The arrival of the 1980s saw millions living behind the Iron Curtain flee their homeland in search of a better tomorrow. Step-by-step, they trudged persistently to reach their dream of happiness. These were the Columbuses of the 1980s – risk takers who had the courage to test themselves and explore the notoriety of the western world first-hand.
Was It Worth It is a modern odyssey spanning three continents and following one family’s path to a new, unfamiliar future. It tells of the characters’ struggle to adapt to foreign places, languages and customs. With settings in Lima, Paris, Ottawa, and exploring venues in other countries, the book offers readers an insight into what it takes to start from scratch in an unknown land.
Did they find what they were looking for?

Liliana Arkuszewska grew up in Szczecin, Poland. In 1981 she left her country to live in Paris. After an eight-month stay, she emigrated to Canada and settled in Ottawa. For several years, she worked at a telecommunications company as a Graphic Designer, and later at a publishing agency as a Production Manager.