Yonder the Bridge: The Story of an Impossible Courtship

by Eva Berck, Robert C. Alberts (Editor)

Oct. 1991 Somerset House Publishing hardcover, Eva Berck. Yonder the Bridge is the product of six years of dedicated, if erratic, work squeezed between household chores, babysitting, nursing duties, and - says author Eva Berck - baking enough birthday cakes to supply a German "corner bakery." The book begins with the meeting in 1945 - weeks before the end of the war - of a young German woman and an American lieutenant. He falls in love with her at first sight but refuses to shake hands with her as this is against the army's non-fraternization rules. He proposes marriage to her - just hours before the American withdrawal and the arrival of the Red Army. Once started, the reader will have a hard time putting the book down. The strength of the story stems from Ms. Berck's eye for detail and her descriptive judgement. Conflict, confrontation, fear, escape, and comic relief emerge from each episode. The author is ever clear-eyed and engaging, with firm moral conviction and astute power of observation. Her writing shows keen perception, total recall, and an extraordinary talent for eliciting laughter. The book's major value is in the description of the upbringing of an upper-middle class German girl just before World War II and her experiences during and after the war. - Amazon

496 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Jennifer]

I read the first chapter of this book and was charmed. Hope to have the time to read the rest of it.

[Emily Korns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this initially for the local connection to my town, but found it to be one of the most enjoyable books I've read. I love historical fiction and autobiography, so this was a wonderful read. The author is an excellent storyteller. Funny, engaging. And her perspective on life in Germany during the war and occupation is one we don't get exposed to much. I love the chapter on her best friend Enid. A wonderful read.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good war memoir. Ms. Berck tells a good story with humor, passion and almost eternal optimism that all will work out someday.