Description
‘Joseph Reich’s fascinating book combines exceptional historical insights about survival during the Holocaust, interwoven with the heartfelt reflections of a son discovering the truth of his father’s life.’ – Dan Haumschild, PhD, genocide studies scholar, Manager of Exhibitions and Storytelling at Melbourne Holocaust Museum
Twenty years after his father’s passing, Joe Reich stumbles upon a video interview that reveals astonishing truths his father never spoke about in life. In its haunting accounts, Reich learns that, only days after the German invasion of Poland in 1939, his father faced a firing squad – and survived. The horrors that followed left him utterly alone, yet anchored by a cryptic prophecy promising that he would reach old age in a distant land. Against all odds, he fulfilled that destiny.
Drawing on extensive research and numerous consultations, Reich weaves a vivid portrait of his father: an extraordinary man, Holocaust survivor, and devoted family patriarch. More than a remarkable survivor’s tale, this book explores the essential power of memory and the crucial lessons history imparts.
Uplifting and profound, this is the story of conquering life’s darkest trials through resilience, hope and relentless determination.
How many times have you promised yourself that you will sit down with your parents and listen to their life story? Here is another reminder to get that done. We Should Have Talked: The Biography of My Father is by Joe Reich, who says he stumbled upon a video of his father, 20 years after his death, that revealed “astonishing truths” about his life, including the harrowing moment he faced a firing squad in Germany and survived. The author, who was born in post-war Germany, came to Australia as a toddler, earning a place at Melbourne High School. He is now an ophthalmologist, awarded an Order of Australia for services to his profession. His own life is a great post-war migration story, and don’t we need as many of those as we can get? – Caroline Overington, The Australian 6 June 2026
About the author:
Joe Reich is a practising ophthalmologist in Melbourne whose writing was encouraged by being a finalist in the Womens Weekly Short Story competition. He has been involved in writing university and hospital revues and comedy debates. He was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for his services to ophthalmology.
