Description
In 1920, Stefan Revak's father left Scheindorf, Romania to work in the United States. Stefan, then five-years-old, stayed with his mother, Gertrude, to manage the farm and properties, while they waited for his father to save enough money for them to come to America. Thirty years would pass before their dream became reality.
"Iron String" is the intrepid story of Stefan Revak, his loneliness and hard work as a child raised by an alcoholic mother to his will to survive as a conscripted World War II German army soldier and prisoner of war. His desperate love for his wife, Maria, kept him alive through every trial, as he crisscrossed Europe in a war he did not choose.
While Stefan fought to live, Maria and their two young daughters waited in Scheindorf. Toward the end of 1944, the ravages of war in Europe had killed millions of soldiers and civilians. The Red army machine was carving a path of destruction through German-occupied territories, plundering and burning villages, beating, and murdering civilians. When the Russians approached Scheindorf, Maria and the two girls escaped with their village, taking only what they could carry. Their journey as World War II refugees would cover hundreds of miles across many countries and last eight years.
"Iron String" is based on a true story. It is a love story, a chronicle of perseverance through every obstacle, of amazing human intercession and kindness, and belief in God, set in the tumultuous panorama of life in Europe before, during, and after World War II.
Reviews
"Alternating between scenes and events that are in turn intimate, poignant, powerful, and chilling, Iron String is a fast-paced, gripping tale that pits two forces-that of evil and that of love-against each other. The work highlights the dignity and resilience of the human spirit, movingly portrayed through the story of Revak family's suffering and eventual triumph ... Iron String, though filled with grisly images of war, wounding, and starvation; of beautiful cities turned to rubble and ruin; and of dreams trampled into the barren soil, it is also an inspiring story of the power of love to sustain life and hope." Kristine Morris, Foreword Clarion Five Star Reviews "Iron String chronicles the experiences of a real-life family swept up-through no fault of their own-into WWII. Their courage and fortitude in the face of devastating circumstances reveals a strength few of us could endure. The author has found the humanity behind the people that Americans called "enemy." But no more. Uplifting and inspiring, this story reminds us that the human spirit is stronger than the evil that others do." Eleanor Sullivan, Author of "Tree of Heaven," A Singular Village Mystery "... A finely detailed story of grit and survival ... There is a balance here of cruelties and kindnesses that make these bromides real-human nature writ large. A skillfully rendered ... portrayal of resolve during and after war." - Kirkus Reviews "... We all long to know the thread of decisions, heartache, adversity, and lives lived that led to our own. We are all a product of every life story lived in our linage. A million decisions and circumstances have led to our opportunities ... a fascinating history leading to an even more fascinating future." Richard Bliss Brooke, Author, "Mach 2: The Art of Vision and Self-Motivation" "This is a story about hardship, about war and its ramifications, about courage, about perseverance, and about hope when there was little hope...their example is an inspiration to all of us!" John T. Fleming, Author, Consultant, Publisher "Iron String gives us a rare glimpse into the strength and courage of an Eastern European village family, swept up in the cataclysmic events of World War II. It is a story of resilience and perseverance against all odds. It is a love story that will move you to tears, and give you faith and hope in the future." Mary Julich, Partner, Global Ventures Partners
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