'The next morning, just before sunrise, with cool easterly winds biding farewell to what had been a long and painful year, Hanna picked up her suitcase and left the house before she thought anyone had awakened. She didn't fully think it through as to how her parents would be as time went on with her gone. She believed Roland would find his way under the communists. Hanna was planning to leave her family without saying goodbye- knowing it would be easier. Hanna knew she would miss them all - but especially her brother Roland, her closest sibling. The younger siblings - Helga, Tutti, Tiele, Manni, Klemens, and Kai.each had special qualities of their own. Her brother Roland, just a year apart in age, is a parents dream: Smart, obedient, and a natural born leader.

We learn early that Hanna - at age 17, is adventurous, has boundless energy, is playful, a 'rabble-rouser'.and is a girl who likes to make her own rules in life. Nina's mother, Hanna grew up in East Germany in the village of Schwaneberg. Note: The 'women' in this family are powerhouses!!! historical buildings- 'lots' of great photos included. soooo beautiful: and of her mother Hanna, her grandparents, Oma and Opa, and Hanna's eight siblings, extended family.

and speaking of children: there are several photos of Nina's family, adorable children. What a gift she is passing to 'her' children. Gifted author -and beautiful - I'm trying to imagine what it 'feels' like for Nina Willner to have written this book -for the world to read - about HER MOTHER. I wasn't expecting her to be absolutely gorgeous. I wanted to know a little more about the author: *Nina Willner*. As soon as I finished reading this 'wonderful' epic family memoir.

Forty autumns book