Coming out of the Ice: An Unexpected Life

I was training for a marathon while I read this book. When I started to get a cramp or my legs hurt I would think about what he went through and keep going. I gave this book to a friend who took it on a trip to hike Kilimanjaro. When he got back he said that at the end of the day members of the team were reading the book but couldn't complain about how tired they were especially after reading how Victor Herman's wife and daughter trekked through the snow to be with Victor in an 8x8 hole in the snow living off of potatoes. This book also puts into perspective how little communism cares for individuals and how evil Stalinism was and is.

I have never read a book that left me more feeling that I had experienced the heart of a man. Victor was just that, a simple man who faced unspeakable humiliation and emotional deprivation, and discovered he had the heart of a hero. I have just read this for the second time at age forty, and am overwhelmed by the bravery and fortitude he possessed at such a young age. Victor didn't desire his freedom so he could seek power or riches; he simply wanted to love his wife and provide for his family. This book benefits tremendously from being autobiographical; no one but Victor could convey his heart, and that is what this book is about. Our society would benefit greatly if our young men were taught about a real man like Victor Herman.

I reviewed this book for the ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS when it first came out. Since then I have used it many times in teaching high school English classes. The classic ONE DAY IN THE LIFE OF IVAN DENISOVICH ends by stating that, all and all, it had been a pretty good day. When one compares Ivan's day to most of the days Victor Herman survived during his remarkable odyssey in the Soviet Union, you come to the conclusion that Ivan did have it pretty good. I sent my review to Victor, and, as a result, corresponded with him regularly for several years until his death. He wrote two other books that you should seek out, THE GRAY PEOPLE and REALITIES: MIGHT AND PARADOX IN SOVIET RUSSIA with Fred Dohrs. I agree with the other reviewers that this is one of the most powerful books I have ever read, and I have reviewed over 2000 of them.

How can I begin to tell you of Victor. I read his book in the late 70's when Victor was still alive. His story was so profoundly moving that when at the end of the book it gave his location in America, I was inspired to try contacting him. I asked the information operater in his city if she had a listing for him. She did. When I dialed the number it was Victor himself that answered the phone. I had a conversation with this incredible human being who had survived an experience that is beyond imagination. Of that conversation, one thing he said has reverberated in my mind ever since. . ."Don't ever think it can't happen here" Years later I called again. He was the kind of man you simply never forget. By this time Galina had come to America and it was her that answered this time. Victor had passed away. I assured her of the pledge that I had made to her husband years before. That was that I would tell his story as often as possible and see that people read his book. I have bought over 20 copies throughout the years to loan to others. It is a book that once you have read it you are compelled to share it. It is no longer in print, but well worth the effort of finding. Victor is no longer with us but his story will speak of his and Galinas' incredible courage for many years to come. . .

Victor Herman is indead a rare individual. Victor excelled at everything he put his hand to and above all he survives. I have read many books by survivors of the Russian Gulags, and although their stories are tragic and touching you know that by definition they are not the ones who really had it bad. Those people are all dead. Victor is the exception to that rule. When he was imprisoned he was in absolute top physical condition and he was a never give up type of guy. Even with those two factors he never should have survived what he went through. It is unbeleivable that he is alive. As if that is not enouph there is his wife Galina. Would you walk hundreds of miles through siberia where it is so cold that the trees explode, while pregnant to live in a hole in the ice (literally) with practically no food just to be with your husband? She did. Victor was and is a survivor, but Galina is a woman of incredible character who is willing to make the utmost sacrifices for what she considers important in her life. If I had only read the first pages of this book I would have to say that Victor is a literary giant even though he is in no means trying to be one. His question on the first line of the book is not a rhetorical question, but truly a stuggle of epic proportions that really defines the whole book. "How can I tell you about my life?" I savor thes first few pages every time I read them and tears come to my eyes. This book never slows and is a testament to what suffering and hardship can do to and for people. What happened in Russia was in every way wrong and tragic but as in all such situations it brought out both the best and the worst in people. I have such deap respect for the people in this book that I named my daughter after Victors wife Galina and hope that she will develope the depth of character that Galina Herman displayed