The Voice of the Reader: Their Experiences!

When you write and publish a book, it is an exciting moment in your life. Will it be received well? Do people want to know about it and read it? Will you sell many copies? Was it worth spending six years on it? Some readers share their reactions on this page. 

FB Lubin Poland

Regarding my assessment of the book – for me, it is superb. It is very well written. It stands out due to a wealth of historical knowledge. The author's comments on historical events are very interesting. The book is written in a reflective manner. We continuously learn new things about Polish soldiers and the environment in which they had to live after the war. The depiction of the West and East of Europe after the Second World War is also very engaging. The war experiences of the author's father and the Cuber family keep the reader in suspense.

AB France/United Kingdom

 First of all, I believe that your journey in tracing your family history is undoubtedly a great success, and I congratulate you on your tireless efforts.

CM Breda

 Why does someone write a book? You only do so when something relentlessly compels you to do it.
After reading the book, I finally understood what the underlying motivation was. I am from Breda and have always known that children from Polish families lived in our city. Nice people, didn’t stand out and simply went along with everything happening around me.
In the book, I learn about the incredible political and religious chaos in the living conditions of the Cuber family until 1945. The first part of the book provides detailed insights into this, but it’s relevant to place and understand the family’s circumstances. Following this, the story of Wladyslav Cuber, his family, and relatives is made clear. I am somewhat familiar with the family, but I was completely unaware of the facts and situations described.
Ultimately, the book also provides a clear picture of a strong Polish sense of honour, where growing discontent emerged over a lack of respect for their proven services, both from the responsible authorities and within the Polish community in Breda.

M.v.G Breda

The book is finished – what a beautiful and very educational book! In my family, we still remember, up to the fifth generation, a great-great-grandchild who is making a school project about her great-grandfather. I still need to investigate some details regarding the notes and sources.

EKP Breda

Fantastic book. Thank you for writing this. My impression of most Poles from that time wasn’t very positive. You have changed that. Once again, thank you and honour to your family. 

AvD Belgium

The book is an incredible source of information about Poland, the Poles, and their history. Having visited Poland several times, we recognized many familiar points. What a heartbreaking history of everything the Poles have had to endure over time. Even more heartbreaking is the disregard and neglect of what the 1st Polish Armoured Division and its soldiers did for the liberation of (Belgium and) the Netherlands. I would almost say: typical Dutch to treat deserving people this way! When you stand out from the crowd? Off with your head!

MC Breda

I admire you so much for writing this book. I read it with great interest, but also learned a lot from it. The references are an extra gift. So, thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book. Thanks to your help, I am even more motivated to expand my search further.

TdB Hoogvliet
I was particularly struck by human suffering that has persisted over the years and the fact that "history teaches that he learns nothing from history!" It's incredible how things repeat themselves! I translated the parts about the death of Grandma Wiera and all the horrors your family experienced in Belarus, as well as the role of the Russians in this, for my parents. They are impressed and appreciate that you have documented everything. I need to say this to you on their behalf.

JM Schiedam
I have finished your book, and I am very impressed. I never knew about Polish history, which, despite the suffering of the population at the hands of the Russians, has left an impression on me. Furthermore, what the Polish liberators from Breda and the surrounding area did for our freedom—I now realize that these people have been subjected to tremendous injustice.

AvE-A Breda
Book finished... It certainly reads very easily. Firstly, compliments for the layout. It looks great!! Also, respect for your perseverance. What a time and energy this must have taken. The motivation to find your roots and to better understand your father is commendable! I found recognition in the part about your home. I certainly remember the close bond between your parents and the switching to Polish when there was a difference of opinion. The section about Mazur was also interesting because I never knew exactly how things went after I left the association and what happened after your father's passing. The parts about your father's past and his family certainly made an impression on me. I remember his nervousness and unrest. No wonder, after everything he went through. I admire his perseverance regarding Mazur, although sadly often at the expense of you as a family. That perseverance is clearly in you as well; otherwise, this book would not have been written. Thank you for your book, Roman, and I definitely recommend it!!!

MvG Breda
Hello Roman, I read the life story of your Polish family with great interest this weekend. My compliments for the meticulous research that preceded this. Very impressive.

Journalist/Audio Documentary Maker Amsterdam
As part of a research project from Erasmus University, historian ( ) and I are working on a podcast series about the children of Polish liberators. How was the life of the children influenced by the (family) history of their Polish fathers and sometimes also mothers? I came across your very informative website and saw that a book by you is being released soon (tomorrow?).

Dear Roman, today (25-10-2024) I finished reading the book. It's impressive what you've uncovered, and at the same time, there are still so many questions left.