In lieu of an Epilogue
“Greetings to Ivan’s family, greetings to the people who knew him, greetings to the village of Tsyareshki near the Two Blue Lakes in Belarus.
Writing to you is Giulia Novelli from Rome. Please do not be surprised that an unfamiliar signora knows your Ivan, knows Tsyareshki near the Two Blue Lakes in Belarus.
Of course, you have not forgotten that dreadful time for Europe—the dark night of humanity that saw thousands of people die, often in despair. While losing their lives, some accepted death as a blessed release from the torments of Nazism. That gave them strength to meet their end in a worthy manner and not violate their conscience. Others brought death to her knees in a heroic struggle. They left a high example of courage to humanity and died, surprising even
