From Vera's Recollections: Survival Strategies for the Blackboard Jungle

by Lily R.L. Kalman

Much have been written about the events of the World War II. And the atrocities connected to it. Yet personal experiences are inexhaustible in this subject matter. In this biographical novel, -- quoting Walt Whitman -- 'A reminiscence sings.' From Vera's Recollections --Book I --is giving account from Vera's heart-rending childhood to her early, agonized adolescent. The story took place in Hungary between the years of 1930's and 1940's. Separated from her family after the death of her father Vera was placed in a Jewish Girl Orphanage in Budapest at the age of six. Grieving over her father's death and embittered over the separation from the rest of the family she endeavored to fit in the strange surroundings, which she disliked from the day she entered into it. Vera struggled through eight difficult years in the Orphanage. During these times World War II began and rabid anti-Semitism gained momentum in the country. Vera found the hate-filled environment perturbing and felt disconcerted when it personally affected her through the casualty of her two uncles. Vera core concern was to reunite with her family after she graduated from the Institute, with her hope nearly realized the Germans occupied Hungary. The new Government issued laws against the Jews daily. Among the laws were restrictions in travel which makes Vera separated from her family permanently.

336 pages, Paperback

First published March 17, 2005