The Longing: A Canadian Family's World War II Odyssey (Paperback or Softback)

A Canadian family caught behind enemy lines in World War II and a mother's longing to bring her family home.

“In that year (1939) they decided to make a trip to Germany, where Werner's mother is still living, in Hamburg. They did not sell their land, as this trip was intended as a visit rather than a migration. They sailed on the ship Hansa from New York. Ten days after their arrival in Hamburg, World War II broke out.” Jacob Ulmer, 1956

"... an amazing memoir

… In this story you will find suspense, strong characters and clear storytelling
… The author's voice is fresh and genuine
… By the end of this memoir, the reader has forged a relationship with the family.

"Dorothy’s mother Betty writes: 'Isn't it a crazy world! Why must there be war at all and why does fate arrange it so that people are forced to be the enemies of not only people of their own nationality but even the members of their own families.'

This book has a strong setting and interesting characters. Anyone with an interest in World War 2 will appreciate this glimpse into the life of a family that was caught in unusual circumstances and lived to tell the tale.

"A thoroughly enjoyable and well paced read.

"The author includes a number of anecdotes and details which are often amusing. There are simple and happy family stories of children playing with farm animals and then Betty's worries about the war and her husband's mental health. The background history is enlightening and told from a different perspective from other war time stories. Some of the stories are astonishing, such as Betty's rape by the two Russian soldiers while her children are in the house and can hear their mother's cries! "You could not stop those guys. So you just had to let it happen." As I read those words my heart wept for the woman!

"The world knows so much about Europe at war and how Germany fell under the hypnotic spell of Hitler. We discover the kind of children who became members of "Hitler Youth"

"This book adds an interesting historical record: what happens to a Canadian family trapped in Germany during WW2. What would happen to the Canadians if England really loses power? What will become of Canada?

page 112 describing what it was like to plan a night time escape from the Russians.
page 116 Later, much safer in West Germany, we heard the news our guide was caught with the next group he tried to take across the border, and they were all shot.

page 113 the letter from the Red Cross informing her that they were not able to put her name on the list of recipients of Red Cross parcels. Paper was at a premium so she used the letter to write another letter…. Tea also was precious as a prized thing to barter for other things. Money was useless since there was little to buy.

It is inspiring that Mandy dedicates her book to the people of Poland who lost 20% of its pre-war population. Many Polish people risked their own lives to assist the family in their time of need."

Whistler Independent Book Awards review

From the Canadian prairie to war-torn Germany, occupied Poland, and back to Canada, Dorothy Mandy's journey is marked by a unique tale of both Canadian heritage and immigrant experience. As an adult, Dorothy has lived in a co-operative community, and she played an instrumental role in establishing Haven House, a refuge for battered women and children in Nanaimo, BC. She volunteered at the Sexual Assault Centre and served on the District 68 School Board. Dorothy's passion for advocating women's rights brought her to represent Alberta Women at the National Action Committee on the Status of Women. She now lives with her longtime partner in British Columbia, where she enjoyed the German Choir and served on the executive of the Canadian Society for German Culture to celebrate the culture and music of her youth. She has found her spiritual community with the Nanaimo Unitarian Fellowship.

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