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Dandelion Soup
Dandelion Soup is a book that can be related to by readers of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities.
Through multiple interview sessions, the author captured an older generations story of struggle and determination faced by family members during World War II.
Starting in West Germany in 1936 and ending on Ellis Island in 1952, many firsthand events fill the pages with vivid stories of happiness and hardship.
The title Dandelion Soup is in reference to a powerful tale told by the protagonist, the authors late Grandfather Wilhelm, Piller.
As a preteen, Wilhelm along with his parents sister, aunts, and uncles were displaced German people along with millions of others, directly impacted by the horrors of World War II.
There were many occasions when there was no food to eat, no meat, no poultry, no fish, no vegetables, nor fruit to eat.
Spices coffees, teas, and sweets were distant memories from a happier time.
With the early stages of starvation always lingering, Wilhelms daily tasking during the spring and summer months was to traverse the German countryside and pick dandelions.
Once his knapsack was full, he returned to his family, where his Mother would dry out the leaves, stems, and flowering parts of the plant.
Boiling a pot of water, these ingredients were added to make "Dandelion Soup."
It was a bittersweet meal as the soups strong taste was offset by the warm broth that would soothe empty stomachs.
These firsthand stories give perspective and add value to todays readers by providing insights and suggestions for dealing with lifes insurmountable challenges.
Through multiple interview sessions, the author captured an older generations story of struggle and determination faced by family members during World War II.
Starting in West Germany in 1936 and ending on Ellis Island in 1952, many firsthand events fill the pages with vivid stories of happiness and hardship.
The title Dandelion Soup is in reference to a powerful tale told by the protagonist, the authors late Grandfather Wilhelm, Piller.
As a preteen, Wilhelm along with his parents sister, aunts, and uncles were displaced German people along with millions of others, directly impacted by the horrors of World War II.
There were many occasions when there was no food to eat, no meat, no poultry, no fish, no vegetables, nor fruit to eat.
Spices coffees, teas, and sweets were distant memories from a happier time.
With the early stages of starvation always lingering, Wilhelms daily tasking during the spring and summer months was to traverse the German countryside and pick dandelions.
Once his knapsack was full, he returned to his family, where his Mother would dry out the leaves, stems, and flowering parts of the plant.
Boiling a pot of water, these ingredients were added to make "Dandelion Soup."
It was a bittersweet meal as the soups strong taste was offset by the warm broth that would soothe empty stomachs.
These firsthand stories give perspective and add value to todays readers by providing insights and suggestions for dealing with lifes insurmountable challenges.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2025
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January 8, 2026
what a great story! thanks to the author for documenting it!!!
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