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Book Nook provides readers with insights into the world of books. Vick Mickunas takes you into the center of the publishing world with the latest book buzz, book reviews, and exclusive chats with authors..Home > Blogs > Book Nook > Archives > 2009 > November > 10
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Timeless Lithuania…
Lately I have been buying some obscure books on eBay. Today I received my copy of “Timeless Lithuania” by Dr. Owen J.C. Norem. Published in 1943, the author was named “Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America” to Lithuania in 1937 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Norem, a native Iowan, was serving as a Lutheran minister in Montana when he was appointed to serve in the US Legation in Kaunas, Lithuania.
I visited Kaunas in 2004. A strange place. 99% Lithuanian. They know when you are not one of them. Even though I am of Lithuanian descent I did not blend in. Nobody mistook me for a local. Perhaps it was the Converse Chuck Taylor high tops that gave me away. The only red pair in Lithuania no doubt.
I can only imagine what Reverend Norem experienced there. Lithuania enjoyed a brief dozen years of independence between the wars before being successively occupied by the Nazis, then the Soviets. They were finally freed again 20 years ago when the Iron Curtain melted down.
I can’t wait to crack this gem open tonight….
Vick Mickunas
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