Looking Back

It is a fascinating, exciting, and highly extraordinary story that is intertwined with personal experiences. Numerous intriguing historical references are made to expose the hypocrisy of justice, exaggerated or deliberately distorted and conveniently forgotten facts that victors are loath to have unearthed; and explores the prevailing mind set of people before the war and afterwards. It portrays a young German boy who personally witnessed the horrible tragedy of war, listened to veteran soldiers and civilians describe their ordeal of inhumane suffering. Thanks to the capable guidance of loving paternal grandparents, who were there for him in his desperate hours, they had instilled in him a solid foundation for life. After a poignant departure from Germany and a harrowing sea voyage filled with humor and suspense, Rudie arrived safely in his new home and quickly realized the absolute necessity of learning a new language. His hopes for a new life and an unexpected short residency in Canada were shattered by the death of his father (Vati). Only after his birth mother had been coerced to take care of him was it possible for him to immigrate to the United States. Rudie developed more fondness for his stepfather than he ever had for his mother; who denied him her estate when she died. Tragic circumstances forced him to assume an adult posture when he was thirteen years old. It is a plethora of human emotions, ranging from grief to hilarious humor and eventual success; despite often seemingly insurmountable odds.