About HEIMAT
“Heimat” is a term that embodies the feelings and connections in the hearts and minds of Germans to their roots. Heimat is written for anyone interested in history and war, especially Word War Two and its aftermath, which still has an impact today as we experience current hostilities in Eastern Europe. It is an inspiring tale of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of a brighter future of four ambitious young men who embarked on a life-changing journey from Germany to the United States in 1929.
Matthias, a baker, sought to escape a difficult family situation, while Josef, a skilled watchmaker, joined him on a whim. Edo, a gifted tailor, made the daring decision to leave behind government-sanctioned anti-Semitism and pave the way for his family’s eventual emigration. Finally, Feliks, an ambitious ethnic Polish teenager, set out on his own path due to the limitations of his family farm.
Their plans took an unexpected turn when they heroically saved an American diplomat’s life at a bustling Berlin train station. This act of bravery forged an unbreakable bond between them and the diplomat, who became their unwavering ally throughout their journey. Together, they navigated the challenges of broken promises, the trials of the Great Depression, Prohibition-era America, cultural assimilation, and the turmoil of World War Two.
During these trying times, Matthias received poignantly desperate letters from his mother urging him to reunite with her in a resurgent Germany as the Nazi regime seemed to offer economic prosperity and a renewed sense of national pride. He struggled with the inner conflict of an immigrant torn between loyalty to the country of his birth and commitment to his adopted land.
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Author Bio:
Paul Marzell was born and raised in Philadelphia and currently resides in western Pennsylvania with my wife, Janet. He served in the United States Air Force in West Germany in the early sixties. He earned a BSBA degree from Temple University in Philadelphia and an MBA degree from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. Paul's business experience includes thirty years in the airline industry in various nonmanagement and management positions with domestic and international responsibilities. He was also a customer service manager for a light industry company and an operations manager for a satellite TV provider. Heimat is his first novel.