Submitted by Juliana Geran Pilon, Nov 3, 2006 09:37

Having followed Professor Hollander's distinguished career, it is fascinating to read this remarkably concise and penetrating story of his own saga, punctuated by insightful comments about Hungary's current predicament. While the mini-biography is presented almost casually as backdrop to the author's reflections on the present, it is deceptively secondary. His recollections of growing up under communism under the specter of "class enemy" understate the trauma and frustration of the predicament. In just a few deft paragraphs, we have a picture of totalitarian injustice confronted with courage. Yet the minute an opportunity presented itself to escape, Paul took the chance and, again with matter-of-fact modesty, found the courage to risk exile with nothing but the clothes on his back.

This is the kind of attitude that explains the feisty outrage of Hungarians today, who have known much frustration and haven't taken it lightly. Thank you for a thoughtful and heartfelt account, Professor Hollander.

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