Abandoned Child Survives Forced Labor Camp and Publishes Memoir
Schererville, Indiana (PRWEB) October 04, 2013 -- Nedeljko Zeljkovic was an abandoned child. He was left by his mother at the age of five and lived his childhood in orphanages. At the age of 14, he was on his own, homeless, sent to a forced labor camp and a few years later, to a penalty camp. After he was of age, he joined the British service, met Anneliese, got married and immigrated to the United States. Now, he shares all about his survival during many hardships and experiences in his newly published autobiography, titled A FAMILY AT LAST.
Zeljkovic’s autobiography recounts his life from the age of 5 to his celebrated age today of 86. Having been born in 1926, his story spans eight decades, including the World War II era up to the present. His story begins with his early years in Yugoslavia, then Germany and finally the United States. It is a memoir that delivers a portrayal of the hardships he endured during his childhood and early adult years. However, he never lost his faith, compassion or courage.
The story also reveals other vital characters. Zeljkovic’s mother plays a foremost significant part in the book. Because of the abandonment, he has searched for any reason why and how she could give up her last son. His brother, Jovan, also plays a vital role because he did all he could to help young Zeljkovic during the few months he knew him after he was found in an orphanage. Zeljkovic’s wife, Anneliese, who was his love and anchor, and his children, are also the main characters because they were the ones who gave him a family at last.
A FAMILY AT LAST shows readers how even during difficult and trying times, life is still wonderful. It encourages them to stay courageous, maintain compassion, keep their sense of humor and persevere. Many people suffer due to various reasons. Readers can relate to the author’s life and know there is hope and there are many opportunities for happiness. It is a compelling book which will humble, uplift and inspire everyone.
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About the Author
Nedeljko Zeljkovic was born in 1926 as the fifth child in the family. He had twin sisters who died before he was born. Shortly after he was born, his father passed away. His mother gave the family tavern to his uncle in exchange for adopting and raising his two older brothers. His mother moved to another town where she raised him for the next five years. At the age of five, she abandoned him at an orphanage to pursue a singing career. Between the ages of five and 14, Zeljkovic lived in three different orphanages. At 14, he was too old to qualify for living in an orphanage and was on his own. During World War II, as a young teen, he was sentenced to forced labor after he was captured without any papers. After several years of different hard work, he and a friend escaped. Unfortunately, they were captured and placed in a penalty camp, similar to a concentration camp. Once he finished that sentence, he joined the British service and then life began to improve. He met Anneliese whom he married and they immigrated to the United States.
A FAMILY AT LAST * by Nedeljko Zeljkovic
Publication Date: August 26, 2013
Trade Paperback; $19.99; 141 pages; 978-1-4836-7699-9
Trade Hardback; $29.99; 141 pages; 978-1-4836-7700-2
eBook; $3.99; 978-1-4836-7701-9
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