Review: A story as poignant as its title
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 22, 2014
It is difficult for the average American to contemplate the fate of refugees from war. The author, Siggy Buckley, gives the reader insights into the fears, doubts, and disappointments war refugees face. These refugees were residents of eastern Germany prior to the defeat of their country at the end of WWII. Mostly women and children, they were uprooted by Russian soldiers and driven from their homes on a forced march taking only what they could carry or place on the family handcart.The story opens with sisters making a return visit to their former home after the fall of the Soviet Union, East Germany and the Berlin Wall. The land previously owned and operated by their families is now controlled by Poles. When they attempt to visit their ancestral home, the property owner becomes aggressive and drives them away. A visit to the town cemetery is as much a disappointment as their attempt to visit their home. During a flashback, the author gives readers a disturbing account of the horrors they experienced during the evacuation.While reading, "There's no Going Back: A short story," I felt as if I were reliving history. This story should be a must read for anyone without prior exposure to the realities of war.