I am a genealogy detective. I have already written one book about my Irish family’s journey from 19th century Ireland to the United States- a family history sprinkled with personal anecdotes. My second book was intended to be a similar story about my Russian ancestors. Instead, it turned into a tale of just my father’s immediate family. It is the tale of what happens when 6 children from New Jersey are moved to the Soviet Union by their Russian-born parents during the Great Depression. It details who lives, who dies, and who is able to return to NJ during a time when leaving the USSR was not an easy endeavor, particularly during World War II and the Cold War.
It is my hope that those interested in history during this time period will find this story fascinating as well as those fellow amateur family historians who will learn some of the tools such as ancestry.com, visits to the National Archives, and local libraries I used to uncover this story.–Karen Wardamasky Bobrow
Here’s where it all begins: Learning the Truth About Dad
This is such an interesting read, it is so interesting to read about such a huge time in history but in such a personal voice, thank you for sharing Karen.
It was so nice to wake up to your comment this morning. It has been interesting for me to learn how much of my dad’s life was touched by so many historical events. I have just begun reading your blog. Wha a journey you are on! I look forward to reading more this weekend.
I’m very pleased to meet you. We have developed quite a community here of people looking for and discussing relatives. I’m certain to enjoy many visits here as well.
Nice to meet you too. You are so lucky to have such wonderful letters from your father. I had been reading snippets before, but I started from the beginning today…Wow! This is so interesting.