Dimensions
138 x 205 x 20mm
The Unknown Hero Who Saved Countless Lives in World War II
Jose-Alain Fralon movingly charts the spiritual itinerary of a man whose whole upbringing had taught him to obey authority. Sousa Mendes came from an aristocratic background and had never opposed the Portugese government, except when it was republican. He had financial problems and all he wanted to do at the age of fifty-five was quietely round off his career with a more prestigious posting.
Yet in 1940 after wrestling with his conscience for three whole days and nights, he threw caution to the winds and signed as many visas for refugees fleeing the Nazi invasion as he was physically capable of before being summoned back to Lisbon and disgraced. A vengeful Salazar forced Sousa Mendes to take early retirement, thus ensuring he would end his days destitute. But whereas few now have fond memories of the Portuguese dictator, Sousa Mendes has earned himself a place in the pantheon of truly just men.
