Dignity of Silence

In 1942, Ernst escapes to London with his daughter Sophie, who grows up to be submissive and lacking confidence. Twenty years later, Sophie is bereft when Angelica dies and learns why her father would never speak of the past. Back home, Mark is having an affair, and Sophie is able to face the future with knowledge of her past.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2021
Publisher: The Book Guild Ltd

In 1942, a tragic event unfolded in Prague as the **** regime summoned all Jews to the Death Camps. Ernst, deeply affected by the loss of his wife during childbirth, fled to London with his two-year-old daughter, Sophie. Grieving and carrying a heavy burden of guilt, Ernst believed that the only way to cope with his pain was to remain silent about their past. This decision would have profound consequences for Sophie's future.

Growing up without a mother and under the protective watch of her over-protective father, Sophie developed a submissive nature and lacked confidence. She struggled to make friends at university and often felt isolated. However, her life took a turn when she met Mark, a man who differed greatly from her father. Despite their initial differences, they fell in love, got married, and welcomed a son into their lives. However, the joy of childbirth was accompanied by a deep bout of puerperal depression, leaving Sophie feeling vulnerable and alone.

In this challenging period, she was fortunate to form a strong bond with Angelica and Emma, two other young mothers who had also given birth to boys. They each brought unique qualities to their friendship, complementing each other in ways that filled the gaps in their lives. The three young mothers formed a tight-knit group, supporting and uplifting each other through the joys and hardships of motherhood.

Over the course of twenty years, their friendship remained unwavering, even after the passing of Angelica. When Sophie and her father returned to Prague, she was devastated to discover the reason behind her father's silence about their past. It was then that she realized the sacrifices he had made to protect her from the horrors of their history.

Back home, Sophie faced another painful revelation when she discovered that her husband was having an affair. She saw the people she loved, her husband, her children, her father, and her friends, all sensitive to her vulnerability and trying to protect her in their own ways through their silences.

Now, armed with the knowledge of her past, Sophie felt a newfound strength and resilience. She understood that her history had shaped her, but it did not define her. She was able to face the future with a clearer perspective and a deeper understanding of her own emotions.

In conclusion, the journey of Sophie and her family serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Despite the hardships and tragedies they faced, they were able to overcome their past and build a future filled with love, support, and hope. Their story is a testament to the power of friendship, understanding, and the ability to embrace one's history while moving forward with a positive outlook.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913913670