On Wings of Hope – From Berlin to Caracas
Thanks so much for the book. I already read it from cover to cover, though ‘devoured’ would be a more apt word. I enjoyed it immensely and admired the detailed description of your travels until you arrived in Venezuela and your life in that country.
It is a mighty entertaining book, – to be read and enjoyed again and again.
Silvia Amador
It is 12.04 a.m. I just put down your book after reading it non-stop.
I couldn’t go to bed without writing you a little note of thanks for writing such a touching, interesting, beautiful and well-written book. After reading it I feel like I’ve known you and your family all my life; I have shared your tribulations and your joys. I may not know you personally but many of the people you write about in Venezuela have been dear friends for many years. Well, gotta get to bed. I start my next interpreting job tomorrow at 7 a.m.
Mirén Sexauer.
Your book came alive for me. It was difficult to put down this amazing work of adventure and growth. It is a book that keeps the reader going and going, page after page and, as with all good narrations, reaching the end was unavoidably painful because I wanted more of it.
After reading ‘On Wings’ your family is well-known to me. The flight from Germany, the war, the resentment to your country during the war, the years spent in different internment camps, the adventures in Africa, the hardships endured, – everything is vividly engraved in my memory.
I was with you and felt your pain as you ran through Papa’s garden with tears streaming down your cheeks after his death. I felt the imminent danger and the relief of James and Stanley struggling long hours to release the Desmid from the reef. Most impressively I shared your family’s pain and I struggled with you and Debbie during Stanley’s final hours. I cried with you.
Everything in between, the divorces, the human frailties, the overcoming of difficult situations and the making good of difficult times, – all provide an incredible example to your readers. Your talent is great and your account entertains and teaches many lessons: tolerance, perseverance and determination, and – most importantly, love and understanding as the cornerstone for keeping a family together.
Your narrative is not the ordinary tale expected of a woman writing her memoirs. All characters come alive, their personalities and idiosyncrasies graphically described.
But let this be your notice: Your readers will yearn for more of your stories.
Frank Gonzalez
Just a short note to tell you that your book is excellent! I stayed up till 2 a.m. and only put it down because I had to be at work early. However, as soon as I got home today, I sat down and finished it. It is well written and well-enjoyed.
It made me understand why you had such an understanding personality and how you could do so much with so little. . . .
Harriet Jeffrey
On Wings of Hope is a book easy to read, follow and digest. The writer, Ruthmarie Goerke-Matthysse, has an amazing ability to express her feelings and allows the reader to explore her emotions.
From Europe, starting with Germany during Hitler’s command through Asia, Africa, South America and North America ; the book guides the reader through the writer’s life’s story. Described briefly but carefully one can visualize detailed cities, places and events and moreover will be provided with a good idea of the economics, politics and traditions of countries the writer lived in. The book also drives the reader from dramatic and catastrophic experiences to the most wonderful and playful ones.
From childhood to grand motherhood, external and internal values are given in the course of the history, always with peaceful thoughts. The author transmits serenity, support, peace, love and forgiveness without hesitation. It is a book that demonstrates that no matter what, love is always welcome.
Iliana Alvarado
What SFWA members are reading
By: Gonny van den Broek
Editor of South Florida Writers Association’s ‘Author Voice’
I chose a book from our Bookshelf: ON WINGS OF HOPE – From Berlin to Caracas, an autobiography by our member Ruthmarie Goerke-Matthysse.
Oh, why did this book have to end? What an eventful, stirring and at times troubling life story! I journeyed along with the family from the day they fled from Berlin during the Hitler days, all squeezed in a car with a minimum of belongings, following them to Lithuania, Latvia and Poland, Romania and Bulgaria, Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Kenya and Uganda, settling for years in some countries only to be ordered out again. Eventually the family arrived in Venezuela, a country they finally could call home. I couldn’t keep up with the never-ending creativity and energy of ”Papa” and his daughter Ruthmarie, amazed how they overcame so many obstacles and turmoil in the various countries.
With great understanding and compassion, the author gave a clear and honest portrait of the family members. No one is spared. Halfway through the book I started to feel a part of the family. And therefore, with reluctance, I closed the book after reading the last page.
WINGS OF HOPE deserves a wide audience and I hope that the author is not far from reaching that.
Dear Ruthmarie,
I so enjoyed reading your book “On Wings of Hope – From Berlin to Caracas.” I am going to do everything possible to help you sell as many copies as possible. I am going to speak at book lovers clubs and tell people about it.
I write because I want to see it made into a movie. I am going to speak with Hal Halbrook about it. He and his wife Dixie Carter, live in McLemonesville which is ten minutes from Huntington. Hal is in Hollywood making a movie and Dixie can be seen in Desperate Housewives. All the very best.
Yours truly,
Roy E. Hopper