A fond and funny memoir, this account of a Jewish immigrant household in Montreal traces the family's journey from wretched oppression to middle class comfort. Arriving Canada in the early 1920s, they struggle to learn two new languages and adapt to a new political, economic, and not always welcoming social culture. It recounts how, undeterred, Ma establishes her dynasty at home and Pa builds his business, and by the time their son embarks on his architectural career, they are firm believers in freedom and aspiration-and in keeping alive in memory those Jews who were denied such joys.
"You will smile and laugh and identify with these stories and this is what one has a right to expect from the written word . . . I must caution that you will want more of the same and David has promised to continue the series."
Aniko Koranyi, past president, Canadian Authors Association
"A sheer delight."
David J. Azrieli, Canadian architect and philanthropist
