Light After the War, The

- Blurb -

In the bestselling tradition of THE GIRL FROM MUNICH and THE TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ, an extraordinary tale based on the true story of how the author's mother survived World War II against all odds. In 1946 two young Hungarian refugees arrive in Naples determined to start a new life after losing everyone they loved before the war. Vera Frankel and her best friend, Edith Ban, are haunted by their terrifying escape from a train headed for Auschwitz after their mothers threw them from the carriage, promising they would follow. But instead the girls found themselves alone in a frozen, alien land. They managed to find refuge and barter for their lives by working on an isolated farm in Austria until the end of the war. Armed with a letter of recommendation from an American general, Vera finds work and new hope at the United States Embassy and, despite her best intentions, falls in love the handsome and enigmatic Captain Anton Wight. But as Vera and Edith grapple with the aftermath of the war, so too does Anton, and when he suddenly disappears, Vera is forced to drastically change course. Their quest to overcome their terrible losses and rebuild their lives takes Vera and Edith from Naples to Ellis Island to Venezuela and finally Sydney as they begin to build careers, reunite with old friends - and find love. Heartbreakingly moving and compelling, THE LIGHT AFTER THE WAR is inspired by the story of the author's Holocaust survivor mother and her escape with her best friend from a train to Auschwitz. Praise for The Light After the War'You will be swept away by this fast-paced, heartbreaking and hopeful tale of friendship, family, second chances and the enduring power of love, based on the true story of the author's mother in war-torn Europe.' Kristin Harmel, bestselling author of The Room on Rue Amelie 'A heartfelt and memorable tale of family, love, resilience and the triumph of human spirit.' Pam Jenoff, bestselling author of The Lost Girls of Paris 'Inspired by her own mother's remarkable life, Anita Abriel takes readers to four continents as she celebrates the power of hope, optimism and female friendship in The Light After the War. If you are a reader who believes in embracing life and love-even after unspeakable loss-you will treasure this book.' Sally Koslow, author of Another Side of Paradise'Based on a true, untold story, Anita Abriel's The Light After the War paints a wonderful portrait of two young women, both Holocaust survivors, trying to find love and meaning in the aftermath of WWII. From Italy to New York to South America, Abriel brings the friends and the times to life in real, moving, and unexpected ways.' Mark Sullivan, bestselling author of Beneath a Scarlet Sky'Anita Abriel's heartfelt novel of love and friendship in the years after the Second World War is based on her mother's own experience, and her intimate connection to the story and characters infuses every word. The Light After the War charts an unforgettable journey to a world struggling to rebuild after the horrors of war, and a pair of extraordinary women who must discover anew how to love and live. Fans of historical fiction won't want to miss this evocative, heartbreaking story.' Beatriz Williams, New York Times bestselling author of The Golden Hour'Set against the vividly drawn backdrops of Naples, Caracas and Sydney in the aftermath of WWII, The Light After the War by Anita Abriel is a beautifully written and heartfelt novel. I was completely swept up in Vera's and Edith's lives, their friendship, their heartbreaks and their triumphs. An unforgettable story of strength, love, and survival.' Jillian Cantor, USA Today bestselling author of The Lost Letter and In Another Time'There is so much in The Light After the War that truly shines: Unforgettable love, family, faith-and the courageous resolve of two young women to mend their lives and seek new beginnings in a world tragically changed. Fans of historical fiction are sure to devour this tale of hope, reinvention and the power of friendship to heal the heart's deepest wounds.' Roxanne Veletzos, author of The Girl They Left Behind'Anita Abriel sweeps the reader around the world in this true tale of survival, endurance, and triumph. The Light After the War is a feast for the mind and the heart, not soon to be forgotten.' Lynn Cullen, bestselling author of Mrs. Poe and The Sisters of Summit Avenue