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In October 1956, at age 20, Miklos Veto was studying law at the University of Szeged in southeastern Hungary. He took part in the Hungarian revolution by giving speeches and writing and printing pamphlets.
He felt compelled to get involved, he says, because of "the desire for freedom and the national independence of my country."
But when the Soviets crushed the revolution and began arresting people, including some of his friends, Mr. Veto knew he had to escape.
Most refugees headed toward the Austrian border, but in January 1957, Mr. Veto opted instead for nearby Yugoslavia. Using a fake letter from a supposed fiancee there and some soulful acting, he was one of only a few who crossed the border that day.
In addition to the clothes he wore, he had a small attache case and his greatcoat, the pockets of which he had filled with books: three or four books of Hungarian poetry, a German mystical text by St. Gertrude of Helfa, and his Catholic prayer book. He also had his toothbrush.
In Yugoslavia, Mr. Veto ended up in a refugee camp....