About the Book

Good Dogs Do Stray is a narrative blend of a young person's wonderment and the seasoned reflection of an older man. Emmerich Koller tells the true story of his family as it copes with privation, World War II and its aftermath, escape from Stalinist Hungary after the revolution of 1956, four years of refugee life in Austria, and immigration to America. Woven into the family's history is the author's own metamorphosis from poor country boy to seminarian, to college graduate, to member of a religious order, to teacher.

The story begins in the spring of 1945. The villagers cower in their homes. Once again in its long history, Pernau, located at the western edge of Hungary, finds itself in the path of fighting armies. The retreating Germans care little about the loss of innocent life or village property if their shells from nearby Austria can slow down the pursuing Red Army. A horrific explosion announces the arrival of the Russians and awakens little Emmerich to the world around him. Smoke and dust have barely settled when an officer knocks on the door and asks for a needle and thread. Like a proper gentleman, he returns everything a short time later. Relief sweeps over the entire family. Not for long. The dreaded horde follows.

After the war, life in the village returns to a semblance of normalcy for a few years before the communist plague destroys the traditions imported 300 years ago by the author's Bavarian ancestors. Emmerich belongs to the last generation that experienced the old village life before it disappeared forever. With his vivid descriptions, a vanished past comes alive. We accompany the village crier with his drum on his appointed round, and take an intimate tour of the old village. We hear the sound of the trumpet that summons the village pigs for their daily dig and wallow in the woods. We meet Seppl, the "village idiot," as he digs out stumps in the forest and is duped into carrying the red flag at the head of the May Day parade. We walk into the one-room schoolhouse where as a little boy the author receives his elementary education along with frequent beatings. We attend Mass in the local Baroque church where a serious ambition in a child's mind is formed. We discover Shaekl, the family cow, who has an endearing personality and a mind of her own. We walk into the dark forest near the Koller house and sense that the forest isn't just a collection of trees but a treasured friend with a generous soul. We meet the roving gypsies who are feared but also pitied for their poverty and sad condition. We are shocked, as cast-offs of the war become dangerous toys for children, and lethal security installations along the Iron Curtain become the playground of a lad.

This is just the beginning. The story goes on with many poignant and humorous tales from a deprived childhood, an old-fashioned upbringing, and the long and twisted journey from a primitive village in Hungary to the sophisticated metropolis of Chicago.

Very early in life, the author becomes responsible for his own destiny when he leaves the family at age fourteen, first to learn a trade, and then to enter a seminary with the intention of becoming a Catholic missionary priest. The description of his religious formation is intimate, reflective, candid, and witty.

For the author and his family, setbacks were always followed by progress because they dared to transcend conventional norms and boundaries. Still, it took a long time to embrace the concept that it is acceptable even for good dogs to stray.

Reviews

---

Mr. Koller's remarkable book puts a new spin on the immigrant-makes-good story. This well written memoir offers a fascinating look into village life in occupied Hungary and beckons you to follow the author on his unforgettable, often heart-breaking journey to adulthood and a new life in the U.S...from poverty and repression to a distinguished teaching career...with surprising detours along the way. Readers of this poignant and uplifting memoir will be inspired by Emmerich Koller's incredible life and transformation. Thank goodness Good Dogs Do Stray! I loved this book!

-Agnes Clark, Chicago, IL

For those who know Emmerich Koller as friend, colleague, teacher, or neighbor you are indeed fortunate. For those who will make Emmerich's acquaintance by reading his memoir, Good Dogs Do Stray, you are beginning an enriching relationship. Emmerich is a man who informs his life with faith, who embodies hope, and who practices care-for-others. As an author, his story of "coming to America," allows each of us to unravel and embrace our own life stories. Our stories shape who we become. His memoir comes at a most opportune moment as the topic of what it means to be an American and/or an immigrant is being discussed with great intensity; as is, what does it mean to be a person informed by faith.

Often the good dogs that do stray are called: pioneers, trail blazers, visionaries.

-Penelope Rieck,
Teacher of Jungian Studies
Women's Exchange
Winnetka, Illinois

What a wonderful work! I still think about the book, now more than 2 weeks after having finished it. That means it had an impact on me. I always like books that leave me with an impression. Very well done.

-Tom Rieck, Winnetka, IL

Emmerich Koller's book, Good Dogs Do Stray, is a heartrending story about a young Hungarian boy who leaves Hungary with his family right after the Revolution in 1956. Koller tells his tale with an in-depth look at the hardships of moving a family - of escaping from an oppressive government - to the United States. He is a terrific writer - capturing the intensity of the times, both externally and internally. I could not put it down - I felt the Iron Curtain and its evilness - and I loved the story of coming to America and how they assimilated in the 1960s. Good Dogs Do Stray is a memoir worth reading.

Roberta Rubin The Book Stall at Chestnut Court Winnetka, IL

An unforgettable book - From the moment I started reading this book it was very hard to put down, this is the best book I have read in a long time. The book is very well written and leaves you wanting to read more. The book places you with Emmerich and makes you feel and see what he goes through as he grows into a young man. The book made me realize and think of all the hardships that immigrants went through to get to this great country. It was those immigrants who made this country what it is today. Emmerich Koller and his family belong to those who shaped this country and who made it great!!! Thank you for this wonderful book!!!

Book Hog, Northfield, IL

A Celebration of Life - Emmerich Koller, in his recent memoir Good Dogs Do Stray: Memoir of an Immigrant from Hungary, celebrates human life in all its aspects. Life is a journey as Dante says in his Divine Comedy. Emmerich's life relives this journey: from war-torn communist Hungary to America, with all struggles, dreams fulfilled and unfulfilled; from a youngster in Hungary to seminarian in Austria and America, to teacher, father, grandfather, and above all, a lover of life.

Reading this very personal journey is like reading St. Augustine's Confessions: Domine, creasti cor nostrum ad te et irrequietum est donec requiescat in te." - "Lord, you created our heart for You and it is restless until it rests in You."

Once we begin to read this autobiography, we feel the urgency to read it all at once. We need to reach the end of Emmerich's wonderful journey: the triumph of the human spirit over inequities, and we all say: Life is really beautiful.

Rafaele Di Zenzo, Ph. D. Westchester, IL

About the Author

---

Born into a large family in rural Hungary, Emmerich Koller's life took several unexpected turns before becoming a teacher in America. His childhood and youth were shaped by war, poverty, a brutal communist regime, life as a refugee and immigrant, and years of seclusion and discipline in a religious institution. He retired a few years ago after thirty-six years in the classroom. He cherishes the honors that originated with his grateful students: Distinguished Teacher, Presidential Scholars Program; Certificate of Merit, Goethe Institute, NY; Outstanding Teacher, University of Chicago. Mr. Koller holds degrees in Philosophy, German, and Education. He lives in Winnetka, Illinois, with his wife Ann and youngest son Andrew.

Excerpts

---