The Life of an Immigrant - Softcover

Inhaltsangabe

When we cross the sea and leave behind the land of our forebears, we pack our belongings into suitcases to bring with us. When we arrive, we put up pictures on walls and place trinkets on sideboards and mantelpieces—things we can bequeath to our descendants. But we can’t do this with the memories that are buried deep in our skulls. These we have to transform into words on paper or screen to pass on. — Rudolf Alois Zimmer

The Life of an Immigrant is a deeply personal and captivating autobiography by Rudolf (Rudy) Alois Zimmer, as he carries on with the family saga begun in Dear Hanna and Dear Martl.

Born in 1935 to a pacifist family, Rudy gives a first-hand account of growing up in Nazi Germany, including being hidden deep in the Black Forest with a foster farm family to ensure he is safe and has enough to eat near the end of WWII. Rudy shares what it is like coming of age in postwar Germany, and how the family survives during the “Hunger Years” and the “Economic Miracle” that follows.

In 1957, he, his brother, and a friend leave for Canada. Not fluent in English, they have to take on any kind of work that provides income to survive. Rudy makes Canada his home. Working and studying hard, Rudy finds lasting love, earns academic degrees, and sets math education on a new path in Canada and abroad. As we read his fascinating story, we learn how his own particular Weltanschauung—philosophy of life—served him well.

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