In a poignant narrative that spans continents and generations, William P. Planes unveils a gripping account of survival amidst the tumultuous events that shaped Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) in the early twentieth century. Through his book, Planes shines a light on the harrowing experiences of his father, a Christian boy who escaped the atrocities of the Armenian and Greek genocides perpetrated by Muslims, ultimately finding solace and freedom in the United States.

Understanding the Historical Context

Before delving into the heart-wrenching tale chronicled by Planes, it's crucial to grasp the historical backdrop against which these events unfolded. Asia Minor was a melting pot of diverse cultures and religions, with a significant population of Christians residing in the region. However, the onset of the twentieth century witnessed a dark chapter marked by systematic genocides targeting Armenian and Greek Christians.

Planes' Chronicle of Resilience

At the core of Planes' narrative lies the true story of a young Christian boy born in Asia Minor in 1908. Through meticulous detail, Planes recounts the perilous journey of this boy and his family as they escaped the horrors of genocide orchestrated by Kamel Ataturk on September 13, 1922. The book vividly portrays the resilience of the boy's family as they navigated life as refugees in Greece, weathering the storm of the German Occupation and World War II before finding a semblance of stability in Chania on the Island of Crete.

Immigration to America: A New Chapter

The narrative takes an inspiring turn as the boy, now a young man, makes the life-altering decision to immigrate to America. Planes eloquently captures the boy's journey of adaptation and assimilation in a foreign land, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of building a new life while cherishing the precious freedoms afforded by the United States.