Walter A. Novak

The Narrow Way Walter A. Novak

This book was written "in the raw", as a father would tell his life story to his family. Walter Novak, born in immigrant poverty in timbered Canada, migrated as a child to Michigan.

Novak became a horse-trainer, worked in CCC camps, survived the hard times of the jobless 1930s, earned a Purple Heart in WWII. He devoted himself to his beloved wife Sophie during her devastating cancer. With humour, warmth and authenticity, we join a journey told by a rough field hand who evolves to a self-taught indispensable Head of Heating Operations at a Michigan community college, a man with introspection and great Christian faith, from remote dark Canada to sunny Florida.

Translated from audio-tapes, the easy-to-read, detailed-filled vignettes retain the unique vernacular of the Polish-Russian immigrant.

Readers are treated to ancient folk-tales, intimate secrets for breaking and raising horses, and survival skills gained from the rough streets of lawless Detroit.

Told with great good humour, the vignettes remind of Ingalls. They are family oriented and enjoyable for all ages.