The book, entitled Refugee Child: My Memories of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, has been published in Canada and the United States by Crabtree. Kalman, whose Hungarian name is Babi Kálmán, was nine years old when her family left Hungary for Austria.
?The 50th anniversary of the revolution suddenly caused me to realize that, my God, I must write this book,? Kalman said. She added that she has read many serious historical accounts of the revolution, but never one intended for children. So she discovered a calling.
Kalman fled Hungary with her family on the evening of December 2, 1956. Her family, who lived in Mosonmagyaróvár, near the Austrian border, was forced to leave because Imré Kálmán, her father, played an active role in making preparations for a post-Communist Hungary. If he had stayed, he would have likely faced prison or the death sentence.
?I would like it if my book inspires those Hungarians who fled Hungary in 1956 to tell their children about their memories,? said Kalman, whose own memories are supplemented by the recollections of her own parents.
Kalman last visited Hungary in 1972, but plans to visit again this year over Christmas.
Refugee Child: My Memories of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution has 223 pages with black and white and colour illustrations.
Source: Hungarian News Agency (MTI)
