Excerpt Two
" On another occasion, Grandma Maria was carrying a food ration (Deputat, an equivalent of 500-calorie-per-day diet as opposed to 2,400 calories recommended by the League of Nations at the time) in a big bag. On the bottom of the bag there was a 9-mm VIS automatic pistol with an extra clip. She also carried a smaller bag with her purse and other things.

She was stopped by a German soldier. “Ausweis, bitte” (Documents, please),” the German demanded.

Grandma smiled seductively and said: “I am sorry. I don’t have a free hand. Could you hold this for me?” She gave him the bag with the gun inside and took out her ID from the other small bag. " next...