“As the centennial of World War I closes, I remember all those who suffered. These thoughts ran through my mind in working on The Memory Book.” — Author Linda Fischer. For me, one of the most defining moments in The Memory Book came from Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the US. He was involved in the European relief and reconstruction efforts after World War I.

Hoover observed that the Hungarians in 1919 faced “liberalism, revolution, socialism, communism, imperialism, terror, wanton executions, murder, suicide, falling ministries, invading armies, looted hospitals, conspirators, soldiers, kings and queens—all with a constant background of starving women and children.” And but for a “magnificent toughness in the Magyar spirit,” he wrote, “the race would have collapsed.” Special thanks to the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum, West Branch, IA, for permission to use this quote in The Memory Book.

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