Q & A : Maria Imre " High Price for Freedom"

I am the author of "High Price for Freedom", an autobiography.

I was born in 1947 in a small town, Lucenec, in Czechoslovakia. Because my parents were older, I was raised in a very old-school atmosphere. Respect, obedience, and hard work were the virtues in our family. Solving problems requires patience and love, that's what I learned from my parents.

My father had a great influence on me. We read books together, he sat next to the piano when I practiced, and we sat for hours on the porch talking about life and his experiences.

My mom taught me how to cook great Hungarian food. We cleaned the house together, and in the evenings, I learned how to crochet, knit, and make wonderful silk ribbon embroidery.

In 1967 I met my husband who was my friend, my children's father, partner, and the love of my life. For 20 years we lived under oppression in the former Czechoslovakia. Our education, knowledge and hard work made us successful.

In 1984 we fled our country, leaving behind all that we had worked for. With political refugee status, we settled in California. A couple years later we opened a small machine shop, where my husband invented and crafted prototypes of surgical instruments.

I worked for a family with seven children, as the assistant for the lady of the house.

In 2001 my husband passed away. I helped to raise my grandchildren. I enjoyed being a full-time grandma. Now I live in Montana with my family.

Interview with Maria

Q: Your memoir has been called “a powerful testament to resilience and determination.” When you look back, what do you believe was the single most defining moment that gave you the courage to keep moving forward?

A: I wanted my sons to grow up in freedom, not under dictatorship. I was ready to give up everything that I worked for for 20 years to bring them to America.

Q: Readers say your story captures both hardship and triumph with honesty. What was the hardest part of reliving your journey while writing this book, and what was the most healing part?

A: The hardest part was saying goodbye to my mom (we thought we would never see each other again). The most healing part was knowing my sons would have the opportunity to freely be what they wanted to be, that was the main goal. 

Q: The sacrifices you and your husband made are central to your story. What did “freedom” mean to you then, and how has its meaning evolved now that you’ve built a new life in the United States?

A: For 40 years I just dreamed about freedom. I had to follow orders without thinking. In America nobody told us what to do. Here the freedom gave us wings to fly high to reach our dreams and we reached them.

Q: Your journey begins in Czechoslovakia under socialism and ends with a new life in America. How did those contrasting worlds shape your perspective on success, family, and purpose? and today's world events?

A: In communism we had to follow commands, work hard, and never complain because you could end up in jail. We lived in fear. In America we took our destiny into our own hands. The start was hard, but we were so happy to be in the country where success was guaranteed to people who are smart and hard working. I believe happiness and freedom are connected. 

Q: The book is deeply personal, yet reviewers note how universal it feels. Why do you think your story resonates so strongly with people who may never face the same circumstances?

A: First, I wrote my story for my grandchildren. My goal was to teach them what life is all about... first is knowledge (study), respect, hard work, love, honesty, and vision of what we want from life. Never blame anyone else for your own failure. Solving problems is the most important skill that brings us to a content life. I believe this advice works for everybody. 

Q: Love between you and your husband shines throughout the memoir. How important was that partnership in surviving the unknowns and rebuilding your life from scratch?

A: We followed the same dreams from the start. Our love and respect for each other gave us tremendous power. We had strong will, endurance, and truly enjoyed even the hardest tasks, which gave us deserved joy.

Q: Many describe your book as unforgettable and humbling. What message do you most hope readers carry with them after closing the final page?

A: We must fully live our lives. It doesn't matter what happens, we should never give up on our dreams. We wanted to be happy and successful... that is everybody's dream. Go for it! That is the message of my story. 

The escape, the rebuilding, and the perseverance are told with strength and heart. If you could go back and speak to your younger self at the beginning of this journey, what would you say to her?

A: In your life gerny walk your own path. Don't be envious of other people. Have your own goals and work hard for them. 

Q: Your story reminds readers that freedom is more than material things, it’s about purpose. What does “living free” look like for you today in your everyday life?

A: I will never forget the 40 years I lived without freedom. I had money and success, but lived in fear just because I did not want to be a communist. That is why I was the enemy of that regime. They could have put me or my husband in jail. After 42 years of living in America, I am glad we made all the sacrifices for FREEDOM. 

Q: This is a memoir of strength, sacrifice, and spirit. What advice would you give to others who are facing their own “high price” for something they deeply believe in?

A: First you must believe in yourself, make your own goals work hard for it, and be ready to make the necessary sacrifices.

Q: If a reader walked away with only one lasting message from High Price for Freedom, what would you want that to be?

A: Don't waste any day in your life. Always have plans and dreams. Look at yourself in the mirror and say: "Nothing can stop me from being happy". My story teaches that.

Q: Looking back on your journey, what advice would you give to others who hope to follow a similar path of courage and perseverance?

A: Education, persistence, and love of life will make you successful and happy.

Q: What’s next for you as an author, are there new projects or future books already in the works?

A: I am working on short stories about life without a partner.

Q: Finally, considering today’s world events, how do they resonate with your own story and the lessons you hope readers take from it?

A: I believe my story will resonate today, and in the future, as well. Life always has challenges... Most of them are solvable with courage. Just one thing in life is final, and that is death.