit, practices medicine in China's war-ravaged interior, and settles in the United States to start a family. Introducing us to a diverse cast of characters ranging from the humorous to the menacing, Holzer's life story is an inspirational account of survival during wartime, a cinematic epic spanning multiple continents, and ultimately a tale with a twist-a book that will move listeners for generations to come.
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What listeners say about My Dear Boy
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- bragasaga
- 26-07-22
Beautifully read and captivating true story
Beautifully read, beautifully detailed; this book does an excellent job of placing you within the web of historical events, contacts and trials of someone fleeing hideous persecution yet still trying to help others less fortunate in a far off land, retaining a humanity that is so important to his loved ones and a core value. His efforts to aid family and friends; his good fortune in meeting the love of his life and everything that follows is brought to life and a worthy tribute.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 03-08-22
Brought to life
The author has brought to life her father and other family members in a wonderfully happy and terribly sad story.
He would be very proud of this book.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 26-07-22
A wonderful insight
Such a sad tale but excellently compiled by the author. Opening up history in this manner is amazing. I also enjoyed learning more about the war in China with Japan. Thank you.
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- Jackie
- 22-04-24
Moving...
...an inspiring but heartbreaking llife journey....it is amazingly sad that one man can create the hell hitler did....
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