Acknowledgements
This book could not have been written with the same accuracy without Brent Mai’s invaluable help. His books – compilations of all relevant data on the Volga German settlers and their villages, complete with geographical locations, allocations of land and population sizes – were a researcher’s dream. I also was able to reduce the tedium of small item research by extensive use of his gazetteer. Furthermore, to ease archival search even more, Brent was able to answer many of the questions that arose in the process. He is a Volga German descendant, of course, and his research and compilations were difficult and stressful work – the Russians are not very co-operative.
His work, combined with the impeccable, diligent searches performed by many Volga German or Russian German offspring amazed me, leaving me in awe. This research – meticulous to a fault, and therefore, accurate in the smallest detail – revealed their ancestors’ single-mindedness in solving a difficult task.
I am still in awe – and if anyone doubts my observations, I invite them to intern at one of the annual Russian German meetings, which attract a thousand or more participants.
However, I digress. I would like to thank Ed Wagner for his interest and involvement with my work; Nicky Larsson for her editing and humorous support; Hans Spalteholz for his erudite polish of the final product; and dearest Don and Anne for their continuing support.
Thanks is due the Hergert family, especially Sandy Twigg, for allowing me the use of the family name and the historical Reverend Hergert in a fictitious role. I must mention here that there never was a Carolina, nor was there a Michael Hergert in the portrayed roles.
The German poems and folksongs were with two exceptions copied from Volga German schoolbooks provided by Sandy Twigg. In Sandy’s materials I found heartbreaking personal accounts from the victims of the Stalinist excesses. The veracity of their emotional and physical torment is mirrored in my work.
All translations from German into English are the author’s endeavor to be true to German poets.
Last, but not least, I thank Lori McKee for again producing an appealing, intriguing cover and polished lay out.
As always, many people were involved in the publication of this book – too many to mention singly. To all of them my heartfelt thanks.
S.I.W.