Parallel Lines: A Journey from Childhood to Belsen

I was a little unsure on downloading this book due to the sensitive nature of the subject, but I decided that Peter had a story to tell that he wanted the world to know. The basic outline of the book is a subject known to many, but from a child's innocent eyes, understanding nothing as to the reasons why he and his family were embarking on this journey made this a unique read. I can't recommend this highly enough, in fact, the book could have been twice this length and it would have still gripped me cover to cover. It put into perspective our daily gripes and when we feel things aren't quite going to plan.

Peter Lantos' book 'Parallel Lines' is an amazing account of how the lives of his Hungarian Jewish family were affected by events in the second world war, and how small chances could allow people to be killed or live. Deported as a small boy along with his parents from Hungary to Bergen Belsen, Lantos tells how his father died and how he and his mother's lives were saved when they were put on a train out of the camp which was eventually liberated by the Americans. Other trains ended up in Auschwitz, his took a different turning. At the end of the war he and his mother returned to Hungary to discover that his elder brother had died. Other members of the family died, others survived. After the war the family were subjected to continuing anti semitism and then to action from the ruling Communist authorities. Lantos eventually came to this country where he became one of our most prominent neurosurgeons. Our gain was Hungary's great loss. One of the most poignant stories in the book is the telling of the death of his own mother who after surviving all the tribulations of the war died in a road accident. Lantos is a remarkable man and this book is fascinating, a few different turns could have led to a totally different story with very sad consequences.

The only reason I marked this down is because personally I don't like biography or auto-biography. That said, this story is well researched and well written by an incredibly brave man. Thank you Peter Lantos for sharing this work with the world. This story is written with eloquence and has no hint of anger or bitterness directed at those who made this man suffer. Recommended read.

The life story of a wonderful man….who allows us to see what was THE MOST HORRIFIC PART OF HISTORY, through his eyes…It is not a book for the beach… and it is not a light story…But it is a valuable book and it makes you think and APPRCIATE LIFE… and the luxury to be free…THANK YOU Peter Lantos to share YOURS STORY with all of us….

Such a lovely, inspiring book, which kept me riveted throughout. A true account of a young boy's journey from childhood to Belsen, his survival and subsequent journey into manhood. A heartbreaking account of the suffering of the Jewish people and small pockets of kindness shown. A truly remarkable man who describes his life without a hint of self pity.

The story of a life tuned upside down and then the right way up again. From Child to adult - living through the most horrendous times of war on the Jews.The story told from a child's perspective as to how life changed and the not knowing why, what or where?Compelling read!The writer came up against so many situations for which he got no answers, but had to live on in acceptance.It is amazing that anyone survived to tell the tale.Thank God his life was spared and he was able to pursue a wonderful career.

well written, graphic account of a human story. It alson displays a continual sense of hope amid ongoing tragedy, a great read

Although I would not normally read this sort of book, it was one which had been selected for our book club and all members found it to be a moving story (although some found it a bit depressing).Seen through the eyes of a child and also learning somebody managed to survive and make something of their lives despite such a tough start was interesting and provoked quite a bit of discussion in our meeting.I recommend it as a good book .....

A wonderful and horrifying account of a jewish family's persecution and suffering in Hungary in WW II. Beautifully written and well worth reading.