2,000 Miles To Freedom: Escape From Ukraine 1917-1921 by Carey Berg
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Illustrator: Jeremy Wolfe Kivett
In 2,000 Miles To Freedom, we follow the harrowing journey of Hyman Robbins, a man of immense courage and morality. Leaving his small Ukrainian village of Skvira in 1907, Hyman sought refuge and opportunity in America, escaping the looming threat of the Russian Revolution and the Czar’s Army. However, when the winds of war swept across Ukraine, Hyman made the perilous decision to return in 1920 and rescue his people.
This is not just a tale of survival, but a testament to the human spirit’s indomitable will to seek freedom and live lives free of persecution. Hyman’s journey takes him across war-torn Europe, smuggling 80 people to safety through a combination of bravery, cunning, and sheer determination. From horse-drawn wagons to trains and transatlantic ships, Hyman and his people traverse five in European countries over 6 months and 2,000 miles, their eyes set on the promise of a better life in America.
Yet, this story also explores the darker side of the American Dream. Among the group Hyman saves is his sister Lottie, her new husband Sam ‘Jumbo’ Berg. ‘Jumbo’, in stark contrast to Hyman, is a man who views the American Dream as an opportunity for theft and deceit. His life of crime and corruption serves as a stark counterpoint to Hyman’s heroism, illuminating the dual sides of the immigrant experience in America.
2,000 Miles To Freedom is a poignant narrative of one man’s heroic endeavor amidst the earth-shaking chaos of Revolution and World War. It is a story of survival, courage, and the pursuit of a better life. It is also a timely reminder of the struggles faced by immigrants, both past and present, and the lengths they will go to protect their loved ones. This gripping tale will resonate with readers who appreciate historical fiction, true crime, and the complexities of the human spirit. It also highlights the current turmoil in Ukraine and shows that history often repeats itself.
Year first published: 2024
