America, Who Are You?
A Story of Adventure and Survival
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
I wrote this poem at twelve when the Americans blew up the Nazi sign in Berlin in 1945. I want Americans to know how loved they are by many Europeans like me who will never forget and their hearts are full of gratitude.
America land of my dreams
When i was knee high, could i ever cry for our countries gone under
Because we had to surrender, shredded by German's plunder.
Yet i rejoiced and thanked God when the sun was shinning,
I did a lot of daydreaming, watching the clouds as they went by
The only jewells i saw were the daisies by the road
Their perfect little rows of white petals, center gold
I dreamt of far away lands where people were free
free to laugh and free to speak , free of fear and striffe
.America land of my dreams
You were floating in my inner space like a desert's mirage
I clung to it with determination
Until the day it came into action
Young GI's fresh faced full of youth
Smiled at us from their metal girth
Tanks, cannons, guns and the likes
They looked so vulnerable and young
They held my hand "small" in theirs "strong"
In their palms well fed and reassuring
They could be so loving to a little girl
Who defyed dying
So land of my dreams you will come true
In my heart you grew and grew
Till one day, i will see New York bay
Land of my dreams you will be mine
Anima Armstrong
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
As a young girl, Sylvie revels in the idyll of living in Madagascar, a magical island. When her family moves to Europe to further the children’s studies, however, they are caught in the whirlwind of World War II. For four years, they hide in the deep valleys of France away from the German occupation. They experience fear, starvation, and insecurity—but, through it all, they have hope.
American GIs bring them that hope and, later, freedom. For Sylvie, they also bring a new love. She marries Eric, a young naval officer, and follows him to the United Sates, where she is filled with love for her new country. It seems as if Sylvie’s existence follows history by pure coincidence as she builds a life with her engineer husband in Hawaii, where a son is born to them. As her narrative ebbs and flows, she experiences a host of events that shape her—from meeting scientists who worked on the hydrogen bomb to being introduced to Ronald Reagan.
But there is a mystery in her life that Sylvie does not grasp because of her sheltered upbringing. She will have to meet her nemesis face-to-face and survive. Her quest and love for America helps her understand the true meaning of her life.
About the Author
Anima Armstrong was born in Madagascar and later immigrated to the United States. She taught at the University of California–San Diego for twenty years and earned awards for her writing. Armstrong has two children.