Don't Worry, Be Happy!

A memoir of hope, humour and survival from Hitler's Germany to Mugabe's Zimbabwe

by Ursula la Cock

"On 31 March 1943 we woke up to the sound of sirens. Usually, we did not take too much notice, but the news over the radio (illegally obtained, of course) stated that hundreds of bombers were heading for Berlin. We decided to go to the official air raid shelter, a factory that also belonged to AEG. We were not there long when we felt the earth shaking and trembling. Not too close, we thought, but then someone said a bomb had come down into the Spree, near our clubhouse. It turned out to have fallen into the river just next to our house. When we arrived back and went upstairs, we found the furniture all over the place. There was a big hole in the wall behind my bed and my friend Ruth’s wardrobe had settled nicely on my bed for the night. Strangely, my wardrobe was untouched..."

This is the true story of how the author grew up in what is now Poland, survived horrific ordeals during the last stages of WW2 and the post-war period, yet maintained a constantly positive attitude. She enjoyed a multitude of jobs across southern Africa, culminating in a managerial role at a bank in the new Zimbabwe: a land in chaos due to hyperinflation. Throughout this time, she never failed to keep good humour, be it in her interactions with occupying military forces and bureaucrats, when dealing with petty thieves, or in more ordinary pursuits such as dog shows and flower clubs.

Published on her hundredth birthday, these memoirs form a unique record of 20th century life in Europe and Africa, in all its rich tapestry, and above all of an especially resilient individual.

Article about the birthday launch

This book can be ordered from all major retailers, but if you have any problems, let us know.

In the UK and US, it can also be ordered direct from the printers, at a discounted price and/or with express shipping (although postage and sales tax may be charged, depending on location etc.).

Don't worry, be happy!

la Cock, Ursula and Kimber, Kim

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