East Germany and the Escape: Kitchen Table Memoirs

The true story of Alfred Kienitz set in East Germany - before, during and after WW2 - tells of many hardships suffered during those times. Raised with six brothers and sisters, Alfred was part of a family that worked hard to survive. His parents despised Hitler and all that he stood for. They were the first family to have a tractor in their village - only to be at the mercy of the mayor, who sometimes would loan out the Kienitz farm equipment without permission. With his three older brothers off to war it was up to Alfred, while still a young teen, to fill their shoes on the farmstead. Once married, he had no choice but to play the role of 'police helper' for the authorities - while at the same time risking his life by secretly assisting family, friends and even strangers to escape the clutches of Communism. After he aided his parents and brother to escape into West Berlin, he and his wife, Margot, set their own plan in motion. The adventures of Alfred will have you laughing from his amazing escapades and sobbing with grief at the adversities he and his people encountered.