Long Time Passing: History of a Jewish Family

by Ruth C. Howard

World War II resulted in many casualties in many ways. A German Jewish couple, Hans and Hilde, emigrate to the U.S. in time to avoid extermination, but many of their family are murdered during the Holocaust. The couple attempts to save as many as possible but some of their attempts are foiled, both through naivete and circumstance. Now an American citizen and ready to fight the Nazis, Hans is shipped instead to the Phillipines, where, as a doctor, he ministers to the wounded under heavy fire. Few men talk about their war experiences when they return home (and Hans was no exception), but a treasure trove of letters from Hans to his wife from the battlegrounds allows us to experience the horrors with him. These letters came to light only after Hilde's death. Chapters 20 and 21 in this history are almost entirely quoted unedited from his letters. The rest of the family history and the many pictures come from Hilde's memories, other letters she kept over the years, and keepsakes. There, too, we feel the reality of the damage done to those left in Germany. This history is a story everyone should read , not only those directly involved.  The life from which Hans and Hilde came and the life they were able to build and enjoy until Hans' death at the young age of 52, are fascinating in the intimate knowledge they offer of life before, during and after World War II.

394 pages, Hardcover

First published May 4, 2006