We Were the Lucky Ones

Addy is the middle son of the Kurc family. At the beginning of the novel, he is in France working as an engineer, having moved there from Poland to pursue a career as a music composer. Unable to return home because of the escalation of the war, Addy joins the Polish division of the French Army. He decides to escape from Europe and secures passage to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as a refugee. While on the ship, Addy meets a young Czech woman named Eliska and the two become engaged to be married. Once in Brazil, they break off their engagement because Eliska cannot understand how Addy’s worries about his family impede his ability to focus on the future. Later, Addy meets an American woman, Caroline. The two marry and have a daughter named Kathleen, right before Addy reunites with his family, whom he helps emigrate to Brazil.

Addy is a talented man who can fix anything, as well as a composer and musician. He is charming and entertaining. Prior to the war, he enjoys a carefree life in Toulouse, regularly spending time in the clubs of Paris. He loves his family and regularly travels home for visits.