LIKE A HAYSTACK Offers Unique Perspective on World War II

Osage, Iowa

In the new memoir "Like A Haystack: Life From My Perspective," author Margaret Smolik shares her family's courageous journey from Croatia to Austria during World War II and, ultimately, to the American Heartland.

When Adolf Hitler invaded Croatia in 1943, which was then part of Yugoslavia, Smolik's family lost their farm and were forced to flee to safer lands. After living in refugee camps and narrowly escaping a firebombing in Germany, the family arrived in Austria.

Still, Smolik's father dreamed of a better life, so he led his family to the United States where they settled on a farm in Iowa for several years and then moved to Des Moines, the capital.

"The courage of my parents, especially my father, to take the risk of moving to another country for the benefit of his children is one main theme of my memoir," Smolik said. "I think I share some of that strength and determination."

In her memoir, Smolik provides readers with an understanding of what life was like before, during and after World War II as she describes her family's courageous journey to the United States.

"Like A Haystack: Life From My Perspective"
By Margaret Smolik
ISBN: 9781490840352, 9781490840345, 9781490840369
Available in softcover, hardcover, e-book
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and West Bow Press

About the author
Margaret Smolik currently lives in Osage, Iowa. Smolik, who describes herself as a life-long learner, is a retired teacher. She maintained an active Iowa State Teacher's Certificate for more than 45 years. Smolik received her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

To post a comment, you must register and login.