I have just read “From Tajikistan to the Moon” and found the book to be an interesting memoir from a young person’s perspective in the Holocaust. I could not put it down once I started to read it. The author was able to inject his feelings and experiences as if he was once again that young boy running from the Nazis after 50 years. He was able to exhibit the feelings of a young man in a displaced person’s camp. An angry immigrant who felt he was inferior to the rich Americans he met. And finally a mature man who found happiness in life and a wonderful family. This is for everyone interested in a different perspective of growing up under the Soviets, anti-Semitism, and unbridled success. A must read for anyone who has immigrated to the US or has family who has.

Bernice Greene, Ft. Washington MD

A truly great memoir. Robert Frimtzis’ book From Tajikistan to the Moon is compelling and moving. Bob was only a child when his family, living in Romania, were caught up in the dreadful fear of being captured by Nazi soldiers. His family survived the Holocaust and later immigrated to the United States, where Bob received an advanced degree and became a space scientist. This book is one you can’t put down. It is a true treasure and history of that period. It is uplifting, a book you can’t put down.

Dorothy Perkins, Author    Rancho Santa Fe, CA

Re: Your presentation to ORT and Book Signing on September 11, 2008.

Dear Robert,

It was truly a pleasure meeting you and listening to your story, which you presented so vividly. I started perusing your book (From Tajikistan to the Moon) and find it absolutely fascinating.

I attend many charitable events and must tell you, the ORT luncheon featuring you as their speaker, was particularly enjoyable. I am grateful to have heard you share your personal experience and your connection to ORT.

You and you wife are charming people and I was delightedc to have the opportunity to meet you both.

With sincere good wishes,

Robert Hirsch     Encino, CA

 
Born in Beltz, Romania, in World War II Robert Frimtzis fled eastward with his Jewish family to escape the advancing German army. From Tajikistan to the Moon captures the terror of their journey well, including the chances on which their survival turned. Many of their relatives who stayed in Beltz died, and others who fled to other areas were also murdered. After the war, Frimtzis and his family escaped the developing Soviet Union. They worked their way south through tenacity and perseverence, and eventually emigrated to the United States via Italy, sponsored by a relative in the US.

Following World War II, Frimtzis had already commenced a technical education in Switzerland. When he moved to the USA, he worked to learn English and, remarkably for a new immigrant gained entry to study engineering at CCNY, followed by graduate study at Columbia. Over the following decades, Frimtzis worked with vaious companies associated with the developing space programme, including General Dynamics, North American, Hughes and TRW. His work included spells on the Apollo Mission Simulator, Surveyor missions, Defense satellites, and the Gamma Ray Observatory programme. By happily family coincidence, when the GRO eventually flew on the Shuttle, Frimtzis’ daughter was involved in the project while working at Rockwell.

The space programme details are interesting, but the discussion is limited as much of the author’s work was on classified defense projects. The book, is, however, well worth reading in its own right. The description of life in pre-war Romania, the appalling terror of the flight from the battlefront, and the struggle to reach safety are very well captured. Post-war Europe is presented as a confusing and frightening place with tens of thousands of displaced and stateless people struggling to find safety, but the book sets this in a human context by providing details of the individuals caught up in these huge geopolitical changes. When Frimtzis passes through post-war Vienna, you can practically hear the zither music. Overall, this is a fascinating and valuable book, which is well worth a few hours of your time.

 Cameron Stark MD      Inverness, Scotland

 
I am not an avid reader, but couldn’t put it down. I had no idea about your early years, other than knowing you escaped and survived the war. I found your memoir about your later California experiences equally fascinating, and could relate in my own life to many of the people, companies and situations you described.
 
Ronald D. Sugar    Chairman and CEO  Northop Grumman Corporation

 
Your book which I just have finished reading today it is mind blowing and am so glad to have read it. I have new faith and strength to start again.

Patrick Mwesigwa   Uganda, Africa