Read Online Finding Rebecca: A Novel of Love and the Holocaust by Eoin Dempsey - Free Book Online

it’s far, far better Stefan,” Uli
said, shaking his head as he spoke. “Don’t you read the newspapers?”

    ‚ÄúYes I do little brother. I read them
every day.”

    ‚ÄúThen you must see what‚Äôs happening
in our country. These last few years since Hitler came to power have been the
best for a long time.”

    ‚ÄúI see that Herr Hitler has banned
all other political parties apart from his own Nazi party.”

    ‚ÄúYes, but what good did this
democracy do us Stefan? The years before Herr Hitler and the National
Socialists came to power were the worst Germany has ever known. Utter chaos. You
got out in time, Stefan, but we weren’t all so lucky. I am glad that you
weren’t there, my brother. I am glad that the children weren’t there then but
it could be a wonderful place for them to grow up now.”

    ‚ÄúJersey is a wonderful place for them
to grow up.”

    ‚ÄúYes, it was wonderful when they were
children, but look at your son Stefan; he’s not a boy anymore. This is an
island, a tiny island. It can’t possibly offer them the kind of opportunity
that Germany could.”

    ‚ÄúI would never stand in the way of
what my children wanted to do. It would be their decision, not mine.”

    ‚ÄúAll right then,‚Äù Uli said, turning
towards Christopher. “What would you think of the idea of coming to Germany?”

    Christopher smiled and looked at his
father, but his father’s eyes were stone. “It’s your life Christopher,” Stefan
said. “I can’t tell you what to do. You’re a man now.”

    Christopher could feel his eyes
flitting around in his head like tadpoles in a glass. Both men were looking at
him. “I would certainly think that it would be a great experience. I mean, I
love Jersey, but to live in Munich or Berlin? That would be incredible. But
where would I work?”

    ‚ÄúI‚Äôm sure I could get you a job in
the bank, I’ve been there almost seven years myself,” Uli said.

    Christopher coughed slightly, holding
his hand up in front of his face for longer than was necessary. “That would be
an amazing experience.” He looked at his father again.

    ‚ÄúYes, unfortunately, you would have
to forget your friendship with Rebecca Cassin if you went there.” Christopher’s
father said.

    ‚ÄúWhat? What are you talking about?‚Äù
Christopher said looking at Uli who slugged back a massive gulp of beer whilst
still looking bemused.

    ‚ÄúThink about it, Christopher, Rebecca
is a Jew.”

    ‚ÄúI never knew,‚Äù Uli said. ‚ÄúWhat
difference would that make anyway? Christopher hasn’t seen or heard from her in
years.”

    Stefan leaned forward towards his
brother. “I do read the papers Uli, I read them every day and I know that Jews
are being completely disenfranchised, completely removed from society.” Christopher
turned to look at Uli, but Uli’s eyes were low. “So that’s the new Germany
Christopher, a land of opportunity for most.” He turned to look at his son.
“There is a new set of laws making it illegal for Jews to be German citizens or
to marry non-Jews, or to own businesses or property. So make your choice
Christopher, but make it wisely.”

    Christopher looked at Uli. ‚ÄúI never
knew Rebecca was Jewish. Not that it matters to me .” Uli said.

    ‚ÄúBut in Germany it would matter to
her, and it would to you too, Christopher.”

    ‚ÄúMaybe you should go to Germany. It‚Äôs
the only way you’ll ever get Rebecca off your mind.” Uli laughed and a flame of
embarrassment crept over Christopher. He wanted to argue that he was over
Rebecca, and that it was three years since she’d left, but he could see now
that they could see through him. The beer had dulled Christopher and his mind
lolled back and forth, unable to fend off