This inspiring narrative nonfiction is a tribute to a great unsung American hero!
Of HEROIC PROPORTION
reveals a fascinating, little-known chapter of American and Soviet history, and the extraordinary resilience of one boy who defied the system, the odds and even Stalin. Described by historians as a historical anomaly... Danyk Szafranski managed to maintain his American citizenship during the Cold War in the Soviet Union... and live! The US Embassy in Moscow whole-heartedly recognized his American citizenship, unfortunately... Stalin didn't.
Steeped in history and suspense, supported by letters, photographs, and documents, Danyk's story is weaved over continents, time, and complex historical events to reveal not only a very human experience of American patriotism and enduring love but also the intricacies of war, mysteries of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army, and devotion of US Foreign Service officials in the Soviet Union at this time.
The author, Mary Bruno Friedman, had a personal connection to the protagonist as he was a custodian where she taught in East Meadow, New York. She believed him to be a Soviet immigrant until he presented a puzzling box of artifacts exposing a past that he couldn't otherwise share due to his limited English. This evidence and their friendship helped uncover the incredibly true story of an American child, trapped behind the Iron Curtain and his harrowing experiences of survival, courage and perseverance.
Sophisticated readers intrigued by unprecedented events brought to life within a historical context, and real-life stories of an unsung American hero will have depth of history and characters to explore, as well as the question...
"What does it mean to be an American?"