Strangerthan fiction…This sharp, tightly focused narrative recounts the journeys of aboy, immigrant, engineer and adventurer as it unfolds across severalcontinents. Tolive a life fully is an act of courage. To write about it for others to read isan act of generosity. Klaus Ruhland’s memoir is a brave and big-heartedgift.   His story is one of challenge,transformation, and determination. He takes us from pre-war Germany to cold-warCanada and beyond. He moves from the personal to the political with ease. Butmost of all he reminds his readers that a mysterious human spirit flickersbrightly, even at the most difficult moments of a life story. This is a bookwritten with openness and to be read with gratitude. KevinBurns, Ottawa, ON Thisis a compelling life story, told in an engaging and candid voice. We aretreated to an armchair tour of the four continents in which thisauthor/engineer lived and worked, told by a storyteller who begins absorbingthe ambience and culture of a new country the minute he steps off the plane. Beverly Hodson, Saskatoon, SK