Flight From Prague: The Making of a Refugee

Czechoslovakia, 1938. As German soldiers cross the border, Jewish businessman Harry Lewy flees for his life. Danger and uncertainty follow him across Europe and through Nazi Germany until he finds refuge in Belfast. There, after the war, he reunites with and marries his childhood sweetheart, dancer and Holocaust survivor Helen Lewis (née Helena Katz). 

In this powerful new book, Flight from Prague: The Making of a Refugee, their son Michael Lewis tells Harry’s story, drawing on memories, interviews, family documents and archival research. At this special event, Seamus McKee speaks with Michael about the challenges of writing a family memoir and about how Harry’s journey speaks to the enduring plight of refugees. 

Michael Lewis was born in Belfast in 1949. A former teacher and headteacher, he has worked in education and public service for over 35 years. He lives in Sheffield with his wife Petra. They have two sons and three grandchildren. 

This event is in partnership with The Linen Hall.