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Wainui resident Hans Grueber’s memoir His Story offers readers a personal journey through some of the defining moments of the 20th century, told through the eyes of someone who lived it.
Beginning in wartime Germany, Grueber recounts childhood memories of air raids and falling bombs as Allied forces devastated his hometown of Wuppertal during World War II. The memoir then follows his life through post-war Germany, his years as a young lawyer, including defending a fringe member of the notorious Baader-Meinhof Gang, and eventually emigrating to New Zealand with his young family.
Written during the Covid lockdowns, what started as a personal project gradually grew into a memoir of more than 300 pages, Grueber says.
Rather than attempting to write a formal history book, Grueber focuses on capturing the experiences and observations that shaped his life.
“This story records my observation of history unfolding. In other words, I was there,” he says.
“I do not try to write a scholarly, fact-checked history; however, with my best efforts to be accurate, here is what I remember experiencing, and therefore what influenced who I am.”
His Story offers a personal perspective of moving from the fear and uncertainty of wartime Europe to the opportunities and challenges of building a new life in New Zealand. The memoir also provides insight into how major world events are experienced at an individual and family level.
Readers with an interest in history, immigration stories and personal memoirs are likely to find plenty to connect with in Grueber’s reflections.
WIN this book
Hibiscus Matters has two copies of His Story to give away. To go in the draw email ‘His Story’ to hibiscusnews@localmatters.co.nz or alternatively, write your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and post or drop into His Story, Hibiscus Matters, 21 Florence Ave, Ōrewa. Entries close on Wednesday June 24, at 5pm.
