Book SummaryWhen Time Stopped, by Ariana Neumann

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of When Time Stopped

The author embarks on a profoundly intimate journey to uncover her family's story throughout the era of the Holocaust.

The author was always accompanied by an enduring, unresolved question about her father's past.

The author initiated a journey to decipher her family's past upon discovering a mysterious identification card amidst the belongings of her father.

Ariana Neumann's journey begins as she recalls her early years, during which she discovered a mysterious identity card hidden within her father's belongings. A photo of a young man, whom she identified as her father, was on the identification card, yet it bore an unfamiliar name and birthdate, and notably, it featured the image of Adolf Hitler. The disturbing discovery fuels a deep unease and a compelling need to explore the hidden facets of her father's past.

As a child, she stumbled upon a mysterious item that would eventually evoke unsettling recollections: her father's disturbing dreams spoken in a language she did not recognize, his intense unease when certain European countries were mentioned, and his persistent avoidance of conversations about his family and life prior to their life in South America. Ariana Neumann set out on a lifelong quest to unravel the mystery surrounding her father's wartime experiences and to discover the fate of the family members from whom he had become distant.

The author forges bonds with family members she had not known before and amasses a collection of familial letters and documents.

The author carefully pieced together various fragments of information to reconstruct the history of her family lineage.

Following her father's death, Neumann undertook an extensive search for the truth, spurred by the inheritance of a collection of documents from him. Neumann, with the help of a researcher and the scant information from early letters, managed to reestablish ties with distant relatives located in various countries, including the United States, France, Britain, and also in nations like Israel and the Czech Republic. Some initially did not know about their Jewish heritage, while others possessed a deep awareness of it. Every relative shared a narrative, and each narrative was linked to this previously unknown family lineage. A host of relatives, known for their boundless warmth and welcoming nature, willingly shared access to family photographs, as well as a wealth of personal anecdotes, and an assortment of mementos, letters, and historical artifacts that had been tucked away in assorted attics and storage areas. The documents within them are by turns mundane and compelling: bank statements, love letters, official papers, and identity cards with forged names and dates.

The story adeptly weaves together different elements to portray the lives of Otto and Ella, as well as their sons Hans and Lotar, and other family members. Neumann carefully traced their journeys and choices as they navigated the Nazi occupation, searching for escape routes before inevitably...

When Time Stopped Summary The author's relatives experienced pivotal moments in Czechoslovakia, both before and during the Second World War.

The author's ancestors, Otto and Ella Neumann, built a thriving life in Czechoslovakia before the onset of war.

The family set up their home in the countryside of Libcice and were actively involved in the local community.

Before the conflict erupted, Ariana Neumann's grandparents, Otto and Ella, lived a life characterized by ease and luxury. Otto, recognized for his serious nature and ability to maintain composure, dedicated his energy to overseeing Montana, the family-owned paint enterprise, alongside his brother Richard. Ella, a vivacious, artistic woman, cherished the moments spent with her two sons, Hans and Lotar, and delighted in the serenity of their country home in Libcice, a quaint town nestled beside the tranquil waters of the Czech Republic's meandering streams. The family discovered a peaceful haven far from the city's commotion, offering a setting conducive to the children's growth, where they could indulge in games and establish a deep connection with nature. The family's unity was unmistakably displayed during weekend gatherings in Libcice, filled with melodies, joy, and stimulating discussions on politics and philosophy. Life appeared to be...

When Time Stopped Summary The relatives exerted every effort to evade the Nazis' pursuit and offered support to those who were compelled into concentration camps.

The author's father managed to avoid being deported by disguising his identity and staying hidden in Berlin.

Hans found work in a German industrial setting and engaged in risky endeavors that aided the military efforts of the Allies.

Her father, Hans Neumann, managed to evade deportation by finding a hiding spot within the very heart of the Nazi regime's stronghold. He assumes the identity of Jan Sebesta, a fictitious Czech chemist, and secures a position at Warnecke & Böhm through the assistance of his devoted friend Zdenek Tuma, a firm engaged in the manufacture of specialized aviation industry coatings for the German military. Hans faces the dangers of Nazi-controlled Berlin with determination, careful planning, and a display of courageous audacity that masks the ridiculousness of his situation. He takes advantage of the Nazi regime's strict compliance with rules and unquestioning trust in paperwork to create a credible fabricated identity.

Hans adopts a subtle approach to defiance while residing amidst the adversary. He utilizes his technical expertise to support the German military, simultaneously and clandestinely passing on crucial information from his...

When Time Stopped Summary The enduring effects of the Holocaust on the author's father and his relatives.

The memories of war that Hans, the author's father, kept hidden from his family for many years, deeply affected him and left a lasting impression because of the intense experiences he endured throughout the hostilities.

Hans was haunted by distressing memories and carried a profound burden of responsibility for the fate of his parents and other family members.

Hans Neumann carried the lasting effects of the years of conflict, despite surviving that tumultuous period. He had faced and misled the Nazis by adopting a new identity and integrating flawlessly into the heart of their territory. He secretly assisted the Allied forces while simultaneously holding a position with them. Following Germany's surrender in 1945, Hans returned to Prague, married Míla, and sought to start afresh. Two years after leaving Czechoslovakia, Hans and his family began anew in Venezuela, where he thrived as a clever and prosperous business owner.

He bore the burden of his wartime experiences, which were marked by the fear of hiding, the sorrow of his parents' loss, and the awareness of the many relatives he had lost, even though he appeared successful and lived without apparent worries. He...