My Family is All I Have

by Helen-alice Dear

This is the extraordinary true story of how one British woman was trapped in Eastern Europe for 50 years, first by the Nazis and then by Communism, but never stopped trying to get back home. Helen-Alice Dear was only 15 when she left London to visit Bulgaria on a family holiday in 1937. Just weeks after her arrival, she found herself unable to leave and struggling to survive in an increasingly hostile and terrifying environment. Her marriage to a Bulgarian man bore her four children but they were often homeless, cold, and hungry. Despite these hardships, Helen refused to give up hope and bravely managed to protect and raise her family. When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, Helen was finally able to fulfil' her dream of returning to her homeland. Her beautifully written memoir is a heart-wrenching tale of courage and resilience, proving just how indomitable the human spirit can be.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, History, Survival, Memoir, Bulgaria

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 4, 2007

Reviews

[Valkanok]

It was very interesting read. Beeing a bulgarian and knowing a bit about the life then and there from my grandparents I could easily move and see how was everything. the one thing that striked me most was the fact that this girl knew another world but all the others didn't. Nothing to wait for look forward too.

[Shahrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly incredable and moving true story. You just would not believe it if I told you! I really don't know how I would have coped in her situation.

[Gill Schell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very moving story.

[Valarie Boone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am reading a lot of books on what it was like behind the iron curtain for a pending trip to Budapest and found this book to be fascinating. Not the most well written book but genuinely comes from her heart and illuminates how much human beings can endure even in the worst of times and come through on the other end intact and happy. Wish I knew this lovely lady.

[Jemima · Rating 3 out of 5]

Woman goes to Bulgaria on hols and gets trapped there by WWII. How she survives.

[Maxwell King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely captivating couldn't put this book down. Powerful true story. Recommended highly

[Jacqui Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply told with honesty and a surprising lack of bitterness, this story of a young woman trapped in Bulgaria during WW2 and during the Communism regime should be read by anyone who thinks Communism is a legitimate and just form of government. Helen's survival is miraculous - both because of the Communists and her abusive husband - and offers an everyman insight into life in those awful times. I found her descriptions of her daily life fascinating and made me so appreciative of the freedom and life I have. An unforgettable book.

[Aveen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring story by a woman who had a very tough life but never stopped doing everything she could for herself and her family in order to survive.

It shows how a decision....or a line up of wrong decisions made by her mother, when Helen was a child, lead to her having the life she and her children did.

A very brave, strong woman, it's an honor to read her story and be witness to her life.

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story is fascinating and very compelling but the book's bland writing style does not suit the immense tragedy of the plot. It was difficult to get through and I was left with a depressing feeling, however I was still moved by it. I feel the story would have been better served by a good ghost writer.

[Cheyenne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a shocking memoir. Her life took a turn in a direction that she could have never predicted. She is courageous for sticking it out and this is a memorable book that really leaves a real impact.

[Maurice Pitaluga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook- wow! what a story! Someone should make a movie based on this poor woman's life!!

[Harry Tomos · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book especially as its true, what a life, a much stronger woman than me!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible story. I do not know how this woman survived it all.