#215744 in Books Dial Press 2015-06-09 2015-06-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.20 x .62 x 5.50l; .54 #File Name: 0812986741240 pagesDial Press
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Hungarian Revolution is Memorialized in Dramatized HistoryBy A.Trendl HungarianBookstore.comThousands of Hungarians were killed by Soviet forces in November 1956. Their crime? Taking back their country from foreign leaders. At that time; 200;000 more fled Hungary in the months following; knowing that the oppressive; murderous communist leaders were not going to show mercy to those who were involved.James Michener's "Bridge at Andau" tells the story of those fleeing. He was there to see it; and told what he saw. Michener's storytelling style is a kind of John Grisham mix of detail and personality. He took real lives of people struggling to survive and presented them to the horrified world. Michener researched his story in Austria and at the bridge itself.Michener published the book in 1957; while the crush of the Hungarian people continued. America refused to assist the pleas of the Hungarian revolutionaries; based on a combination of American opinion; and a real concern that WWIII might break out in the midst of the Cold War. Instead; we focused on the Suez Canal. Unfortunately; the Hungarian people suffered.Andau is an Austrian city at the Hungarian border. It was called Mosontarcsa; as part of Hungary; until 1921. It was a small village; but a key point for refugees escaping.The value of reading this today is it shows us the culture of Hungary as it was during the Soviet occupation. It shows the complex; and often compromising position average Hungarian citizens had as they were part of the communist party. Unwilling; but joining to have access to things; they lived daily through trials unlike any we have known in the USA. When; in 1956; a revolution began; many dropped their party inclinations and either fought or fled. Many died in the process.On one hand; this provides a slice of the events; as chronicled at one location. However; it also gives us a broader view of what the Hungarian people were wanting; what they were missing; and why so many were willing to die for freedom. It also shows the consequences of one country trying to fight for freedom alone. It inspires us of great heroes; and reminds us of the tensions our leaders are exposed to when it comes to bringing freedom to another country.Michener acknowledges the weaknesses of the anecdotes of each person he spoke with. How does he know they are true? He explains in a postscript how most names have been changed and how some stories could be proved; while others could not.To get an accurate; historical view of what happened in 1956; it is best to read something published later; after many more facts were available. Dozens of great books exist to meet this need. To read a significant fictionalized collection of personal stories; "Bridge at Andau" is as good as it gets.I fully recommend "Bridge at Andau" by James A. Michener.Anthony Trendleditor; HungarianBookstore.com0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Well researched and terrifically writtenBy historybuff3This book is non-fiction historical writing at its very best. Michener makes these horrific events real and immediate for the reader. I had not read a Michener book in many years and frankly had forgotten what an excellent; perceptive writer he was.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. True HistoryBy Margaretta V. BaloghI loved this book because it is well written. My parents went through the Hungarian Revolution and the depictions in the book are very similar to what my parents told me from their first hand experience. They fled separately and were helped by the International Red Cross once they made it to Austria. Mother was in a refugee camp in Austria and was paid to translate; as she spoke German.My father made three attempts to leave. The third one was successful. His escape is eerily and well portrayed in the book.Each of my parents received $5 in 1956 and ship passage/train passage to Canada into remote British Columbia. Through the years; they made it to Florida. My response to Obama's"quote "They didn't earn that. They didn't work for that" is one of dismay and anger.The book is accurate in historical facts. There are no embellishments; just the simple facts. One of Michener's shorter and first novels to help keep history right.
