Surviving youth

(Open e-mail to Uncle Philip, author of They Are Still Alive)

Firstly, I want to thank you so much for writing this book. I cannot begin to imagine how painful it was to bring back the memories of the war to recount them so powerfully for the benefit of others. Each and every word not only helps me to understand so much more about who is Phil, who is Miriam and of course who is your father Joseph, but it helps me to understand who I am too; where I 'fit in'.

As you rightly point out, there has been the odd story here and the odd story there, but never a thorough explanation of the events that helped shaped our family history. As so many future generations will surely be, I am sincerely grateful that you have taken the time and effort to put down with such incredible attention to detail the events that unfolded around you. Just how you were able to recall so much of your childhood so vividly are among the questions I shall pose to you in person some time!

Just as your children, I too did not grow up with both grandparents, but as a 'character' in your book my grandma Suzi is very much alive, whether it be on the beach in Blankenberg, exchanging letters with your parents or sending over packages with necessities.

I will recommend this book to anyone as a story written by someone who led a truly incredible life and be proud to say "he is my uncle."