Curriculum Vitae: (An Unorthodox Version) to my Lucy - Judith Handley

Dear Reader,

Before you start reading this story, let me make my excuses. After I read the story, I found about a hundred mistakes, and these are all my fault. There is no method or order in the sto-ry; sometimes I write the same thing a few times, or mention people out of context. I am not a born writer. I have tried to learn "heritage" writing, but it didn't work. You know - trying to teach the old dog new tricks.

I wrote things as I remembered them and sometimes the memories were quicker than the typewriter. I haven't even tried to sort it out, because then it sounds different from my way of thinking.

It is quite natural that in many cases, I only remember the pleasant happenings. For example, in the war years when our family was dragged from one house to another, I don't remember where these places were.

The other fact, which has to be mentioned, is that when I was writing these pages, most of the time I was remembering as a young girl. In many instances, I had to smile when I read my words, such as "an elderly person". At the time that person was probably twenty years younger than l am now. But I was seeing with "small eyes".

There is a lot of joy in these pages, and nearly always when I write about my extended family.

When I was growing up, being the baby in the family meant being given so much love. There were so many who have loved me, probably even spoiled me.

Later in my story things are not cheerful, but there was a war and living through those years was not easy. Here I have to mention that love again played a part, with my mother volunteering to go with me to the concentration camp and guide me in those difficult times. Of course, looking back at those times, I cannot be objective. I don't think it is possible. As you get older, you see things differently, but when I am writing, my thinking stops at the age l am writing about - my youth - and I relive those feelings. If I wrote it today, maybe I would be more cynical and even more critical.

Well, here it is. Now it is your turn to read!

Published 2012 Judith Handley

Please note this copy is very gently worn at the spine and back cover.