No Paved Road to Freedom - A Dramatic and Inspiring Story of Human Struggle Against Overwhelming Odds - Based on a True Story

by Sharon R Rushton

A gripping and emotional story, No Paved Road To Freedom humanizes the impact of communist occupation in Romania after World War II. It is relevant, it inspires, and it reminds us that freedom is precious. Based on a true story, it documents the extraordinary courage of Cornel Dolana and his family as they pay an incredible price for resisting communism. Cornel makes up his mind to escape the oppression and uses his ingenuity to put his plan in place. His fortitude keeps him moving toward his goal, despite enduring enormous setbacks, brutality, and extreme outdoor elements that few humans could survive. Award Winning Gold Medal, 2012 Stars and Flags Book Awards; Bronze Medal, 2012 Military Writers Society of America; Book of the Month, February 2012, Military Writers Society of America.

Genres: Historical Fiction

322 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2011

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came to my attention because some friends were in FL and met the man, Cornel Dolana, whom the story is about. Cornel told my friends about the book and a bit of his escape from Communist Romania. This is an amazing story of determination, bravery, & perseverance! Surely makes you cherish the precious freedoms we have in the USA and too often, take for granted. The author did a nice job of illustrating the struggles of communist occupation, spanning a time frame from the last days of WWII to 1960. I was surprised and appalled to learn of such oppressive conditions in Europe. Very much an inspirational story for all to read!! Fast-paced and easy to read. It will give the reader a renewed appreciation of living in America.

I've read that a movie producer has optioned the movie rights for this book!

[Matthew Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most influential and touching books I've ever read. It is in my top 10 of nonfiction books I've read along with Moonwalking with Einstein.

[Michelle Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

True story

[Linda Curths · Rating 5 out of 5]

My grandparents immigrated from the Banat area in the early 1900's. I found it very interesting to learn what it was like after they left. If they hadn't gone when the did......

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping and emotional story, No Paved Road To Freedom humanizes the impact of communist occupation in Romania after World War II. It is relevant, it inspires, and it reminds us that freedom is precious. Based on a true story, it documents the extraordinary courage of Cornel Dolana and his family as they pay an incredible price for resisting communism. Cornel makes up his mind to escape the oppression and uses his ingenuity to put his plan in place. His fortitude keeps him moving toward his goal, despite enduring enormous setbacks, brutality, and extreme outdoor elements that few humans could survive. Award Winning Book: Gold Medal, 2012 Stars and Flags Book Awards; Bronze Medal, 2012 Military Writers Society of America; Book of the Month, February 2012, Military Writers Society of America.

[K.N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of one man's life and escape from Communist Romania. It was an eye-opener for me. I've read a lot of books on North Korea and found it surprising and appalling that such conditions were also in Europe.

This is a fast read. It's well-paced, informative, and it keeps you engaged and on the edge of your seat, especially when the planning for escape begins.

I wish that there had been more about Mr. Dolana's story after his escape, but that is nit-picking. Rushton did a satisfactory job in the Epilogue.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Representative of the struggle for freedom and broached the convoluted and pernicious consequences of communism from a very personal level. The maps and photos at the conclusion of the book were nice!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not normally a reader of non-fiction but for some reason the description of this book intrigued me. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. The story of Cornel Dolana's escape from communist Romania was both horrifying and inspiring.

[John and Carol Jeffries · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Paved Road to Freedom is a first-person account of life in WWII and communist Romania by a man who amazingly managed to escape. I would rate this riveting account as a must-read. There but for the grace of God could one day be America.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

reminder to cherish our freedoms, God bless America

[Natalie Greve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read. Could not put down. Well written account of one man's determination to escape communism. A-mazing!

[Sheila Dunbar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story, but somewhat stilted and dry style of writing.