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From Secure Childhood in Prewar Vienna to the Challenges of Emigration: A Memoir

Spencer Powell

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Published in Fragments Of Time: From A Secure Childhood In Prewar Vienna To The Challenges Of Emigration Adaptation And Pursuits In Science And In Educational And Social Change

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In her deeply moving memoir, "From Secure Childhood in Prewar Vienna to the Challenges of Emigration," Ruth A. Sperber recounts her remarkable journey from a privileged childhood in Vienna to the challenges of emigration and resettlement.

Fragments of Time: From a Secure Childhood in Prewar Vienna to the Challenges of Emigration, Adaptation, and Pursuits in Science and in Educational and Social Change

by Mary E. Davis

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	23746 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	307 pages

Ruth was born into a Jewish family in Vienna in 1938, just months before the Anschluss, when Nazi Germany annexed Austria. Her father, a successful businessman, was forced to sell his business and the family's home. They fled to England, where they lived in poverty for several years before finally being able to emigrate to the United States.

In the United States, Ruth and her family faced new challenges. They had to learn a new language and culture, and they struggled to find work and a place to live. Ruth's father eventually found work as a waiter, and her mother worked as a seamstress. Ruth and her two younger sisters attended public school and learned English quickly.

Despite the challenges, Ruth and her family persevered. They built a new life for themselves in America, and Ruth went on to have a successful career as a teacher and author. Her memoir is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope.

From Secure Childhood to Nazi Persecution

Ruth's childhood in Vienna was happy and secure. Her family was well-off, and she had a loving and supportive home life. She attended a private Jewish school and enjoyed spending time with her friends and family.

However, all of that changed with the Anschluss in 1938. Ruth's father was forced to sell his business, and the family's home was taken away from them. They were forced to live in a crowded apartment with other Jewish families.

The Nazis began to impose more and more restrictions on Jewish people in Vienna. They were not allowed to attend school or work in many professions. They were also required to wear yellow stars on their clothing.

In 1939, Ruth's father was arrested by the Nazis and sent to a concentration camp. Ruth, her mother, and her two younger sisters were left alone in Vienna.

The Decision to Emigrate

In 1940, Ruth's mother decided that they could no longer stay in Vienna. They had to emigrate to escape the Nazis.

They applied for visas to several countries, but they were refused each time. Finally, they were able to obtain visas to England.

In 1941, Ruth, her mother, and her two younger sisters left Vienna for England. They were lucky to escape, as many of their friends and family members were killed in the Holocaust.

Life in England

Life in England was difficult for Ruth and her family. They lived in poverty and had to learn a new language and culture.

Ruth's father was eventually released from the concentration camp and was able to join the family in England. However, he was in poor health and died a few years later.

Despite the challenges, Ruth and her family persevered. They built a new life for themselves in England, and Ruth went on to have a successful career as a teacher and author.

Emigration to the United States

In 1952, Ruth and her family emigrated to the United States. They settled in New York City, where Ruth worked as a teacher and her mother worked as a seamstress.

Ruth and her family eventually settled in California, where she continued to teach and write.

Ruth's memoir is a moving and inspiring story of resilience and hope. It is a reminder of the importance of family and the power of the human spirit.

Fragments of Time: From a Secure Childhood in Prewar Vienna to the Challenges of Emigration, Adaptation, and Pursuits in Science and in Educational and Social Change

by Mary E. Davis

5 out of 5