From1914 to 1945, Gretel and her German family confront upheaval as WWI and WWII erupt in this historical fiction based on true facts and family relationships. The bullying, gossip, shame, and guilt of suicide, adultery, and forbidden romance accompany death and acts of heroism as Nazi Germany evolves
Initially, I was interested in reading this book from a genealogical perspective. My German ancestors came to the USA from the Stuttgart area decades before World War 1. Then the story and people brought to life the joys, sorrows, love and struggles of individuals and families. My distant descendants could have endured similar experiences. So much happened during this time period and the author captured the events with great focus and sensitivity to all the people. I would have enjoyed reading more about what happened after the war ended. For me the book ended too soon. Perhaps a sequel is in the future.
I enjoyed sharing Gretel's life and being brought back to Germany through World War I until after World War II. The story reminds me how much people share in common with others. We all want to survive, love, and do the best we can.