Brave for Freedom: The Story of a Romanian Refugee and His Lifelong Journey to Flee His Country.

Many people worldwide view Romania as being one of the most beautiful and historic European countries, having marvelous castles, monasteries, and breathtaking scenery. That wasn't the case for Viorel Matei, being born in Buzias in 1953-the place of the heart, known for its healing waters, just eight years after World War 2 had ended. Unfortunately, the Soviet Union overtook Romania in 1944. Viorel and his family had to taste the early stages of communism for decades as the nation became a Soviet satellite state for the USSR.

This memoir takes you through Viorel's life, beginning at the age of three in 1956 when his father Stefan sadly gets drafted into the Romanian army and is left with his mother and two siblings.

As an adult, Viorel had to experience the death-dealing Romanian revolution that happened on December 16th, 1989, where he almost lost his life shortly before fleeing the country.