When The World Was Ours

Hitler invades Czechoslovakia, and Elsa is plagued with worry, wondering whether she will have to move again and whether the horrors that Leo has been describing in his letters will come true for her. One day, class is dismissed early so that “new laws” (120) can be introduced, and Elsa gets the nagging feeling that she knows what is happening. When a teacher apologizes to her without explanation, Elsa becomes more certain. Upon talking to Greta, who is also Jewish, Elsa confirms that life in Czechoslovakia is no longer safe for them. Her father has been losing business as well, and the mood in her home is once again shifting to darkness and fear.

Leo and his mother spend weeks trying to gather the correct forms to be able to leave Austria, but no matter what they do, they are told that they did something wrong and are denied. They realize that this pattern is a clear attempt to prevent them from leaving the country. One particular caveat requires them to have a sponsor elsewhere who is willing to house them, and this restriction makes Leo’s mama want to give up hope.