Bridges People Built

Shortly before World War II young Michael Laumann helps his friend Simon and family to escape from Nazi Germany as stowaways. Simon's mother is Jewish, and the threat against the Jews sees them leave shortly before the borders are closed. Michael and his parents survive the terrors of war, famine and deprivation. At the end of the war Michael's mother is raped by a French soldier, which results in the birth of Michael's half-sister Martine. Simon, who has gone to Canada, reconnects with Michael after the war, and he supports Michael in his decision to leave Germany. The book describes Michaels journey and his new life in a new country, his efforts to adjust and to continue his education. Personal tragedy strikes Simon's family as well as Michael, and the family helps Michael in this crisis. In Europe Michaels parents have their own struggles due to the serious illness of Michael's father and the discrimination against Michael's half-sister. Simon's parents make it possible for Michael to travel and see his father, who is surviving leukemia but remains chronically ill. After a few weeks Michael returns to Canada, which is home to him. While Michael is reunited with his neighbourhood friend Rose and is finding happiness, Simon is introduced by a relative to a young socialite named Stella. Introverted and inexperienced he hopes for love, but realizes that he is nothing but a new conquest to this woman, and he terminates the relationship that has no future. As a result he becomes even more withdrawn and distrustful of women. Due to a short illness of Michael Simon writes a note to Michael's family, and Michael's half-sister Martine answers, and many letters are exchanged over the next two years. The long-distance friendship between Simon and Martine teaches Simons to overcome his personal disappointment, and he can believe in love again. The last chapter puts life and death close together. Simon and Martine are getting married, and Michael's father passes away a few days after. Michael's mother Louise realizes that life must go on-which was always the motto of her husband. She decides to travel with her family to Canada and becomes part of the bridge across continents that continues to evolve.