This is an auction for THE VOYAGE OF THEIR LIFE: THE STORY OF THE SS DERNA AND ITS PASSENGERS, by Diane Armstrong.

"On a sultry summer's day in August 1948, 545 passengers boarded an overcrowded clapped-out vessel in with light suitcases and heavy hearts, leaving behind their familiar world to face an uncertain future in Australia They came from displaced persons camps in , death camps in , labour camps in Hungary and stony Aegean islands, There were those who had followed the Communists and those who had fled from them. Among them were a Russian Princess, a Polish ghetto fighter, an Estonian submarine commanders and 61 Jewish orphans. The epic voyage lasted almost three months and was marked by catastrophe, conflict and controversy until it seemed as though this hellship had absorbed the traumas of its passengers. As conditions on board deteriorated, tension and violence simmered above and below the decks. But romances, affairs and seductions also flourished, and lifelong bonds were formed. Diane Armstrong set sail on the Derna with her parents when she was nine years old. Like a detective searching for clues, she has managed to locate over a hundred of the passengers. Through their recollections and memorabilia, as well as archival documents, she has recreated the voyage and traced what became of their hopes and dreams. The result is a unique portrayal of a migrant ship and its passengers."

Very favourable reviews on Amazon.com.

Large format (trade) paperback 2001.

483 pages + 32 pages of photographs.

Good condition.

The cost of shipping is $4.95 (ordinary post) or $6.95 (tracked mail). If you are on rural delivery and want tracked mail, the shipping cost will be $9.95.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.