Flight from the Red Hell

This autobiographical narrative provides a unique personal account of the life of a Volga German under the Bolshevik Revolution and subsequent famine, agricultural collectivization, and Stalinist regime with its persecution of minorities, including ethnic Germans. The author, master miller Heinrich Neuwirt, survived as long as he did due to his resourcefulness, determination to survive, and capacity to endure hardship.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 150 pages
\n Publication date: 14 September 2020
\n Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing Inc
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This captivating autobiographical narrative offers a singularly personal account of the life of a Volga German during the Bolshevik Revolution, the subsequent famine, agricultural collectivization, and the Stalinist regime, which persecuted minorities, including ethnic Germans, within the Soviet Union. The remarkable fact that its author, master miller Heinrich Neuwirt (1902-1953), managed to survive for as long as he did is a testament to his resourcefulness, unwavering determination to survive, and remarkable resilience in the face of numerous hardships. Throughout his ordeal, Neuwirt repeatedly found himself ensnared in Stalin's net, enduring imprisonment, enslavement, and ultimately being sent to the Russian front in a penal army. It is only through his refuge in West Germany after the war that Neuwirt was able to produce his account, which he entrusted to his Volga German relatives in the United States. Unfortunately, despite the manuscript's journey to their hands, publication efforts met with no success, as it was written in German.

However, the true value of this manuscript lies in its firsthand documentation of Volga German life under Stalin. German professor and literary scholar Virginia L. Lewis has skillfully translated Neuwirt's original German account into a faithful English translation, allowing a broader audience to engage with this poignant and important narrative.

The Bolshevik Revolution brought about significant changes in the lives of the Volga German community. The land that had been their home for generations was redistributed, and many were forced into collective farms. The introduction of Soviet policies aimed at industrialization and collectivization led to widespread poverty and hardship.

Neuwirt's account provides a vivid portrayal of the struggles and hardships faced by the Volga German people during this period. He describes the devastating effects of the famine, which claimed the lives of countless individuals and left families destitute. He also shares the experiences of those who were forced into labor camps, where conditions were harsh and life was often unbearable.

Despite the hardships, Neuwirt remained resilient and determined to survive. He found ways to adapt to the new circumstances and maintain a sense of community among his fellow Volga Germans. He continued to practice his miller's trade, even in the face of opposition and persecution.

Neuwirt's account also sheds light on the persecution of ethnic Germans within the Soviet Union. The Stalinist regime viewed them as a threat to the country's socialist ideals and sought to eliminate them. Neuwirt describes the discrimination and violence that he and his fellow Germans faced, including forced resettlement, imprisonment, and execution.

The value of Neuwirt's manuscript lies in its ability to provide a firsthand account of a period of history that is often overlooked or misunderstood. It offers a glimpse into the lives of the Volga German people during a time of great turmoil and adversity, and serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of those who faced impossible circumstances.

Virginia L. Lewis's translation of Neuwirt's account is a testament to her skill and dedication as a scholar. Her translation brings Neuwirt's words to life, capturing the essence of his experiences and the emotions he felt during a period of immense hardship.

In conclusion, this autobiographical narrative provides a unique and valuable perspective on the life of a Volga German under the Bolshevik Revolution and subsequent famine, agricultural collectivization, and Stalinist regime. Heinrich Neuwirt's account is a testament to his resourcefulness, determination, and resilience in the face of hardship. Virginia L. Lewis's translation of Neuwirt's manuscript allows a broader audience to engage with this important historical narrative and gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of the Volga German people during a period of immense change and persecution.

\n Weight: 392g\n
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781433171826\n
Edition number: New ed\n