Not A Real Enemy
The True Story of a Hungarian Jewish Man’s Fight for Freedom
One of the most unknown chapters of the Holocaust was the story of how nearly half a million Jewish residents of Győr, Hungary, were deported and killed at Auschwitz. My grandparents, Joseph and Kamilla Wolf, were among those half million who perished. In Not a Real Enemy The True Story of a Jewish Man’s Fight for Freedom I tell the true story of my grandparents and my father, Ervin Wolf, and his quest to survive the brutalities of first the Nazis and later the communists in occupied Hungary. Escaping the Nazis twice, and determined to escape the communists, Not a Real Enemy takes the reader on a journey of horrors, victories, setbacks, triumphs, tragedies, and ultimate survival, as the terror of genocide and fascism test the spirit and mind of every citizen living under occupation.
Recommendations
“Not a Real Enemy” is a powerful tribute by the son of survivors to his parents and their families, telling their story in a compelling narrative that begins at the turn of the twentieth century and takes us through the turmoil of World War I and the build up to the Holocaust. It then brings us into the death camp of Auschwitz Birkenau and into the slave labor camps of Hungary and also to life under Communism and the daring escape into the free world. The writing is crisp, the story complex but the author weaves the narrative strands together seamlessly. I was moved to tears of sadness and frustration but also tears of joy! Well done indeed.
“Robert Wolf deftly combines his father’s testimony and his own research into a riveting historical narrative to recreate a sensitive and sophisticated portrayal of Jewish life in Hungary before, during, and after the Holocaust. It is a profoundly moving account of the Wolf family’s dignity, courage, and resilience in the face of implacable hatred. It is a story of loss, but more importantly of survival and the strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.”
“Dr. Wolf’s book breaks new ground in describing Soviet postwar rule in Hungary, with its forbidden zones, secret files, seizures of property, and paranoia which favored only the privileged party elites…. Not A Real Enemy merits a worthy place in recalling the Jewish people’s darkest night and its ongoing thirst for rebirth and renewal.”
A riveting book by a great friend, Rob Wolf. Unbelievable the hardships his parents had to endure in Hungary during and after WW2. It makes you realize how strong-willed their spirit was to stay alive and see their dreams come true to become doctors and help people. Even though they had seen the worst of people, their faith in humanity was not deterred. Very well written. Kudos, my friend, Rob.
“Not A Real Enemy” is the story of Ervin Wolf’s fight for freedom, first from the Nazis and then the Communists. I am not an avid reader but finished this story of 400 pages in two days. I just couldn’t put it down, although I had to take a break a few times because of the sheer sadness due to the brutality and humiliation Ervin and his family had to endure. The book will bring tears and joy as Ervin escapes the Nazis and later when he and his wife escape the Communists. I highly recommend this book!
Just finished “Not A Real Enemy”!! I loved it so much. It is amazing how strong Robert Wolf’s dad and mom were! I can’t believe how strong their will to survive was and the wonderful life they created for themselves and the author. Heartwarming to say the least. Thank you for sharing this amazing story with the world!
I just finished Rob’s book, and it tore my heart out! I have read so many books about WWll, and as you can imagine, I still cannot understand the mentality of Hitler and his followers. This book was especially touching because of knowing Rob, and I was vested in a way I had never been before. We must never forget what happened, and Kudos to Rob for his part in making sure that never happens. What a difficult and yet cathartic experience it must have been to write it. I cannot imagine how difficult it was to go through the process!
I went to high school with Rob Wolf, the author of this incredible book. I recommend you all read it, so we never forget….Thank you, Rob, for sharing your family’s history. Please get a copy of this book and read it. You will laugh, cry and feel many different emotions but well worth it! Rob is a gifted writer, and what a beautiful way to capture his family history…one we should never forget. Thank you, Rob Wolf.
About 400 pages and finished it in two days. Very compelling read. Gut wrenching at times. Had to put the book down every so often to collect myself due to sadness and heartache. But ultimately in the end heartwarming and you’ll be crying tears of joy.