Upon the Head of the Goat: A Childhood in Hungary 1939-1944 Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapters 15 and 16 Summary

Chapters 15 and 16 Summary and Analysis

15: Iboya complained about having to attend school, preferring to work. Mr. Schwartz gave her an opportunity to work at his fish shop as a cashier, and Iboya eagerly agreed. But Iboya often returned from work exhausted and secretive, and Piri was mad at her for being so secretive. After awhile, Iboya confessed to Mother that Mr. Schwartz was a smuggler of Jewish refugees, and she had to help him smuggle and avoid policemen. Mother had a talk with Mr. Schwartz about putting her daughter in danger, but Mr. Schwartz assured Mother he would take care of Iboya.

Aunt Lujza was a frequent visitor to the house during this time, and she confessed her frustration at the receding influence and resources of the Zionist Club. The family soon learned with great sadness that Hungary had gone the way of Poland and other countries, and had instituted strict anti-Semite laws. These...
(read more)