grandfather disappeared on New Year's Eve, 1940 and it wasn't until some while later that the family knew he was still alive, let alone had been sent on an extended holiday to Siberia by the Soviets. small surprise, then, that grandmother left Latvia on the last train out (three children clinging to her skirts and laden with her portable sewing machine) when the Germans were leaving in 1944, running from the returning bear. that her brother had been executed by the Russians in 1938 may also have tipped the balance.
so with this background history the book i am reading at present 'the silencing' (available from Perceval Press) carries particular weight. this book graphically depicts journalism and the fates of the outspoken in post-glasnost Russia. illustrated by stark images of the places in which the subjects of the book were 'eliminated' it discusses the tragedy of contemporary media as 'informational weapon' and the disappearance of truth along with those who dared to publish it.
John Howard's Australia was already beginning to slip quietly down this path in terms of interning suspect persons...and I haven't yet heard anything about Saint Kevin repealling the legislation that allows those suspected of terrorist sympathies to be held in custody for weeks at a time WITHOUT their families being advised of their whereabouts...AND apparently if their whereabouts are determined and discussed, then those doing the discussing may also be arrested. feel free to correct me if i'm wrong, but that's my interpretation of the legislation. which still stands.
What terrible trauma inflicted on your family. I have read many sad stories, but never knew anyone firsthand whose family was affected like this. I'm sure this book is touching some strong emotional chords for you.
ReplyDeleteours is no unique story, the second world war displaced many people...and a visit to the Museum of Occupation (if you're ever in Riga, Latvia) will give a pretty comprehensive picture. i guess we were lucky in a way, that grandfather (and one of my uncles, who ended up out there as well) were eventually released (after 20 and 25 years). many people never came back, or were simply never heard of again.
ReplyDeleteand for journalists in present-day Russia to be murdered in the street for exposing the truth...well, i suspect every country probably has stories like that too. these stories just happened to get out and reach us.
I’m double-displaced: I only know the name Riga from the tales of my grandfather. Like my ancestors I should live in Ostpreussen, which is still occupied by Russia against any international law. So – because there is no real homeland for me – I’m living on an island in the Pacific, which – perhaps – is the best what could happen to me.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very moving story. I try not to take my freedom and rights for granted, but on a day-to-day basis I have no appreciation for what so many people have suffered and continue to suffer.
ReplyDeletevisit Perceval Press and buy a copy of 'The Silencing'...it's only $7 US, and well worth it...
ReplyDeletesometimes there do not seem to words adequate enough.
ReplyDelete