FARE-WELL “BIG U” - “GREAT DAME”
SS/UNITED STATES
by
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This true story takes place on bord of the SS/United States leaving Bremerhaven, Germany and after one stop in Southampton, England continues its Trans-Atlantic route to New York City in December, 1961. Passengers from four different countries - Germany, Italy, Greece, Spain - are being seated at their randomly selected dining room table #97 and share their life’s stories expressing their deep desire to start a new life in this land of opportunities – called “America”! With deep sadness and teary eyes, they explain the various reasons – religious or political persecution, different class-oriented societies or just lack of opportunities due to being forced to carry on the old family tradition – were the main reasons why they came to this final decision to leave their homeland. Now, having joined their fellow passengers at “table #97” on this great ship, everyone is getting excited to be on the way to a better life in America, the “Land of the Free”- they hope! In December 1961, crossing the stormy North-Atlantic Ocean, the waves were ski-high, and so were the emigrants’ hopes.
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About the Book
While the super-liner SS/United States is known for its long lists showing the names of prominent passengers, including presidents, dignitaries and famous celebrities known all over the world, this simple book tells the stories of the “common people” on board, the immigrants. On a transatlantic voyage starting in Germany, via England to the harbor of New York City – USA, people from 4 different countries (Germany, Greece, Italy and Spain) are being randomly seated at Table “97” in the Tourist Class dining room of the ship. During this five-day journey together on a rocky ship, they share their life’s stories, their anguish, despair and try to justify why they have chosen to leave everything behind in their homeland to start a new life in a new world, called: ‘The Land of Opportunities’ - AMERICA! They tell about their lives in their homeland, their happy days with teary eyes and also express their biggest disappointments and frustrations in anger. The book also describes some interesting encounters with rarely seen sea-mammals and the ship’s courageous battle with a powerful, icy winter-storm, this vast North Atlantic Ocean had thrown upon its path - on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1961.
About the Author
Monika Danhof is retired and loves to write about her life’s most interesting and memorable experiences. Her first book written ‘Simply, Around the Globe in 1970’ (Life Rich Publishing) describes her extensive travels in detail. Her second book written “WWII Through the Eyes of a Child” (Fulton Books) tells her own and her friends’ childhood stories growing up under the notorious Nazi Regime in Germany. She enjoys life in Florida near her highly active, fun-loving family.