Click here to download the first 2 chapters of the book.

This book is seen through the eyes of a young German boy who witnessed the inception of the Third Reich and as a young adult, saw World War II. He was drafted in the Hitler Youth Organization and lived through the demise of Hitler's regime.

Hans H. Saltzwedel was born into a fascinating family. His often-uncanny memory for details of events and told stories brings these diverse family members in loving focus. He writes about his family background, their lives and anecdotes in a warm, perhaps whimsical way through the eyes of a growing young boy.

From the protective care of his loving parents, to his Grandfather's incredible wealth, to the fond memories of his Uncles' careers in the German Navy and many others. He introduces the reader to know these outstanding people. Their guiding hands follow him throughout the journal and his life.

But that's not all. Some chapters focus on the dark background overshadowing Germany's political situation, including his personal observations and comments told in various interludes. His story tells how this proud family gets more and more involved in the turmoil of the war ending with the loss of all their wealth and possessions.

Hans, now a young man, describes coping with the happenings during the war, and ending with his becoming a prisoner of war.

The final chapters tell how Hans and his family did "picking up the pieces". After the dark days, the flowers are blooming again and Hans is able to find a new life from small inner joys to spreading his wings to see the world.

Finally he arrives in the states to make his home there as a U.S. citizen , coming full circle, starting with a relative 100 years before him.

The reader's interest will be captured by the unusual details dispersed throughout the book and his positive attitude in spite of the turmoil around him.