Over a period of 30 years and many journeys along Route 15; the author integrates his own life lessons as an officer of Marines with the experiences of the foot soldiers and generals who fought at Gettysburg. With introspection; observation and a bit of humor; he provides a fresh perspective on some of Gettysburg’s famous personalities. His backdrops are the northern portion of a well known Rust Belt byway; the tiny Pennsylvania town and countless five hour car rides. He is accompanied on his travels by a wife indifferent to military history; a young child in the backseat; friends and siblings tagging along and the wonderful strangers they meet along the way.
#1058322 in Books Trudi Alexy 2006-09-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .81 x 6.00l; 1.05 #File Name: 0595411592322 pagesThe Mezuzah in the Madonna s Foot Marranos and Other Secret Jews A Woman Discovers Her Hidden Identity
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A TREASURE OF A BOOKBy Heather E.H.What an amazing surprise. Engaging well written sensitive to those the writer therapist interviewed. I found this book quite by accident and could not put it down. A window into life during a time in history when being Jewish in Europe was a death sentence. Yet through the kindness of Spsin who had thrown the Jewz out in the past killed or demanded conversion; now accepted Jewish Europeans when other countries refused. The journey over the Pyrenees for those the writer spoke with was inspiring. A writer in search of her own heritage found so much more and do will you. Only sorry she is no longer alive now that I have discovered her masterpiece.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. An Overlooked HistoryBy Eric MaroneyTrudi Alexy's book; part memoir and part general history; documents the flight of those Jews who were lucky enough to escape Europe and find a sanctuary in Spain during the Holocaust. The Mezuzha in the Madonna's Foot catches hold of the irony of this situation; and explores its numerous ramifications.For of course; Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492; and while the rest of Europe; with some exceptions; failed to give them safe haven from the Nazis; Fascist Spain did. Ms. Alexy explores the reasons for this; and also provides compelling stories of people who escaped to Spain and lived out the war there; or used it as a spring board to travel to even safer locations.The prose in this work is usually uninspired; but that does not seem to be the thrust of Ms. Alexy's book. More than dazzle us with innovative use of the language; she sets to preserving an important; if often overlooked; part of the destruction of Europe's Jews.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. AN interesting read about Jews in Spain starting with a ...By Andrea BarrosAN interesting read about Jews in Spain starting with a very brief description of the inquisition bu then quickly moving to the period of WW11 to present day. A fascinating collection of memory stories from folk who lived through this ordeal.
