Joshua and Isadora

"Michael Benanav's search for his grandparents' tragic memories and experiences brings the reader closer to an ineffable truth that must not be forgotten." Elie Wiesel, Nobel Prize winner, author ofNight The throng of thousands was herded from the center of Balti to the city limits and beyond. Some carried suitcases, others hefted bundles tied with string on their backs. Head-scarved women cradled infants or held the hands of their children. The long beards of men were tossed over their shoulders by the wind. A warm drizzle fell from an ominous sky, causing eyes to squint against the splatter and clothing to darken, drop by drop. Snaking in long lines along the country roads, between vast fields of sunflowers and corn, past empty plots of tilled earth the color of coffee, the sad parade was struck dumb, gagged by the heavy hand of the unknown. The only sounds were those of fabric rustling against fabric, footsteps slapping puddles, and caustic commands from the soldiers ordering their human herd to keep moving or be shot. Even the babies knew to be silent. fromJoshua and IsadoraBenanav, Michael is the author of 'Joshua and Isadora', published 2008 under ISBN 9781599212401 and ISBN 1599212404.