Heirlooms

In 1956 Hungary, one of Russia’s satellites in Eastern Europe, revolted against the restrictive regime that controlled this country. During the short period of freedom that existed until Russian tanks quelled the revolution, spirits were high and hope ruled the population. When it became obvious that Hungary couldn’t defend its freedom, citizens left the country by the thousands to begin a new life in the West. This novel follows the journey of one family as they make the difficult decision to leave their lives behind and look toward the future with hope. They take this huge step with trepidation, knowing that they will be burning bridges and going into the unknown. Heirlooms explores the response of three generations as they face the challenges of their new lives and environment. The book follows their disappointments, their struggles and failures and persistence in the face of many difficulties. Often they are torn between loyalty to their past, their history, and the demands of adjusting to that which is foreign and uncomfortable. Their struggle epitomizes the dilemma of the immigrant: caught between two worlds, not belonging to either, unable to call the new land truly their own.