Escape from Ukraine provides a graphic view of the plight of people subjugated by power hungry, ruthless dictators. Ward R Anderson’s story begins in 1934 with the birth of Ukrainian born Dmitri. His family’s trek to freedom beginning when he is ten years old is a fictional account that reads as real. Guided by a deserter who’d been conscripted into the German army, Dmitri changes his name to Ludos and eventually arrives in Prague where he finds refuge and love. But the narrative doesn’t end there. The author leads the reader on a journey of endless twists and turns that leave the reader wondering if Ludos will survive. Set in a period when the borders were different, the parallels in this story are a timely reflection on what people in the region are experiencing today.

Through the lifetime events of a Ukrainian man, we share in the experiences of a family trying to survive in a world of uncertainty and fear. Mr. Anderson provides a well researched history lesson of the wars and conflicts in Russia and neighboring countries that sets the stage for a young boy and his family to endure seven decades of atrocities, loss and, yet, always hope. This is a story of personal strength, courage, and resolve amidst enormous challenges. The history lesson is invaluable!

Escape from Ukraine provides a graphic view of the plight of people subjugated by power hungry, ruthless dictators. Ward R Anderson’s story begins in 1934 with the birth of Ukrainian born Dmitri. His family’s trek to freedom beginning when he is ten years old is a fictional account that reads as real. Guided by a deserter who’d been conscripted into the German army, Dmitri changes his name to Ludos and eventually arrives in Prague where he finds refuge and love. But the narrative doesn’t end there. The author leads the reader on a journey of endless twists and turns that leave the reader wondering if Ludos will survive. Set in a period when the borders were different, the parallels in this story are a timely reflection on what people in the region are experiencing today.

Escape From Ukraine is a compelling tale of events of significant historical importance of which many have little knowledge. Woven through the lifetime of a Ukrainian peasant, this work of historical fiction takes the reader from the oppressive reign of Stalin, the invasion of Nazi armies, and post-war Soviet rule, and finally to the Post-Soviet era. The writing is crisp and economical yet fiercely descriptive. The dialogue is so well thought out and written it will quickly convince you an Eastern European narrates the story. This story is dark and foreboding as a tale of these epic struggles should be; however, the author brings a flash of light into the narrative at the most appropriate moments. Just as you begin to wonder how much the human spirit can withstand, the author returns to a touching moment of human interaction. This book is well crafted, researched, and beautifully written. I highly recommend this fine piece of historical fiction.

Such a good read today.
The author uses vibrant story telling that proves history repeats itself. Even though the book was written before the Russian Invasion, the tale is quite prophetic. Regardless, I quite enjoyed the the book and highly recommend.

The author describes world events through the eyes of individuals who are living through the craziness of political fights. This is a must read especially if current events have you in turmoil.

Military Writer’s Society of America Review Ward Anderson’s Escape from Ukraine: One Man’s Journey to Freedom spans seventy years of a tenacious Ukrainian’s fight for survival. The story begins in 1944, with his family fleeing German and Russian occupation, and ends in 2014 with Putin’s invasion of Crimea. Ten-year-old Dmytro and his family flee their Ukrainian village, heading west. “They stole our grinding stone to prevent us from making flour. . . . How can a farmer in Ukraine die of hunger?” The perilous odyssey of walking a thousand miles to the protection of American troops in Austria is filled with tragedies and horrific hardships. They nearly starve and freeze to death. Jan, a stranger, atoning for his previous barbaric behavior as a Nazi soldier is savior, teacher, friend, and father to Dmytro whose name he changes to Luboš (to appear Czechoslovakian). Luboš grows up in Prague, falls in love, and for decades survives even more hardships and loses—alternating between despair and hope. What a relief when Luboš finally settles with his family in Eastern Ukraine, relishing well-deserved contentment. His idyllic twilight years are disrupted, however, with yet another occupation: Russia invades Crimea and 80-year-old Luboš, once again, must escape from Ukraine. “[B]lood-red flags of the star, hammer, and sickle. . . had been absent for twenty-three years. . . . Shreds of the blue and yellow Ukrainian flag smoldered.” He proclaims, “This time, I am Jan,” as he initiates his well-thought-out plan to deliver his family to waiting arms in Prague. Escape from Ukraine is a work of fiction but is surely the history of countless Eastern European families, including this reader’s grandmother’s escape. Meticulously researched, Anderson lays out the history as we watch the 2022 incursion of Ukraine on the news. While enthralling, Escape from Ukraine is not a quick read. It is, at times, difficult to follow the vernacular dialogue. Part One will break your heart over and over, but Luboš will win your heart as he perseveres. Review by Sue Rushford (March2023) https://www.mwsadispatches.com/library/2023/escape-from-ukraine Military Writers Society of AmericaMilitary Writers Society of America Escape From Ukraine by Ward R. Anderson — Military Writers Society of America MWSA Review Ward Anderson’s Escape from Ukraine: One Man’s Journey to Freedom spans seventy years of a tenacious Ukrainian’s fight for survival. The story begins in 1944, with his family fleeing German and Russian occupation, and ends in 2014 with Putin’s invasion of Crimea. Ten-year-old Dmytr

Hollywood Book Review Escape From Ukraine:
One Man’s Journey to The Black Sea is a sweeping historical novel by author Ward R. Anderson. Set against the backdrop of Stalin’s horrifying regime, Nazi occupation of Ukraine, postwar Communism, and Russia’s invasion of Crimea, the book follows one family’s escape from Ukraine. Dmytro’s life began in 1934 on the fringes of the Soviet Empire in Southwestern Ukraine, a fertile terrain coveted by tribes and rival powers. His family lived in fear and the atrocities they had witnessed over the years made them trust no one. One day, a Czech conscript who had deserted duty turns up in their isolated home presenting them with a possible escape to safety. They are faced with a delicate dilemma on whether to trust the stranger and make a thousand-mile treacherous trek with him across the Carpathian Mountains or stay and wait for the Russian and Nazi carnage and a possible sentence to Siberia. This majestic work follows Dmytro, whose name subsequently changes to Lubos, as he begins a new life, with new struggles and dangers. It is a tale of loss, pain, valor, courage, transition, and hope. The novel spans seventy years weaving its way into the modern days and the gradual changes in Ukraine and other countries in Eastern Europe. It is a brutal, convoluted, and an ultimately triumphant tale that illuminates the extraordinary power of the human spirit and its ability to endure – even in the bleakest times. Author Anderson writes with prowess about the effects of war and the cruelty of authoritarianism without blotting out the core value of human existence. The descriptions of life at a time of war are real and visceral making this pitch-perfect yarn a timely reminder of the need for diplomacy and democracy to salvage any flattering peace between nations. Ward R. Anderson has come out as an accomplished writer and an adept historian. Escape From Ukraine: One Man’s Journey to The Black Sea deserves a standing ovation for sure! Source: https://www.hollywoodbookreviews.com/escape-from-ukraine

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Crafted and Important Piece of Historical Fiction. Reviewed in the United States :us: on June 22, 2021 Verified Purchase Escape From Ukraine is a compelling tale of events of significant historical importance of which many have little knowledge. Woven through the lifetime of a Ukrainian peasant, this work of historical fiction takes the reader from the oppressive reign of Stalin, the invasion of Nazi armies, and post-war Soviet rule, and finally to the Post-Soviet era. The writing is crisp and economical yet fiercely descriptive. The dialogue is so well thought out and written it will quickly convince you an Eastern European narrates the story. This story is dark and foreboding as a tale of these epic struggles should be; however, the author brings a flash of light into the narrative at the most appropriate moments. Just as you begin to wonder how much the human spirit can withstand, the author returns to a touching moment of human interaction. This book is well crafted, researched, and beautifully written. I highly recommend this fine piece of historical fiction.

5.0 out of 5 stars Such a good read today. Reviewed in the United States :us: on May 1, 2022 Verified Purchase The author uses vibrant story telling that proves history repeats itself. Even though the book was written before the Russian Invasion, the tale is quite prophetic. Regardless, I quite enjoyed the the book and highly recommend. 5.0 out of 5 stars World events through the eyes of one man and his family. Reviewed in the United States :us: on March 18, 2022 Verified Purchase The author describes world events through the eyes of individuals who are living through the craziness of political fights. This is a must read especially if current events have you in turmoil.

Janette Stone's review of Escape from Ukraine 5/5: Escape from Ukraine provides a graphic view of the plight of people subjugated by power hungry, ruthless dictators. Ward R Anderson’s story begins in 1934 with the birth of Ukrainian born Dmitri. His family’s trek to freedom beginning when he is ten years old is a fictional account that reads as real. Guided by a deserter who’d been conscripted into the German army, Dmitri changes his name to Ludos and eventually arrives in Prague where he finds refuge and love. But the narrative doesn’t end there. The author leads the reader on a journey of endless twists and turns that leave the reader wo...

Susan's review of Escape From Ukraine 5/5:
Through the lifetime events of a Ukrainian man, we share in the experiences of a family trying to survive in a world of uncertainty and fear. Mr. Anderson provides a well researched history lesson of the wars and conflicts in Russia and neighboring countries that sets the stage for a young boy and his family to endure seven decades of atrocities, loss and, yet, always hope. This is a story of personal strength, courage, and resolve amidst enormous challenges. The history lesson is invaluable!

Adil Ahmet's review of Escape From Ukraine 5/5:
It is an excellent book which is telling the Ukranian story. What is happening now has happened in the past. I like the authors stule, eady yo read. Enjoyed the love story as well.