A Carpet of Jacaranda

Of Jewish origin but thoroughly assimilated, Ann Major's enormously successful family, especially in terms of cultural and scientific achievement, lived confident in the future. Little did they realize that their world was being threatened by the looming danger of the Holocaust, perpetrated both by the German Nazis and the Hungarians during World War II. Having survived it, as well as the brutally long siege of Budapest and the arrival and the depredations of the Soviet Red Army, she fled Hungary at the time of the Communist take-over. Ann and her husband settled in Sydney, Australia. "In this book Ann Major establishes a literary and historical monument not only to 20th century Hungary but also to the memory of those who saved her life as well as to the memory of people whose humanity triumphed when the call was for bestiality." Istvak Deak, Columbia University "Ann Major evokes for her readers a privileged childhood in Budapest, violently snatched away by the Nazi invasion. Her story continues to unfold her post-war departure to Australia and the beginning of new life. She writes with insight, grace and a particular lightness of touch that lets the reader into her mind and heart." Patti Miller