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A Memoir of Home, War, and Finding Refuge - Biruta's Story
A compelling memoir of a Latvian war refugee's flight and displacement during WWII.
What if the comforts and security of your childhood were suddenly ripped away from you? In 1939, Biruta, a nine-year-old twin, lives an idyllic life with her sister and two physician parents in Riga, Latvia when WWII breaks out.
One of three independent Baltic states, Latvia attempts to remain neutral during the war. Yet, the country is situated between two ruthless Stalin's Communist Soviet Union and Hitler's Nazi Germany.
As the Soviet army occupies Latvia, the family flees to Germany during the last year of the war. In the Displaced Persons (DP) camps of Germany, Biruta comes of age, falls in love, and ultimately finds somewhere to call home.
What if the comforts and security of your childhood were suddenly ripped away from you? In 1939, Biruta, a nine-year-old twin, lives an idyllic life with her sister and two physician parents in Riga, Latvia when WWII breaks out.
One of three independent Baltic states, Latvia attempts to remain neutral during the war. Yet, the country is situated between two ruthless Stalin's Communist Soviet Union and Hitler's Nazi Germany.
As the Soviet army occupies Latvia, the family flees to Germany during the last year of the war. In the Displaced Persons (DP) camps of Germany, Biruta comes of age, falls in love, and ultimately finds somewhere to call home.
302 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 10, 2021
This is a story that I wish every American would read — a reminder of the difficult journeys, the fears for the safety of loved ones, the hopes shattered and reborn, and the years of waiting in limbo that so many people who call themselves Americans today went through to get here. Biruta’s family didn’t leave Latvia on a lark. World War II forced them out of their beloved home and country. Lilita Hardes wrote this as a tribute to her mother, Biruta. Her gentle, slightly formal style perfectly fits the family life and the times. She’s captured the voice of the child Biruta and it changes as the young girl grows into a young woman. She sticks with the facts of the story and the authenticity shines through.
In full disclosure, I was involved with aspects of the editing of the book.
In full disclosure, I was involved with aspects of the editing of the book.
March 19, 2021
This is not only a story about WWII in Latvia, a country that I have not know much about and which is not often highlighted in WWII fiction. It’s also the story about a resilient family who immigrated to South Dakota.
The narrative gives interesting history of the war from the Latvian perspective. It takes you through the losses experienced by the family as well as how they coped and continued on with their lives during the disruptions of the war. It provides a different and uniquely Latvian perspective on the Soviet and German invasions which was new to me. It demonstrates that history has much complexity.
What I found most interesting is that it is a true story. It’s written in a narrative style that reflects what was told by the main character, Biruta, to the author. The book kept my interest, allowed me to share one family’s history in coming to America, and broadened my perspective. I”d recommend it to anyone who is interested in Latvian WWII history and immigration to America.
The narrative gives interesting history of the war from the Latvian perspective. It takes you through the losses experienced by the family as well as how they coped and continued on with their lives during the disruptions of the war. It provides a different and uniquely Latvian perspective on the Soviet and German invasions which was new to me. It demonstrates that history has much complexity.
What I found most interesting is that it is a true story. It’s written in a narrative style that reflects what was told by the main character, Biruta, to the author. The book kept my interest, allowed me to share one family’s history in coming to America, and broadened my perspective. I”d recommend it to anyone who is interested in Latvian WWII history and immigration to America.
April 16, 2022
This is a true story of a family's experience in WWII era Latvia. I finished it a week ago but it was such an impactful story that I let it simmer for a week to let it all sink in.
Eastern Europe has been overwhelmed by stronger countries, sacked, pillaged and raped. This story is just a tiny piece of what happened to one displaced family and the German family that befriended them.
Now in the 21st Century, this story is immediately relevant again. God help us.
Highly recommended.
Eastern Europe has been overwhelmed by stronger countries, sacked, pillaged and raped. This story is just a tiny piece of what happened to one displaced family and the German family that befriended them.
Now in the 21st Century, this story is immediately relevant again. God help us.
Highly recommended.
July 11, 2021
I know this family and was blessed with the opportunity to travel with them in 2007 to Latvia. I feel honored to have known and loved them while they were alive and lived every minute of this book. Was a remarkable story!!
May 8, 2023
Biruta's story was a moving account of the struggle thousands of families suffered during World War 2. Lilita eloquantly expressed the uncertainty and anquish refugees felt as they were banished from the life they knew. The journey of the entire family was astonishing.
June 12, 2021
Interesting
Out of the many WW2 memoirs and books I’ve read, this is the first from the Baltic area. It sure gave me a new perspective.
Out of the many WW2 memoirs and books I’ve read, this is the first from the Baltic area. It sure gave me a new perspective.
October 3, 2021
Compelling. A journey from Latvia to South Dakota which kept me involved in the life of a family of DP, displaced persons. Truly engaging.
July 19, 2025
This book mirrors the exact experience my grandmother and her family had on their journey to America from Latvia during WWII. Super eye opening, and a beautiful story 🤍
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews