Title: Like a Haystack
Author: Margaret Smolik
Publisher: Toplink Publishing
ISBN: 978-1970066005
Pages: 95
Genre: Memoir
Reviewed by: Ella Vincent

Read Book Review

Like a Haystack is the moving memoir about a young Croatian who survives World War II and immigrates to the United States. Margaret Smolik has written an autobiography that will inspire readers.

Smolik writes about growing up in the country now known as Croatia during World War II. When Hitler invades the country, Smolik’s family flees to Austria for a few years and suffers from abject poverty. Her family then immigrates to Des Moines, Iowa and has to adjust to American life. In the 1950’s, Smolik’s parents worked grueling blue-collar jobs to support the family and Smolik has to adjust to speaking only English and learning about American holidays like Valentine’s Day. Along with assimilating into American culture, Smolik is still connected to her Croatian culture by meeting other Croatian immigrants in Iowa. Smolik then goes on to college, becomes a teacher, and continues to thrive in the United States.

Like a Haystack is so well-written and personable that Smolik endears herself to readers. She writes so vividly about her life on two continents that readers will feel that they’re in the bombed-out city of Dresden or in the Austrian Alps. Smolik contrasts the cruelty of war with the simple pleasures of celebrating holidays with family. Though she had to endure many hardships, Smolik survived with hope and love from her family.

The memoir is enhanced by intimate family pictures of her family and the schools she attended in Iowa. Smolik also writes moving poems to her sisters that add to the emotional heart of the autobiography. Like a Haystack is given depth with Smolik’s mixture of matter-of-fact recalling of facts and emotional remembrance of live during World War II.

This book would be best for readers who want to read memoirs about World War II survivors, like Night by Elie Wiesel. The memoir would be ideal for readers who want to read stories about European immigrants as well or any immigrant that is adjusting to life in America. Additionally, the autobiography would be best for readers who want to learn about families who persevere through difficult times. The book could be taught in classes about World War II or about Eastern European immigrants.

Like a Haystack is a slight book, but will leave a large impression on readers. Smolik has written an autobiography that will inspire readers to be grateful for the blessings in their lives and to remember the immigrants that achieve the American dream.