The Greatest Gift: Lessons Learned From Exile in Siberia - Softcover

Bienkowski, Andrew; Akers, Mary

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1847394469 ISBN 13: 9781847394460

Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK, 2009

Synopsis

Andrew Bienkowski was six years old in 1940 when his family was banished to Siberia from their Polish homeland. With virtually nothing to see them through the long, cold winter, his grandfather chose to starve to death in order to give his family a change of survival. The years that followed were harrowing and difficult, but nevertheless magical. Warmed by the beauty of the natural landscape and the kindness of strangers, Andrew's childhood experiences in Siberia had a profound effect on his life. When he escaped the Soviet Union he went on to train as a psychotherapist, driven by the desire to reach out and help others living through difficult emotional times. As Andrew shares his experiences in Siberia, he reminds us that the greatest fulfillment we can achieve as human beings is found in helping others.

About this title

About the Author

After leaving Siberia, Andrew Bienkowski spent time in England before making New York his home, where he completed a Master's in Clinical Psychology. He went on to practise as a psychotherapist for 40 years, designing mental health programmes and working directly with patients. He retired in 1996.
Mary Akers is an award-winning writer of fiction, non-fiction and poetry who lives in New York.

From the Back Cover

Reminiscent of Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning, The Greatest Gift shows us that the only limits we face are those we place upon ourselves.

Edition details

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1847394469
• ISBN 13: 9781847394460
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272