This is the story of a family who became embroiled in the most perilous episodes of the twentieth century. Through their uncomprehending eyes, we see the history of their beloved Prague and of the wider events that tear their lives apart. Their tragic story traces the major events, turmoil, suffering and triumphs of Europe in the 20th Century - from the vibrant artistic and intellectual life of Prague in the times of Kafka to the concentration camps of Hitler and from the tyrannous rule of Stalin to liberation under Havel. Told from Ivan's perspective, it is a tragic but also uplifting tale that tells of a life lived with purpose and conviction, in the face of personal suffering and sacrifice.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements. 1. Journey with my Lost Father. 2. Lonely Times. 3. The Safety of Bratislava. 4. Rudolf. 5. Heda. 6. Rudolf: Into Adulthood. 7. Heda: Life's Endings and Beginnings. 8. Between the Wars. 9. An Impotent Army. 10. Chances of Survival. 11. Transport to Lodz. 12. A Stumble out of Auschwitz-Birkenau. 13. Return to Prague. 14. From Idealism into Self-Destruction. 15. Politics Taking Over. 16. Stranded in the Forcefully Distorted Economy. 17. The Soviets Arrive. 18. Journeys of Misunderstanding. 19. Towards Manufactured Guilt. 20. Ways into Detention. 21. To Nowhere. 22. In the Name of the Party. 23. Making Trade. 24. Ruzyne" Interlude. 25. The Theatre of Absurdity. 26. A Trip to the Land of No Return. 27. The Last Journey. 28. Sinking Deeper. 29. Towards Beauty. 30. A Walk from School. 31. Youthful Dreams. 32. The Emergence of Truth. 33. Living Anew. Appendices: Families and Friends, Artists and Writers, Defendants, Politicians and Interrogators. Notes. Index.

About the Author

Ivan Margolius was born in Prague, where he began studying architecture at the Czech Institute of Technology. In 1966 he arrived in the United Kingdom and completed his training, before practicing at Foster and Partners, Skidmore Owings & Merrill, and Yorke Rosenberg Mardall. He is the author and co-author of many award winning historical, architectural and design publications, including Prague - a guide to twentieth-century architecture, Tatra - The Legacy of Hans Ledwinka, Art + Architecture, Architects + Engineers = Structures and Czech Inspiration. He is the son of JUDr Rudolf Margolius, who was murdered as a results of the infamous Slansky Trial in Prague.

Reviews

"...stands as an important testimony to tragic times..." (The Prague Post, July 2006) "It's a memorable story which stays in the mind long after the last page has been turned." (Nottingham Evening Post, December 2006)