From Rubble To Champagne: Rising from the ashes of war-torn Berlin to a life of grace, beauty and gratitude

by Vivianne Knebel

Vivianne Knebel was born illegitimate in 1943 in the epicenter of Nazi power, Berlin, Germany. Her free-spirited and strong-willed mother, Marija, fought to keep her alive among falling bombs and Soviet attacks. After the end of World War II, with much of Berlin razed to the ground, Vivianne came to know poverty and constant hunger. As a teenager, she immigrated to Canada, but in her new homeland, times became so desperate that she had to beg for money to eat. After dropping out of school to find work, Vivianne became the victim of sexual harassment. Spiraling into depression, she attempted to take her life, but was miraculously saved by a six-year-old child. Falling in love with a fellow German immigrant, Wiland, proved a pivotal turning point for Vivianne. He saw a wellspring of potential in her and believed that she could become more than she had ever imagined. They married and moved to the United States. In the land where so many immigrant dreams are built, Wiland encouraged Vivianne to pursue endeavors that would test her mettle, including piloting a plane, running a marathon, and taking on a key role in supporting his business enterprise. Vivianne's journey of personal growth later gave her the courage to battle cancer and embrace a spiritual life. Through hardship, demoralization, yearning, searching, loving, inspiration, and growth, Vivianne has discovered the ultimate secret to a life well a grateful heart. "From Rubble To Champagne" "Rising from the ashes of war-torn Berlin to a life of grace, beauty and gratitude" is the remarkable story of Vivianne Knebel. From a lonely childhood in ravaged, post WWII Berlin, to young adulthood as part of a wave of struggling German immigrants in Canada, to marriage, family and ultimate fulfillment in the United States, Vivianne's mindful and insightful journey moves and inspires the reader. Rising from the Ashes is a woman's celebration of challenges overcome and a life fully lived. Stephen Metcalfe - author of The Tragic Age and The Practical Navigator Ms Knebel's spell binding book is a first hand account of something most of us in the US haven't been exposed to and can't fathom. There are many heart wrenching German Holocaust stories. A story that hasn't been told though is, with post WWII Germany in ruins, the horrific challenges that everyday citizens and families face and how one young girl deals with them. It demonstrates what the human spirit can accomplish when challenged in unfathomable ways. Tom Gegax Author, Winning in the Game of Life and The Big Book of Small Business. The autobiography entitled "From Rubble To Champagne" "Rising from the ashes of war-torn Berlin to a life of grace, beauty and gratitude" draws the reader into a riveting account of the author's life story of triumph over tragedy. Vivianne transports you to her early life surviving the horrors of war in Hitler's Nazi Germany. Her indomitable spirit of optimism and perseverance are evident throughout her story and should serve as inspiration for anyone who feels defeated and suppressed. The author tells her life story with grace, charm, and wit. It is a must read for contemporary readers who wish to draw life lessons from our past. Susan Stuart, M.D. Board certified top Dermatologist

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, 20th Century

208 pages, Hardcover

Published March 10, 2020

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Rubble to Champagne: Rising from the ashes of war-torn Berlin to a life of grace, beauty and gratitude is an uplifting memoir that tells the story of Vivianne Knebel, an illegitimate child born in Germany during the Nazi Regime. Each chapter focuses on specific years in Vivianne’s life from 1943 to the present day. During Vivianne’s childhood spent in Berlin, she talks about the way everyday life was affected by Hitler’s rule and her struggles in school. As a teenager, Vivianne moved with her family to Montreal, Canada, where she worked in a number of jobs in which she faced boredom, sexual harassment, and depression that nearly ruined her life. As a young adult, she married a German immigrant, who has had a profound effect on her life from the beginning of their relationship and throughout their marriage.

Vivianne faced many challenges throughout her life, and readers get a glimpse into her personal observations on how she survived the tough times by building resilience, which enabled her to evolve and grow as a human being. Black and white photographs are strategically placed in the story and give readers a personal connection to this wonderful and heartfelt autobiography. Vivianne’s journey from childhood through adulthood and the ways that she approached crises in her life will hit home with readers in a very personal way. From Rubble to Champagne is a worthwhile book to read that will touch readers’ hearts as they follow along on Vivianne’s journey as she began her life as a poverty-stricken German immigrant and through perseverance, a chance meeting with a stranger, family love, and friendship now lives a happy and fulfilled life as a United States citizen. At the end of the story are lined pages for readers to write down anything that might have resonated with them.

[Vicki May · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Rubble to Champagne was a wonderfully written memoir which is touching and inspiring. Vivianne Knebel recounts her sometimes tumultuous life from her birth in Nazi Germany to finding happiness and love in Canada with such humor and candor that it is like a conversation with a friend. This book is a very emotional read but also so inspiring as she recounts all that she overcame in childhood, some dark days even as an adult and all that she has accomplished in her life despite a difficult beginning. I highly recommend From Rubble to Champagne:Rising from the ashes of war-torn Berlin to a life of grace, beauty and gratitude to everyone. Thank you Vivianne Knebel for sharing your wonderful story.

[Amanda Hash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this look into our author's life-- I always feel like memoirs are a glimpse into someone's soul, and this was no exception. I cannot imagine dealing with such difficulties and hardships and somehow rising above them, but that's exactly what Knebel has done. It's truly inspiring to see a HEA played out in real life, and makes me so grateful that my struggles have been so small in comparison. Despite being extremely emotional at times, this was an easy read that I found impossible to put down.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivianne Knebel was born in Berlin, Germany at the height of Nazi power. This is her story of growing up and the struggles she endured. Through it all she always had faith and hope. As you read the book you learn how she endured the hardships and continued on to lead a fulfilling life. I could not put this book down! I highly recommend it!

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review: From Rubble To Champagne
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Happy anniversary to Vivianne and her beloved husband.
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I haven't read a memoir from the prospective of a child going through war on the opposite side. This was a mind opening experience and a beautiful memoir of a woman who came from nothing and built a wonderful life through strength, dedication and the love of family. A world embellished in bombed remains to a lavish garden and remarkable empire. This novel tells the story of a courageous woman surviving not only the chaotic world around her, but overcoming cancer as well. Vivianne has a truly remarkable life!

[Kimberlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

"From Rubble to Champagne" is an inspiring book written by the author as a tribute to her husband. It begins with her early life in war-torn Berlin, and covers her experiences through the present day. While I'm certain Mr. Knebel was thrilled with this moving gift, there is plenty to appreciate in this book for everyone.

I enjoyed the historical perspective of the different times (and places) in the past that Ms. Knebel experienced first-hand. However, the true inspiration came as the author discussed how she learned and grew from her experiences, and how she maintained a (mostly) positive attitude. There are also some valuable lessons about how to nurture an internal attitude of gratitude.

I appreciate the author sharing some of the most personal aspects of her life with us, her readers. Self-help books are great, but I personally gain more from an author who is willing to open up and share true-life experiences. Ms. Knebel's generosity in this regard will no doubt be meaningful for many future readers.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting memoir. I liked how the author took us through her experiences starting with her childhood in Berlin during and after World War 2. It's an emotional read, but a very positive experience. Ms. Knebel shares the thought process and inner dialog that helped her get through some difficult times and emerge victorious, with a happy life. I appreciated the emphasis on gratitude and having a positive outlook.

This book was written as a gift to the author's husband, but there's an interesting story for all to enjoy. Plus, if you're open to her ideas, Ms. Knebel shares some actionable steps to improve your own life and increase your personal happiness.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was inspiring, especially since the events were true. The author endured tremendous hardship during her childhood, both physically and emotionally. This book allowed her the opportunity to share her side of things regarding her life in war ravaged Berlin. This was a quick read and fascinating to me, as I especially enjoy reading true accounts versus fiction. Anyone who has an interest in post-war Berlin will appreciate it. I certainly cheered for the author as the book progressed!

[Lynn Bevilacqua · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the life story of a child that endured so many unimaginable hardships during WWII in Berlin. Yet Vivianne survived it all from hunger, difficulties in learning, poverty and depression and grew into a beautiful, strong and determined young woman like her mother. By good fortune her family immigrated to Canada and endured many more hardships before meeting the young man that would be her life long partner. Very inspiring read that truly is “From Rubble to Champagne”.

[Judy Churchill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. I’ve always wondered how the non-Nazis survived Nazi Germany during the Second World War. This is one woman’s life.

[Brenda Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this book. Very interesting and inspiring. I won this book through goodreads.