This is the true story of Joseph and Matilda Novak, as told in their own words, and newly updated by twin daughters Matilda and Karen. It's a story of growing up in Hungary during World War II, and surviving those hardships only to find oneself living under communism. How does one keep one's convictions without caving to "Party demands"?... It's a story of faith, perseverance and the resilience of the human spirit.
The Novak's, who married on August 4th of 1956, were both involved in the anti-communist uprising which broke out among university students in October of that year. What happens when help promised by the United Nations and the U.S. never arrives? This is a subject treated by James Michener in his novel "The Bridge at Andau". Joseph and Matilda share their personal lived experiences.
Forced to flee for their lives, they left Hungary in January of 1957. By this time, the borders were closed and manned by those who "shoot first and ask questions later". Is freedom even possible? What happens when you walk all night knee-deep in snow, with no real idea of where you are? The couple, with a few additional relatives who'd joined them, no longer willing to face life in communist Hungary, endured five different "relocation camps" before finally being given entrance to the United States, where they would begin a new life.
Joseph and Matilda arrived in Southern California at a time which was very different from today. There were no hand-outs from the government for new arrivals, but there was opportunity! Legal immigration was not possible apart from sponsorship, which they had through Matilda's older brother, Joseph. Together they learned the language, found work, learned the customs and became "as American as apple pie".
Life is full of challenges, and one of the Novak's greatest challenges eventually led to them opening "Novak's Hungarian Paprikas" in Albany, Oregon on April 25th of 1984. The business, which eventually became known as "Novak's Hungarian Restaurant," would gain both a national as well as international reputation and remain in existence for nearly 40 years.
Joseph and Matilda came to feel they'd lived "the American dream". And they found wonderful ways to express their gratitude. At the end, trials came and multiplied. In the absence of their parents, daughters Karen and Matilda worked hard to keep the restaurant going, until the time came that they could go out in a way they felt honored their beloved parents. This book completes a story that left off in 2007 with the publication of the original version. We've added a host of photos (where the original had less than a dozen) to help tell the story.Here, you'll read "the rest of the story."
