Ursula Matthews

Ursula Matthews was born in Transylvania, in 1943. Her story; this story, covers European historical events, which shattered her family and community. Her father was conscripted into the German Army in WW2 and became a POW in England. When Ursula was six months old, her mother was snatched off the street, pushed into a lorry and sent to a Russian Labour Camp where she was forced to work in a coal mine. Her two children went to their paternal grandparents, who owned a farm. Their rural life soon...See more

Ursula Matthews was born in Transylvania, in 1943. Her story; this story, covers European historical events, which shattered her family and community. Her father was conscripted into the German Army in WW2 and became a POW in England. When Ursula was six months old, her mother was snatched off the street, pushed into a lorry and sent to a Russian Labour Camp where she was forced to work in a coal mine. Her two children went to their paternal grandparents, who owned a farm. Their rural life soon devolved into harsh poverty and their lives depended on family love and loyalty, amidst the cruelty of a despotic regime and racist hierarchy. Her story is of a family's struggle, sorrow, heartache and above all, love and hope. Ursula writes with a straightforward, descriptive style, which the reader will find adds substance, rather than self-pity, as her childhood unfolds. As an adult, Ursula has created an amazing family life and the love, trust and loyalty between her and her two adult children and grandchildren is palpable. Unsurprisingly, her own health has deteriorated in recent years, yet, with underlying appreciation, a sharp humour and ready smile, her remarkable courage, stamina and determination shine through. Many people will be inspired and informed by reading Ursula's story, which tells a family's journey through European history and topically addresses the realities of war, abuse of power, immigration and their consequences. See less