Knock in the Night

By Balazs Szabo

Knock In The Night is a riveting story of life under Soviet communist occupied Hungary and a brave escape in 1956 The book is a warning to all complacent global citizens on the tyranny of large... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0977211703
• ISBN13: 9780977211708
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: Prodigal Pub Co
• Length: 274 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 0.8" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

An Incredible Journey

Balazs Szabo recounts his childhood until his escape from Hungary, then under Soviet rule. We see the effects of communism on his family, his neighborhood , his school and, ultimately, his country through the eyes of a young boy. He tells his story in such a simple, sincere, honest manner. His grandparents, with whom he lived during his formative years, had a major, lasting influence on the person Balazs became. There is a wonderful picture of them, as well as other pictures, in the center. His heroic escape at age 13 by bicycle, out from under house arrest, carrying a shovel given to him by a stranger so he could pretend to do odd jobs until he crossed the border into Austria & freedom, was truly amazing! After the uprising, the family came to the United States, where Balazs still lives & works as an artist. Through his art, he continues to do humanitarian projects. He published his memoir on the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution. Along with us, I think every Hungarian as well would want to read this chapter of their history through the eyes of one of their own.

A moving, enthralling story of a childhood and era.....

This book allows you to step into another country and live through the eyes of a child. Balazs draws the reader in with his accounts of his childhood, terror on communism and history of Hungary. Brillantly written with compassion and intent to detail. You will smile, laugh and cry as Balazs takes you on his journey.

You won't want to put it down

This book is an amazing account of a courageous childhood and the bravery and resourcefulness of a mere child. Incedible! Also, a good history lesson.

A 'Must Read'

This amazing book is about a life that most of us have never known and will (hopefully) never know! It tells a true tale reminiscent of Anne Frank's about a young boy growing up in Hungry during the Soviet occupation. One cannot help but draw parallels to the oppression that has existed for many throughout the world and throughout Man's history. We who choose to look away share the responsibility for the suffering that is caused. We who choose to pay attention find that even in the darkest of times, there is hope, beauty and love. This book shows that regardless of the hardship, there are those who survive and use their life experiences to give them strength, determination, and victory. Written in a manner that is simple and heartfelt, the author delivers a riveting tale that is both horrific and beautiful. Its beauty lies in the knowledge that in the midst of inhumanity, there are those whose spirit and love for each other continue to survive. The book's sincerity of style provides the realism that one cannot question. The reader understands from the very first page that this is the work of an extraordinary person who has carried indelible memories of human suffering, carnage, and sacrifice. To read this is to understand the potential for evil within a society that has fallen victim to dictatorship. As I turned the pages repulsed and yet spellbound I found myself asking, "How could this have happened?" Then I thought of reports from other countries and other atrocities committed upon innocent people. I considered this for a moment and thought that a book like this should serve as a wake-up call to humanity to remain vigilant in protecting those who would otherwise suffer the same fate as so many who are subjugated by cruel and powerful bullies.

Compelling and beautifully descriptive

This book gives its readers entry into the terrorizing world of a Soviet occupied country. You will experience, through the eyes of a boy, the daily anxieties as well as the joys that can be found amongst such madness. Hungary has a rich history that most of us probably won't know much about until reading this book. You will find quite a few editorial mistakes in this book as well as some bolded text that an editor should have advised against. However, it takes very little away from the beautifully descriptive writing and the anticipation created through the author's carefully structured prose.