Overview

Memories Rekindled The pocket knife given to the author by his father seventy-five years ago rekindles memories of significant events and links the present with the past. During three years of pandemic lockdown, he rediscovers in his home numerous artifacts collected over a span of more than eight decades, which provide him with new perspectives on his life. His journey commences during World War II as a ten-year-old in an Afrikaner village in rural South Africa, where the fear of fascism is palpable. From his teenage years he witnesses the oppression and gross injustice of legislated Apartheid. He becomes a student leader and activist while studying law and working full-time to support himself. On qualifying he practises law and develops real estate, despite challenging economic times. After facing an earnest internal debate about leaving his homeland, relatives, and friends, he immigrates as a family of six to Canada in 1980. He overcomes the multiple hurdles of requalifying and the challenge of opening a law firm in downtown Toronto. The uncertainties of living during lockdown are interwoven with diverse memories, inspired by his numerous treasured objects. While the norms of civilization and democracy appear to be crumbling, the author endeavours to reconcile the present turbulence and the legacy he will leave for his grandchildren.

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9781778138935

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Reviews

"""Henry has created a gripping memoir of a time and place few of us have experienced. He grew up in a small rural village in South Africa facing fascist threats throughout World War II. During the Apartheid era he encountered many challenges that led to emigration with his family to Canada in 1980. This inspiring story concerns a man who persevered as he encountered and overcame many of life's hurdles. The writing is engaging, memorable, and uplifting. I recommend you give it a read."" -Andrew Zimbel, Convener, Junction Writers Group, Toronto, Canada ""The period during lockdown from March 2020 offered a time of reflection amid isolation. Henry Blumberg, in his mid-eighties, jokingly describes his status as being 'in life's departure lounge.' He has produced his own deeply thoughtful and gently humorous account of his life and times. The Pocket Knife is a deeply moving memoir. Its voice is that of an intelligent, compassionate, curious, serious man, who had met his own considerable challenges with integrity and fortitude, in order to care for his family, and for others, who are part of his capacious and loving circle. It is vivid, funny, and astute in understanding the political landscapes of the places he has lived, from the Apartheid regime in South Africa to divisiveness in the United States and Canada where he resides. It shows how to persist in dark times-and turn them into meaning for all who will shape community in unheralded but necessary ways."" -Dr. Jeanne Colleran, Professor Emeritus of English, John Carrol University, Ohio, United States"

Author Information

Henry Blumberg grew up in South Africa during turbulent times and with his family immigrated to Canada in 1980. He practised law in South Africa and Toronto. This book is the second in a trilogy of non-fiction memoirs. The first is Sean Left Quietly published in 2022.

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