Finding Maria

by Peter Szabo

He is a young man, navigating career and relationship uncertainties, caught up in his own life. But a grudging afternoon visit in New York City with his grandmother will open windows to an untold family past – and a profound friendship with the extraordinary woman who will change his life.

Finding Maria tells a story of love and discovery, of tragedy and growth. As they walk museums and see films, they talk about her younger years in Budapest, including stories of Holocaust survival and an escape from Communism, leading him to a deeper and more mature understanding of his grandmother, and himself.

This beautiful memoir calls us to ask, to learn, and to love … while there is still time.

“Achingly beautiful. Finding Maria is a heartfelt, honest look at love and loss across generations of a family.” —Melissa Wuske, Foreword Reviews

“This is a marvelous story that reflects upon the powerful rapport between grandson and grandmother and how that connection impacts the quality of life for both. What grandson and grandparent share in this story insures that the social isolation and loneliness that has become synonymous with many as they age is lessened and a rich cultural history is passed on to a new generation captured through the appreciation for an ‘elusive chance for friendship.’ ” —Mark Meridy, Executive Director of DOROT

140 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2017

Reviews

[Kim Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written story, deeply moving and profound. I cried, I laughed, and I cried some more. Szabo explores his grandmother's life and weaves a tender story of love, respect, admiration and awe of his grandmother. Maria is honored as a remarkable, intelligent, resourceful woman and mother, who survived the Holocaust in Hungary and found her way to America with her two children. Szabo's keen mastery of prose is evident in his vivid, poignant descriptions throughout the novel.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved learning about and getting to know Maria. Also learned more about the background of the Szabo family, whom I personally know well (but I never before knew very much about Peter's grandmother). He really brings her to life, and I was especially moved by the description of the grandson/grandmother relationship (especially since I knew none of my own grandparents). Also learned more about the specific Hungarian aspects of the Holocaust. I look forward to reading more books from Peter!

[Samantha Mix · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was wonderful. I loved the developing relationship with his grandmother and slowly learning about her life and family history as the book progressed. I'm passing this book on to my mother and grandmother to read as I know they will both enjoy it as well. Thank you for taking the time to document her story!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

See my review at http://www.thereportergroup.org/Artic...

[Donna Levin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Szabo’s Grandma Maria survived the Holocaust only to find herself a widow trapped behind the Iron Curtain with two children. Spoiler alert: she made it to America. But paradise didn’t await here, either.
Szabo only became interested in Maria’s past when he himself was an adult. Thanks to a strong bond between the two he was able to hear many of her stories before it was too late.
This is a powerful account of the courage, resilience, and sometimes cunning it takes to survive.

[Moog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uploaded for a friend - A small, global but universal story about a genuine and heartfelt friendship between a grandson and his grandmother, one which leads to greater understanding across generations within one family, and the sort of story that also teaches us about a lost world - in this case, Jewish Hungary before the War, and Jewish-Hungarians in America after the war - as it teaches the grandson about his own family. Nicely written, touching and recommended.