Book Description

Around midnight, early October 1944. Riga. A Latvian father and his six-year-old son flee their home and the land of their birth for an uncertain future. The world is at war and their journey will be perilous. Life throws the dice – and for Martins Saldais the toss was unlucky. Yet one thing sustained him: his promise to his young wife on her deathbed that he would always look after Juris, their baby son. Six years later, facing deportation or worse, Martins and Juris fled their homeland. Their refugee journey was often horrifying. Constantly anxious and at times starving, they travelled some 800 kilometres through war-torn Europe – around half of that on foot – to reach the safety of the British zone in Germany. In mid 1949, after a four-year wait in Displaced Persons camps, they were heading for Australia. Despite the trauma of their refugee experience, their persistent poverty, and the difficulties they faced in adjusting to a new country, a new language and a new way of life, Juris (George) became everything his father could have hoped for. His success was enabled by his father’s sacrifice and unconditional love. And by a promise made long ago. A memoir that is at times harrowing, confronting and sad, but ultimately redemptive. It is a testament to what love can enable in the face of relentless hardship.