In 'The Unforgotten Prayer' Former Nazi Officer Forced to Confront Demons in New Novel

In his new historical novel, "The Unforgotten Prayer" (published by iUniverse), author Danny Rittman tells the story of the impact of a young Jewish boy's friendship with a former Nazi SS officer.

"I felt compelled to express my thoughts and feelings regarding the Holocaust that I developed growing up in the home of a survivor of Dachau and Auschwitz," Rittman explains. "The Unforgotten Prayer" sets out to do just that in a tale that spans from the 1970s through the '90s.

Set in the small town of Webster, Mass., "The Unforgotten Prayer" is narrated by Johan Kraus, a former Nazi SS officer. After World War II, he escaped Germany, underwent plastic surgery and settled near Webster, where he began a peaceful new life as a retired Swiss businessman.

Now middle-aged, Kraus' privacy is compromised when the Rosenberg family moves in next door. At first, Kraus is uneasy about his new Jewish neighbors, but he eventually lets his guard down and befriends them, becoming a godfather to their young son, Samuel. As he becomes closer to Samuel, Kraus must face the reality of his painful past. He suffers vivid nightmares and flashbacks. Can the friendship of Samuel give Kraus a second chance?

Rittman writes that "The Unforgotten Prayer" is a "poignant exploration of the question of whether or not the love and friendship of a Jewish family help Kraus atone for the sins of his youth."

"The Unforgotten Prayer"
By Danny Rittman
Hardcover | 6 x 9 in | 220 pages | ISBN 9781450291163
Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 220 pages | ISBN 9781450291156
E-Book | ISBN 9781450291170
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author
Born to a survivor of the Holocaust, Danny Rittman has over 20 years of experience in integrated circuit design and software engineering, working with companies including Intel, IBM and Qualcomm. He is also the author of "Ten Righteous People" and "Esther".

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