Klara with a K

by Sandy Berman

At the end of World War II, eighteen-year-old Klara Werner finds herself emancipated from the German concentration camp that has kept her prisoner for so long.

Traumatized by the abuse she has experienced, and seemingly abandoned by the American soldier who professed his love for her, she is unsure where to turn next-until she remembers her mother's final words: "Survive at all costs."

So Klara decides to reinvent herself, leaving her Jewish identity behind and marrying the US Army doctor who treated her. Together, they begin a new life in Atlanta, Georgia, where she can enjoy freedoms she has never had before.

But in an era of Jim Crow rules and regulations eerily similar to the Nuremberg laws that victimized her family for so long, Klara begins to find she has more in common with her husband's Negro help than with his country club friends.

Burdened by the guilt of her carefully orchestrated charade, Klara seeks solace in becoming an outspoken advocate for the growing civil rights movement. But in the end only a face-to-face confrontation with a past she has fought so hard to forget will release her from the lies that bind her.

Genres: Historical Fiction

249 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

My entire professional career has been spent working in the museum world. I was the founding archivist of the Cleveland Jewish Archives at the Western Reserve Historical Society and the founding archivist of the Cuba Family Archives at The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum where I remained for the next twenty-eight years. I recently retired. During my tenure at The Breman I helped to found the largest repository for Jewish collecting of historical material in the Southeast. I also curated numerous exhibitions including "Seeking Justice: The Leo Frank Case Revisited", and "Zap, Pow, Bam, The Superhero in the Golden Age of Comic Books."

Up to the publication of "Klara with a K" my writing was always in the realm of non-fiction. In addition to writing for historical exhibitions I have also written for historical journals and newspapers.

I am now working on my second novel and I am finding great fulfillment in my second career.

Thanks for reading.

Reviews

[Dr. Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I couldn't put it down and ended up finishing it in a weekend. It was fascinating, poignant, moving, and uplifting. This entertaining and insightful book helped me learn a lot more about the holocaust and the civil rights movement in the South. It's hard to believe this is Berman's debut novel. I look forward to reading more books by this talented author.

[Jessie Georges · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the tender age of 18, how do decide between trying to save your family, sacrificing yourself, and living a life of honesty verses deceit when your mother's final advices is to "survive at any costs." How do you know who to trust? Klara was a very brave young woman who's survival was painful after escaping a concentration camp. Her life continued to be difficult in Jim Crow Georgia. She found a purpose standing up for civil rights. I admire her bravery, conviction and determination. I enjoyed Sandy Berman's first book and hope she writes more.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

RIVETING, ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT

First of all, thanks to Ms. Berman, I have an additional viewpoint of understanding in regards to WWII and Holocaust survivors.

Her writing made me feel as though I were right alongside Klara throughout the storyline. I felt her joy(s) and her curiosity about the changing culture of Germany and Atlanta. Her moments of anger made me read faster, wanting to know if there would be resolutions to differences she encountered.

I completed the book WITHIN 24 hours and look forward to following Ms. Berman as her career continues to grow. Thank you for opening my eyes!

[Meghan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Klara with A K is a wonderful love story with twists. I love how it all works out in the end. A definite must read.

[Edye · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this!

[Susan S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks sandy for this outstanding debut novel. I especially enjoyed reading my autographed copy I received for Hanukkah from Rachel.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandy's debut novel captures her archivist experience with WWII and Holocaust survivors. An enjoyable read and interesting perspective for anyone liking historical fiction.