The Wheels of Memory – Sonia Kempler

Sonia was just nine years old when Kristallnacht ended her happy childhood. Her father and older brother escaped to Belgium and Sonia’s mother devised a plan for her two remaining children to escape to Antwerp by train. Sonia, in sole charge of her little brother, Max, carried out a carefully rehearsed performance to keep looking at their (non-existent) passports. Much more of such courage and cool-headedness was required of the little girl when, again alone, for eight months in 1940 she created a life for the two of them in France; when she found herself solely in charge of moving house in Antwerp while her mother was in hospital; and more again when she lived as a Christian in a convent.

Fortunately, there was also Harry Kempler. Theirs was a love story so joyous, constant and true, although with a sudden, tragic ending. Sonia carried on, as bravely as ever.

She is a wonderful natural story-teller and has created a gift for her family they will cherish for generations to come, as well as an inspiring story for readers at large.

Makor Jewish Community Library publishing 2010, paperback

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