Title: The Quiet Hero: Bridge To Freedom
Author: John Anton Drost & Nicki Pascarella
Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Blurb:
Set against the backdrop of the unspeakable atrocities of World War 2, John Anton Drost's true story unfolds and he emerges as a beacon of hope, defying adversity and persecution with unwavering courage. From his humble beginnings, this unsung hero embarks on a transformative journey that shapes and saves countless lives.
The Quiet Hero seamlessly combines riveting storytelling and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring it captivates both historical enthusiasts and curious readers alike. Immerse yourself in this unforgettable tale of courage, compassion, and the enduring power of the human spirit, and discover the indelible legacy of a quiet hero who defied the darkness of his time.
My Review:
As we sit here a couple of days into 2024, the world is losing an irreplaceable resource. Soon, every person who fought in World War Two will be gone from this world. They will rejoin their old companions who they lost long before.
This book is extremely valuable as it presents one of these great man's precious memories for the world to see. John A. Drost lived in the tumultuous time of World War One and Two in what is now the Czech Republic.
This book is worth reading just to teach those who don't know about things like the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The true-life experiences are presented thoughtfully. The truth of the story is touching, scary, and horrifying at times.
A not often written about part of the history of World War Two, this book is very important. It is one man's experience as he lived the best life he could in trying circumstances. He must survive first Nazis, then Communists. The bravery, courage and strength of this man is incredible to see.
Recommended to fans of first-person war memoirs. Recommended to those who want to know deep detail about life behind the lines in World War Two. A powerful book that should be read by many.
My Rating: 5 stars
Buy it Now:
Amazon.com: The Quiet Hero: Bridge To Freedom eBook : Pascarella, Nicki, Drost, John , Lokun, Julie, Drost, George: Books
The Quiet Hero: Bridge To Freedom by John Anton Drost, Nicki Pascarella | eBook | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)
Author Biographies:
Nicki Pascarella writes Contemporary and Historical romances. She enjoys mixing genres—adding mysteries to steamy small-town romances, or a pinch of paranormal fantasy to her romantic comedies. It’s all about making her readers laugh and fall in love.
Using her twenty-nine years of experience as a high school teacher and her background in creative writing and journalism, she coaches authors for The MediaCasters. Helping artists break through creative blocks is one of her passions.
When she isn't writing and editing, she reads, runs, and hangs with her husband, daughter, and Shetland sheepdogs. Nicki is also an award-winning belly dancer.
John Anton Drost was born and raised in Brno, a city in the southeast of what has become the Czech Republic, Mr. Drost attended Masaryk University, where he earned a law degree in 1932. He joined the law practice of Alois Prazak, a Czech nationalist who was a well-known political figure as well. Though not particularly political himself, Mr. Drost’s associations would come to be used against him.
In 1938 when Czechoslovakia was handed over to Nazi Germany, Mr. Drost was a lieutenant in the Czech Army. Gradually, those who had supported the old government and who had looked after Jewish interests, were under siege. By 1944 Mr. Drost had been ordered to board a train bound for a concentration camp. He went into hiding, moving from place to place in Czechoslovakia until the war ended, his son George said.
When the Soviet Army marched into Brno, Mr. Drost was briefly free. But he despised communism and was known for having represented property owners. In 1948 he learned he was to be sent to prison, so he fled to Austria. He sent for his wife, Doris, and his oldest son, Rudy. They were smuggled to him, but it would take two more years for him to be reunited with George.
In 1950, the family came to Chicago. Mr. Drost took a job cleaning the machinery in a meat-packing plant and assembling piano parts in a factory. Later, he became the administrator of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, while he attended night classes at John Marshall Law School. In 1961 he graduated from John Marshall and opened a practice on Lincoln Avenue that he continued until his death.
He was named counsel for the Austrian consulate general in Chicago and, in 1974, was awarded the Golden Badge of Honor by the Austrian government. In 1994 he was named a distinguished alumnus of Masaryk University. He also was president of the Uhlich Children’s Home, an organization dedicated to helping children with emotional problems and learning difficulties.
Today, John Anton Drost is survived by five grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson.
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Reviewed by: Mr. N