Suitcase of Dreams

The Girl from Munich #2

by Tania Blanchard, Arianwen Parkes-Lockwood (Reading)

The eagerly anticipated sequel to the bestselling The Girl from Munich After enduring the horror and chaos of postwar Germany, Lotte Drescher and her family arrive in Australia full of hope for a new life. It’s a land of opportunity, where Lotte and husband Erich hope to give their children the future they have always dreamed of. After years of struggling to find their feet as ‘New Australians’, Erich turns his skill as a wood carver into a successful business and Lotte makes a career out of her lifelong passion, photography. The sacrifices they have made finally seem worth it until Erich’s role in the trade union movement threatens to have him branded a communist and endanger their family. As the shadow of the Vietnam War looms, the unexpected arrival of her former fiancé Heinrich forces Lotte to a turning point. She must decide whether to stay in Australia or return to Germany with him. Her decision will change her life forever – and to finally understand the true meaning of home.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Australia, Audiobook, World War II, Family

Audio CD

Published December 11, 2018

About the author

Tania lives in Sydney with her husband and three children. Coming from a family with rich cultural heritage with a German mother and Italian father, stories have always been in her blood. Following a career in physiotherapy, it was only when she had her family that she decided to return to her passion of writing.

Her debut novel is The Girl from Munich, the story she has always wanted to write, inspired by the fascinating stories told by her German grandmother, and she is currently working on the sequel, set in Australia in the 1950s.

Tania is excited to have found her light bulb moment, her love for writing historical fiction. She looks forward to delving further into her interests of history and family stories to enrich and bring to life the many ideas inspired by the amazing tales she has gathered over the years.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arriving at Bonegilla, the migrant camp in rural Victoria near the NSW border, after the long sea voyage from Germany on the Skaubryn, Lotte Drescher and her husband Erich, plus daughters Greta and Johanna, were excited but nervous about their future in Australia. Their life was beginning anew; it was 1956 and they were filled with hope.

But life wasn’t easy – Erich struggled to find a job after their arrival in Sydney. His qualifications as an engineer weren’t recognized in Australia and he had to re-study if he wanted to follow that course. The family’s lack of funds made that option unavailable, at least for the time being. But eventually, after much struggle, trauma and heartache, Erich was working from home as a wood carver – following in his father’s footsteps. And Lotte was fulfilling her heart’s desire of being a photographer. They were happy.

Until subtle – and not so subtle – innuendoes began to corrupt their lives. Erich’s position in the trade union movement and his determination to help other migrants was beginning to endanger his family. And with the Vietnam War about to draw Australia in, Erich and Lotte’s challenges were great. What would be the outcome in a future that was uncertain?

Book #2 in The Girl From Munich series by Aussie author Tania Blanchard was exceptional in my opinion. I loved the first, The Girl From Munich and Suitcase of Dreams didn’t disappoint. Based on the true story of the author’s grandparents, their arrival from Germany in 1956 to Bonegilla, and their stay in the Villawood hostel in Sydney, before their own living quarters and a job were found, I was fascinated but saddened at the hardships the family suffered. An excellent rendition of fact to fiction, I highly recommend Ms Blanchard’s follow up, Suitcase of Dreams but advise reading them in order of publication.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

After living through Nazi Germany and then the hardship of the post war, Erich and Lotte Drescher and their two daughters arrive in Australia. The year is 1956. Lotte and Erich view Australia as the land of opportunity which will give them and their two daughters a better life. But when they arrive they find everything is not as they had been told. Undeterred they struggle to make the best of a less than ideal situation. Too often it seems to be one problem after another. Just as things start to be looking up another disaster happens. At times they feel they are getting nowhere. Erich is determined as part the union movement to improve conditions for the new migrants. But could his involvement in the trade union movement create more issues for this family? The story moves through the years detailing their hassles and the joyful times along the way, as they seek to fit into their new country. While the story starts in 1956 it moves through the years till the epilogue in 1976, so various aspects of Australia’s history including conscription and involvement in the Vietnam War are just a couple of the topics covered.
Based on her grandparent’s story, this tale gives a lot of insights into what it was like for new immigrants, especially those coming from Germany. I found it extremely interesting. It didn’t matter that I had not read the first book, The girl from Munich, as the story and characters were easy enough to pick up.
While I enjoyed it and it kept my interest throughout, at times I felt it read a bit more like a history book than a novel. Just lacking that extra spark a little to take it to the next level. But still a very good read and interesting to see how attitudes towards those of other cultures and backgrounds have changed over the years. Or not. Those who enjoy historical novels set in Australia should enjoy this as I did.

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book follows on from The Girl from Munich, Lotte and Erich have migrated to Australia from war torn Germany. Like many immigrants they tend to radiate to others from their own country, this gives some comfort due to the change of culture, lack of sophistication that Lotte in particular had been used to pre war Germany and the vast difference in the natural environment to that of the German countryside. Their acceptance by Australians isn't always positive being labelled Nazis for which Lotte now sees that this is the way Germans had treated Jews and other minorities when Hitler's influence was at its peak.

For all the differences in their lives now the couple with their two daughters are determined to make a go of it. Life in the migrant camps is difficult and terrible. Erich because his engineering qualifications are not recognised by Australian authorities (at that time) has to accept any work he can get hold of. Lotte still holds out for her dream job of working as a photographer and through her contacts she is able to gain some employment as a photographic colourist, her German training is exceptional.

The read continues through this family's struggles, Erich has a bad accident at work which leaves Lotte having to pick up the wage difference. They move into a small "duplex" style accommodation and then onto their own piece of land into a makeshift shed (as many did then). There are few facilities and it's slow going getting water on and power connected etc. There are tensions but as Erich recovers and his skills as a furniture maker come to be noticed by a Jewish family, who were assisted and saved by Erich's father's during the war commission Erich to make hand carved furniture for a new home. Lotte gains more work at the Studio, eventually as production manager. Erich pushes the boundaries of his marriage through his union involvement. This is the time of "Reds Under the bed" hysteria in Australia with union members being labelled Communists. There are threats sent to the family but Erich refuses to buckle, only ending his personal campaign for better migrant wages and conditions when they come to fruition.

The book ambles through their lives that includes Lotte's controlling mother who comes to join the family but her Germanism remains and through an incident with the ship she was on whereby all her wealth was lost she is now beholden to her daughter and son in law. However, this doesn't stop her harping on her past quality of life in Germany and the continuing desire that Lotte should have married Heinrich, the man of her choice, rather than Erich. There is tension between the two women for which does come to a head and Mutti leaves. Erich's mother also comes to Australia, having no family alive in Germany this creates tension between the two older women, however Karoline is much better tempered for which Lotte is grateful and she encourages Lotte to follow her dream.

Their girls grow up, they are true Australians and have gained the independence their parents had hoped for and an unrestricted choice for their direction in life.

The book becomes bogged down, it has too much added on and becomes boring. Pity; the story simply could have ended when Lotte had her Exhibition without the added on new characters entering her life.

[Paula · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very informative with regard to the social history of the time, but the writing style resembles a journal, full of facts but lacking in description or emotion.

[Claire Louisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

After thoroughly enjoying The Girl From Munich I was really excited to read the next installment in Lotte and Erich's journey. I have to say that though enjoyable it didn't quite engage me as much as the first book. I found it interesting and at times it made me angry the way migrants were treated by the Australian people and the struggles the went through. I wonder how much has really changed for people coming into our countries bringing their differences with them. I found the union angle interesting and am glad they fought for equality. They both struggled so much to make a better life, at times it was heartbreaking, but I did enjoy my journey with them. 3.5⭐⭐⭐

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for a copy in return for an honest review.

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Emotional and beautifully told.


Listened to the audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda audio
Read by Arianwen Parkes-Lockwood
Duration: 13 hrs, 21 min. 1.25x Speed

[Janine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was very interesting and easy to read but it failed to move me emotionally, perhaps due to the writing style.

[Kelsey Thacker · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't even make it past the second chapter because the writing is horrendous. Luckily, I found this book for free at a book exchange. I feel sorry for the person who actually paid for it!

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sequel to The Girl from Munich and continues Eric & Lotte's story with their immigration from Germany to Australia. It felt like a history lesson as well as a great family saga. You couldn't help but feel sorry for them with the situations they found themselves in - after promises of employment Eric found his qualifications not recognised here and they lived at the Bonnegilla migrant hostel in Victoria as well as the Villawood hostel in Sydney. They struggled through the years and faced many obstacles with their families as well. The story continues from the 1950's right through to the 1970's encompassing changing times and the Vietnam war, seeing their children grow up and their lives changing. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend reading The Girl from Munich first to get a full appreciation of their stories. Interesting to note that a lot of this story is sourced from the Author's own family history. I will definitely be watching out for any future novels from this author. I listened to both these books on audiobook which was expertly narrated by Arianwen Parkes-Lockwood (A place to call home)

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Wonderfully written picture of a German family emigrating to Australia after WW11. Their life as immigrants and the hardships and challenges they faced. The terrible Vietnam War that impinged on their lives. What stands out are strong characters who were able to search for the freedom and safety they desired for themselves and their descendants. Well done Tania Blanchard.

[Pelin Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great follow up to 'The Girl from Munich' - it opened up the hardships felt by those who migrated to Australia during the 1950's onwards but also opened up Lotte further as a character. I definitely enjoyed all the characters more within this sequel (inc. her mother!). For anyone that enjoys historical fiction I think you'll enjoy this :)

[Deb M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading Suitcase of Dreams as I had read The Girl from Munich and fell in love with the characters and Tania Blanchard’s abilities as a storyteller. I was certainly not disappointed, Suitcase of Dreams was every bit the emotional, heart pounding story I had expected.

This story reminded me of my own family who experienced many similar circumstances as they arrived in Australia and lived in a shanty on the outskirts of Sydney. It amazes me the bravery of families willing to leave their homelands and travel by ship to the strange land of Australia, hoping for a better future for themselves and their families.

I often read books whilst sitting in a cafe enjoying a cappuccino; a few hours reprieve and a special time for me. I found this difficult to do with Suitcase of Dreams as I found the story evoked much emotion and many tears as we learned of the struggles this family endured.

I wish to commend Tania Blanchard on another beautiful book. The care you have taken in telling your family story, the research you have clearly done to help bring an honest reflection of the post-war era, and then the trials of the Vietnam War, has made this book a very enjoyable and emotional read. You are certainly very talented and I imagine your family are very proud to have their story told so beautifully.

Thank you very much to Simon and Schuster Australia and Beauty and Lace Book Club for the opportunity to read this wonderful book.

[Jo Hartley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok - pretty simple storyline - readable but not gripping

[Helen - Great Reads & Tea Leaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘I didn’t even know why we were here. It wasn’t like we were wanted when there’d been nothing but disregard, disrespect and lies since our arrival.’

Tania Blanchard wrote a tremendous debut, ‘The Girl from Munich’ (HERE) and therefore I was most excited to read her follow up story of Lotte and Erich. Once again, this proved easy to read with that familiar mix of fiction and nonfiction, that this time, will have you disembarking on Australian shores during the years of post war migration.

After surviving the horrors of Nazi Germany, Lotte and her family arrive in Australia in 1956 full of hope to make a fresh start. After all, Australia had been presented as the ‘land of opportunity’ and they had been promised so much. This was their opportunity to give their children the future they had only ever dreamed of.

‘Look at us! We’re no better off. All the broken promises, the broken dreams.’

Once more Blanchard bases her tale on the true story of her grandparents as we follow them from their initial start at the Bonegilla migrant camp up until the time they finally are in a position to get their own house and land, ‘the all Australian dream’. It is no easy journey and Tania will shine the light on the many hardships migrants had to face at this time - everything from the language barrier to being taken advantage of in the workplace.

I loved spending time with Lotte and Erich once more, their love is so special and their life was not easy. There is a wonderful cast of characters and settings, especially their love of the Australian bush. I did not find this book to be as strong as the first. Admittedly it was difficult as the time frame was that much larger, around twenty years. This had an impact towards the end when there were jumps in time that interrupted the flow of events. I also found that some events e.g. unionism, Vietnam war etc, we were given rather large information dumps that I could have done without and certain plot twists that, although served a purpose, did not sit comfortably with me.

Overall, however, I really enjoyed this book and I’m grateful that Tania gave us the second part to Lotte and Erich’s story, no matter how heartbreaking it might prove to be. This is a window into an important episode of Australian history - the social, political and cultural ethos, that was Australia at that time.

‘All my hopes and dreams were dashed but what I said was true. What mattered was having those we loved close to us. That much I had learnt.’

[Certified Book Addicts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Suitcase of Dreams by Australian author Tania Blanchard is the sequel to the hit, The Girl From Munich. As I haven’t read The Girl From Munich, I saw it as an opportunity to see if this saga could be read as a stand-a-alone. Blanchard has provided enough background information that it could be read without reading The Girl From Munich first. While the prequel is set in Germany, Suitcase of Dreams is set in Australia between 1956 and 1976, based on the life of Blanchard’s grandparents. The narrator is Lotte Drescher, a migrant from GTHe Girl From Munichermany, along with her husband, Erich, and their two children, Greta and Johanna, chronicling their new life down under.

The story begins with the family arriving on the shores of Western Australia and quickly moving from Victoria to New South Wales, where they eventually settle. Just like the Drescher family, I felt breathless on arrival, as if I didn’t have the opportunity to absorb and take in my new surroundings in a time so different to now. Everything moved so fast for people who were still recovering from the war. From here, Blanchard paints an honest picture of life for European migrants. I felt like I was living in Australia for the first time as she shows the difficulties Lotte and Eriche faced as they tried to get work and the racism they experienced daily. It was shocking and made me thankful that times have changed since then. I was most surprised to read about the lack of jobs for men and the distances they had to travel to secure a position. In contrast, their children seemed more adaptable. With the guidance of their parents, Greta and Johanna are able to navigate problems and have a good life.

Erich’s character showed me that the unions played a vital role in helping migrants gain equality and rights that the Australians took for granted. Through their extended family, such as Lotte’s mother, I came to realise why the migrants of the past and the present stay in their own groups, reluctant to take up another life and culture. They feel that they are giving up their own culture to assimilate with another, however the generation gap is plays its own part too. On the flip side, I admired Lotte and Eriche for trying to embrace all that a new country had to offer them. The inner strength in both Lotte and Erich as individuals and as a couple was inspiring as they worked hard to make a better life for their children that they themselves never experienced. It’s a timely reminder of the many sacrifices made by the war generation that have allowed us the privileges we have today.

This is a great read for fans of A Place To Call Home. With themes of war, migrants, racism and family, this is a novel to remind you of just how far we have come because of the sacrifices that the war generation made for their family.

#AWWC#
Thank you to Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to review this book

[Alicia Tindall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to read Suitcase of Dreams written by Tania Blanchard.
Lotte Drescher, her husband Erich and daughters Johanna and Greta leave Germany after the horrors of World War II and head to Australia. It's 1956.
They begin to dream of a peaceful life and more importantly they begin planning for the future. They first set foot in the migrant camp Bonegilla in NSW then spent some time in the Villawood hostel in Sydney. before finally moving into their own property.
Erich was qualified as an engineer in Germany however his qualifications are not recognised in Australia. he is able to work as a wood carver and Lotte is able to find her dream job in photography.
Lotte and Erich struggle for years. They work long hours for little money. It's a hard road to happiness which could all come undone when her husband Erich gets involved in the trade union.
Erich means well advocating for equality, safety and fair pay for his fellow migrants. There is a marked difference to the treatment of Australian workers and migrant workers.
Australia's attitude towards German immigrants was still frosty given the atrocities of World War II were still fresh in people's minds.

Notwithstanding their challenges they were determined to make a better life.
it was incredibly frustrating to read this book in a way. Every time they seemed to get somewhere either Erich would lose his job or something would happen to him which undid all their hard work. The young girls were resilient and went with the flow however it must have been incredibly difficult for Lotte. It seemed like Lotte gave her all and received nothing but hardship in return. There were even moments where she considered returning to Germany.
The resilience, determination and hard working migrants of Australia should be proud. They worked so hard for so little to achieve a dream of owning their own homes and creating a safe place for their families and children to thrive. We take this for granted now but back then it was hard fought and treasured like expensive jewellery.
This story was based on the true story of her grandparents who migrated to Australia. Its a fascinating read.

[Karen Bartlett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Firstly, I've only just realised upon finishing this novel that is the sequel to 'The Girl From Munich', thanks to the cover only saying it was by the same author, not that it was the sequel.... but not having read the first instalment wasn't a problem.
So, after enduring Nazi Germany and it's wartime horrors Lotte Drescher, her husband Erich and their two small daughters pack up their belongings and emigrate to Australia, a land full of promise and hope for a future that they never could have dreamed possible had they stayed in Germany.
As for so many Australian immigrants during this time, the transition to a new land and lifestyle is not easy. The promised job opportunities for Erich, an Engineer, do not eventuate, and the family's hopes for their own home and a secure future seem further out of reach than they expected. But Lotte and Erich are no strangers to struggling and making sacrifices, and their determination and hard work over many years finally sees them settled and secure in the land they chose as their home, despite several setbacks along the way.
This was an enjoyable read, although I never really found any of it particularly gripping... it was a meandering, slow moving style of story, a portrait of strength and determination and the resilience of
the human spirit in times of hardship.

[Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suitcase of dreams | Tania Blanchard
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
>Another gem of historical fiction! I just loved following Lotte and Erich’s love story in ‘the girl from Munich’ and was so excited to jump into the next instalment! Whilst it didn’t hit as high as the first book, it was still an epic tale of love and identity. Heavily based on a true story, Lotte and Erich migrate to Aus from Germany post war in hope of freedom and a fresh start for their family. They believe this is the answer to all their struggles, their ticket to a new life, but sadly all they find is a new type of hard. Despite being promised work and believing Aus is the land of opportunity, they quickly learn there are more hurdles ahead and more sacrifices to make before reaching that goal of the bright future they had dreamed of. Between job losses, financial pain and family dynamics, they show no matter the hardship, you can truly have so much despite having so little. Just when life seems to be settling down, a tragic accident changes everything. It’s this that makes Lotte question the meaning of home and tests her strength the most. This was truly such an enriching story, especially highlighting the intensity of the impact war has on people. This book screams bravery and perseverance on multiple levels. It resembled a journal like documentation of events following their footsteps through life. It showed determination in standing for what is right and how kindness can go a long way. This captured everything from love, loss, desperation and hope and will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. Beautifully written and sucks you right in. ‘It was hard but it was worth it’ -Lotte.

[Jean Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this book but it was one that I could easily put down. It is the story of a young family that moved to Australia from post war Germany. It relates to the difficulties that they had settling in their new country. Many of the instance in the book were historically relevant which did make it interesting. All in all a good story.

[Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book boring - the characters were dull and I just wasn’t interested in their journey. Admittedly, I haven’t read ‘A Girl from Munich’ so this may have been the reason behind my lack of interest. I appreciated the fact that it put into some context the journey of my own grandparents migration and I wanted so much more detail in that section of the book.

[Charlotte (readwithchar) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book with an item of clothing or accessory on the cover ✔️

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read and good storyline

[Miriam Bucknell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story as it was based on the authors grandmothers life. Didn't love the writing style.

[Veronica Colch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I especially enjoyed the living and learning of the Australian history through those years through the eyes of this migrant family. Well done !!

[Emily Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this after the bee sting so it's completely different. At first I thought it was a bit 'nice' but I love when a story is based on real life history / stories .

[Jasmine Molnar · Rating 2 out of 5]

A “ pick a book, donate a book” find.

Whilst I enjoyed the first third. It became clear the book was information leaden, some parts just not needed and made the overall story a little long-winded.

[AusRomToday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suitcase of Dreams is a beautifully written story that depicts the difficulties and hardships faced by post-WWII European migrants who decided upon a move to Australia for a better life. 

Blanchard, through her familial links and obvious research on the topic, portrays not only the strengths that were required of the migrants in order to withstand the massive cultural shock that followed them throughout their life journey as new Australians but also the subsequent challenges related to identity, belonging, and discovering that 'home' can actually exist in a country that is not technically your own.

Suitcase of Dreams is a fascinating and carefully constructed story that explores the many facets of humanity, identity, and love.

[Rose Johnston · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this book as I’d loved The Girl from Munich, but it was a let down. I did enjoy learning more about our history and immigration after the war etc. but I don’t think it was explored enough.
Lotte annoyed me in this book. She was wishy washy, self obsessed and her conversations sounded inauthentic.
Disappointing as I was eager to read more about these characters!

[Mieke de Vries · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good and bad. I liked the storyline progressing from the first book and how it explored a long period of time in Australia which really showed the development of the family over the decades. I did feel at times the storyline was a bit shallow and sort of rushed through plot points with very flat and bland writing whilst at other times the descriptions of scenery and behaviours were too lengthy and hard to follow. There were too many scenes where they were all sitting around talking crying and hugging which sounded so fake and stale… what boyfriend would say thank you so much for sharing your stories? Like hello, so artificial. Also annoyed me when for less than a chapter Lotte considered leaving Erich cause he was participating in the union activism… after all you’ve been through that’s what you think about, just running away with the kids? I loved they way they explored the challenges and flaws this country has whilst also showing the immense beauty and draw the Australia. I hated that Erich died, literally the most annoying plot decision ever, closely followed by Heinrich showing up in Australia (why, just why?) and then her moving on with Marco (what happened to the strong independent woman stage??). I loved the daughters characters and would have loved to see Greta move back to Australia to complete the story.

[Teagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the first installment of The Girl From Munich, I was itching to get my hands on the second novel.

The dreams that Lotte and her family held so tightly to at the end of the first novel was so quickly shaken and dashed. It was a struggle at times to keep reading about the struggle the characters went through. Nothing seemed to go right. I felt bored as well during the intervals of their life and it seemed like the novel was just going through the motions rather than telling the story.

Through reading the novel I gained a better understanding about the conditions that migrants faced when reaching Australian shores, despite being promised jobs and land when they boarded the ship to Australia. It made me feel really ashamed that not only were they brought here under false pretenses they were also treated harshly by Australians, as if they hadn't been through enough!

An utter heart breaker, but worth knowing where the story leads.