Portrait of an Immigrant: The Odyssey of a Slovak Boy - who Immigrated to America with his Family in 1939

In this memoir, Bachleda makes a personal story a universal one, sharing the most important lessons that are born of hardship and struggle—determination, love, faith, patriotism, and an enduring belief in the power of family. The story of his family’s immigration to America from Czechoslovakia is set against the backdrop of larger historical events—from World War II to the Vietnam War—and considers the price that must be paid to live the American dream. The story begins much earlier, however, when his father Anton is forced to flee to America to avoid being arrested and put into debtor's prison, leaving behind his pregnant wife, Mary, and their five young children. Several months later, Mary gives birth to their sixth child, a boy named Stefan. Now, Stefan gives a firsthand account of the family’s trials and triumphs, struggles and successes, and above all, their love and faith. With Mary and the children struggling to survive in Czechoslovakia, Anton has immigrated to America in the middle of the Great Depression. He lives with an elderly widow and sends Mary very little money, but as the family endures extreme poverty, they maintain their steadfast faith in God, finding solace and the ability to carry on despite their hardships. Eventually, their prayers are answered. When the elderly widow is on her deathbed, she offers to provide the money to allow the rest of Anton’s family to come to America. But despite their hopes for a better life, their struggles do not end—poverty has followed them, and now, coupled with language barriers in the Bronx, Anton descends further into alcoholism and abuse. And soon, World War II comes to the family. Despite feeling hopeless at times, the family never gives up—and now, Stefan looks back on his life and the lives of his family warmly, appreciating the many opportunities that continue to come his way and developing a strong sense of patriotism for the United States—and a belief in the enduring power of the American dream.