Counting on America: A Holocaust Memoir of Terror, Chutzpah, Romance and Escape

Counting on America: A Holocaust Memoir of Terror, Chutzpah, Romance and Escape by Reiner, Kurt. paperback edition. ISBN: 9781628654912.

Counting on America, an uplifting Holocaust memoir, reads both like a history novel and Hollywood thriller. Dozens of nail-biting events are seamlessly tied together, facilitating the captivating story of Viennese newlyweds Kurt and Hennie Reiner fleeing the Nazi scourge. Adventure and excitement dominate the story as the Reiner fugitives undergo narrow escape from German pursuit. Kurt is arrested and put in Dachau. Hennie meets with the Gestapo to secure his release. Farm labor, clandestine border crossings, and a French prison provide additional dilemmas. Despite the odds against survival, the Reiner’s mutual devotion will not permit them to lose faith in their attempt to reach America. The first-person narrative delivers a vivid portrayal of the difficulties confronted by Jews attempting to emigrate from Europe despite blocked borders, low immigration quotas, and the absence of financial resources. Brace yourself for an emotional roller coaster ride that will transport you back in time and convey both a dramatic and historical perspective of the Holocaust. Ideal for leisurely reading and/or use in high school and college Holocaust curriculums.