“I read your book almost “non stop”. For me who experienced the war and the reconstruction periods of the 40s and 50s, it was really thrilling and close to many of my memories of Normandy: the food rationing, the boarding school time, the bombing, the shelters, the machine-gunning of the “mosquitos” and…. The slaughter! The occupation troops, the black market practices and the bombed cities. In 1944 I was in St. Lo, Lower Normandy, which was 91% destroyed and 1955 in Kassel, Hessen, 75% destroyed. I also saw die Frauenkirche and Dresden when reconstruction started in 1991.

I enjoyed reading about places  I know very well: the seaside in the south of England, the Swiss “Eldorado” of 1949-1950, Bauer au Lac, Zurich and your description of daily life as it was, especially the “joint” put into the oven on Sundays! I was impressed by you both daring to return with your family into East Germany during the communist era and of the reports of your daughters and son, showing how well they understand the situation over there. I also learned about the support of Tessa’s father’s American friends during the rationing and of Martin to his parents deprived of everything material. They are precious memories of how some individuals can behave while others show their greed.

Unfortunately, we know that few learn from the past. When reading the story of your lives, many people have a good opportunity to reconsider the prejudice they have towards other nations and other people. I am grateful to have read your excellent book.”

Pierre Herbert, Costa Rica

*****

“I just want to say that I gobbled up your book, reading into the early hours of the morning! What an amazing book you both have written. I remember so well reading  excerpts of Martin’s story in Costa Rica and that it would develop into both your stories is so great. To dedicate it to the children of war everywhere in the world is remarkable. I applaud you and hope that the book gets distributed to Canadian school boards. In fact I’ve talked about it enthusiastically to many people.”

Claudia Schultheis, Menorca, Spain

*****

“How many memories and how similar the experiences both sides went through during the war years. Funny, I have a picture of my parents and myself as a little girl that is exactly like Tessa’s! I had to look twice because it looked so familiar. Congratulations, what a wonderful gift for your grandchildren.”

Renate Nickels, Toronto

*****

“I read your book – it is a fine work of history told by participants. Having produced more mundane works, I am well aware of the enormous amount of hard work and dedication involved. The format you chose is quite unique and provides a vivid picture of events – congratulations!”

Robert Baird, Montreal

*****