The Art of Resistance

Viac o knihe

In 1937, as anti-Semitism surged in Danzig, sixteen-year-old Justus Rosenberg was sent to Paris for safety. Three years later, with France under German control, he found himself alone, penniless, and cut off from his family in Poland. Fleeing south, he encountered Varian Fry, an American journalist in Marseille who was aiding thousands, including notable artists and intellectuals, in escaping the Nazis. Justus, with his German roots, cultural understanding, and language skills, became a crucial part of Fry's network, taking on roles as a spy and scout. The youthful blond thrived underground, managing counterfeit documents, secret codes, black market currency, and navigating escape routes while dealing with dangerous gangsters. However, when Fry had to leave France, Justus, affectionately known as Gussie, was unable to escape. Over the next four years, he relied on his ingenuity to evade capture, survive near-death experiences, and continue resisting the Nazis, collaborating with the French Resistance and eventually joining the U.S. Army. After the war, Justus emigrated to America, forging a new life. His journey is a compelling tale of courage, adventure, and survival, marked by a blend of luck, resourcefulness, optimism, and the kindness of many.