John Freund

Spring's End John Freund

Into a new world I was brought by a dream

Never to see blood spilled again

But can I really throw away

The dreams that soiled my youth?


A young boy who loved soccer as much as he loved to write, Spring's End tells how John Freund's joyful childhood is shattered by the German invasion of his homeland, Czechoslovakia. Hoping at first that the conflict and persecution would soon blow over, John's Jewish family suffers through the systematic erosion of their rights only to be deported to Theresienstadten route to the Auschwitz death camp. John's loss of innocence and suffering are made all the more poignant as his vivid words reveal an unwavering faith in humanity, determined optimism and commitment to rebuilding his life in Canada.