Author:Helen Alice Dear
Helen-Alice Dear was only fifteen when she left London to visit Bulgaria on a family holiday in 1937. Just weeks after her arrival, she found herself unable to leave and struggling to survive in an increasingly hostile and terrifying environment. Her marriage to a Bulgarian man bore her four children but they were often homeless, cold and hungry. Despite these hardships, Helen refused to give up hope and bravely managed to protect and raise her family.
When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, Helen was finally able to fulfil her dream of returning to her homeland. Her beautifully written memoir is a heart-wrenching tale of courage and resilience, proving just how indomitable the human spirit can be.
No review can do justice to the richness, liveliness and sheer fun of this book. Wilson has written one of the books of the year
—— John Charmley , GuardianArgumentative, thought-provoking and very well-written
—— Andrew Roberts , Daily TelegraphHe shows that the issues which dominate our headlines - immigration, Iraq, religious tolerance - have their roots in decisions made, or not made, as long ago as the Twenties ... A compelling read
—— Kathryn Hughes , Mail on SundayThe practised columnist's ability to provoke new thoughts with an original and opinionated argument is evident on nearly every page... Coherent and absorbing
—— Michael Grove , The TimesA page-turner, lambent with fascination... One of the best things about the book is the use Wilson makes of the period's reflection in its fecund literature. And, indeed, his masterly piece of history is a work of literature too
—— A.C. Grayling , Financial TimesExceptionally well-written... Vigorous, lively and winningly eccentric
—— SpectatorReaders who enjoyed the last volume will not be disappointed. After the Victorians has exactly the same compelling blend of political gossip, literary sketches and deft character portraits... The sheer quality of his cracking prose... There is something simply irresistible about After The Victorians
—— Daily TelegraphA.N. Wilson is a literary virtuoso... Each chapter could be a synopsis for a fascinating volume in its own right
—— Roger Lewis , Daily ExpressHas all the hallmarks of another masterpiece... The range of Wilson's knowledge is breathtaking
—— Literary ReviewThe best single-volume work on the Victorian age yet written
—— Andrew RobertsWritten with verve and wit, this book is utterly compelling - erudite, intelligent and wise. Essential reading
—— Jane Ridley , SpectatorA provocative and spectacularly enjoyable history of the first half of the century
—— Nicholas Hytner , Sunday Telegraph