When the Germany army invaded Belgium in May 1940 Phillip Pressel and his parents, a Jewish family, fled to France. They survived with false identification papers, but were subjected to many frightening moments, escapes from being arrested, bombings and street roundups. Philip underwent forced separation from his parents in 1944. He was sheltered by a kind Catholic family in a small village in central France. Neither he nor his parents knew whether they would ever see each other again. Here he saw, up close, many frightening and dangerous episodes.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Surviving youth,
This review is from: They Are Still Alive (Paperback)
Firstly, I want to thank you so much for writing this book. I cannot begin to imagine how painful it was to bring back the memories of the war to recount them so powerfully for the benefit of others. Each and every word not only helps me to understand so much more about who is Phil, who is Miriam and of course who is your father Joseph, but it helps me to understand who I am too; where I 'fit in'.
As you rightly point out, there has been the odd story here and the odd story there, but never a thorough explanation of the events that helped shaped our family history. As so many future generations will surely be, I am sincerely grateful that you have taken the time and effort to put down with such incredible attention to detail the events that unfolded around you. Just how you were able to recall so much of your childhood so vividly are among the questions I shall pose to you in person some time! Just as your children, I too did not grow up with both grandparents, but as a 'character' in your book my grandma Suzi is very much alive, whether it be on the beach in Blankenberg, exchanging letters with your parents or sending over packages with necessities. I will recommend this book to anyone as a story written by someone who led a truly incredible life and be proud to say "he is my uncle."
5.0 out of 5 stars
Heart Wrenching,
By
This review is from: They Are Still Alive (Paperback)
"They Are Still Alive" is one of the most heart wrenching stories I have ever read. It is just amazing how Philip can put his story into words considering he was just a small child living this nightmare of survival. From the very start of the book he gives a very detailed family tree, including back ground information for each person. Simply written yet each time they have to go into hidding your entire body tenses as if your living and on the run with them. The feelings of hardship, the strength of family, and the disappointment of political discrimination come across so clearly. If you are interested in the reality of what really happened to the Jews during World War II this book is for you. Imagine being a mere child with a war going on around you and you must keep your religious identity secret, not being able to go outside to play, having no toys to play with, and getting seperated from your parents! Trying to get to the U.S. and being denied a visa because of your religion, having family wanting to send you money so you can get to safety but know that you'll never receive it. Read original letters that were sent to and from family members. A gripping story of hope, strength, desperation, and survival.
I received a complimentary copy of (They Are Still Alive) as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent, readable Holocaust memoir,
This review is from: They Are Still Alive (Paperback)
When the German army invaded Belgium in May 1940 Philip Pressel and his parents, a Jewish family, fled to France. They survived with false identification papers, but were subjected to many frightening moments, escapes from being arrested, bombings and secret round-ups. Philip underwent forced separation from his parents in 1944. He was sheltered by a kind Catholic family in a small village in central France. Neither he nor his parents knew whether they would ever see each other again. Here, he saw, up close, many frightening and dangerous episodes.
"From a childhood in Nazi-occupied France to retirement in San Diego - Phil Pressel is a man who has survived, and lived fully a life of the 20th century. A life worth telling about. In this wonderful readable memoir with its touching letters from wartime Europe, Pressel takes us along on his life's journey." Roald Hoffman, Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry "A terrifyingly true story of the triumph of the human spirit, set against the atrocities of Nazi Germany. This book stunningly illustrates how one family's human kindness can overcome a nation filled with fear and hatred. They Are Still Alive is a compelling read from the early days of WWII to the overwhelming reunion of 2003." Larry Himmel, Reporter Local 8 News, a CBS affiliate in San Diego
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