SKU: 35890781799

Forty Autumns: A Family's Story of Courage and Survival on Both Sides of the Berlin Wall

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Description

Forty Autumns: A Family's Story of Courage and Survival on Both Sides of the Berlin WallIn this illuminating and deeply moving memoir, a former American military intelligence officer goes beyond traditional Cold War espionage tales to tell the true story of her family of five women separated by the Iron Curtain for more than forty years, and their miraculous reunion after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Forty Autumns makes visceral the pain and longing of one family forced to live apart in a world divided by two. At twenty, Hanna escaped

In this illuminating and deeply moving memoir, a former American military intelligence officer goes beyond traditional Cold War espionage tales to tell the true story of her family--of five women separated by the Iron Curtain for more than forty years, and their miraculous reunion after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Forty Autumns makes visceral the pain and longing of one family forced to live apart in a world divided by two. At twenty, Hanna escaped from East to West Germany. But the price of freedom--leaving behind her parents, eight siblings, and family home--was heartbreaking. Uprooted, Hanna eventually moved to America, where she settled down with her husband and had children of her own.

Growing up near Washington, D.C., Hanna's daughter, Nina Willner became the first female Army Intelligence Officer to lead sensitive intelligence operations in East Berlin at the height of the Cold War. Though only a few miles separated American Nina and her German relatives--grandmother Oma, Aunt Heidi, and cousin, Cordula, a member of the East German Olympic training team--a bitter political war kept them apart.

In Forty Autumns, Nina recounts her family's story--five ordinary lives buffeted by circumstances beyond their control. She takes us deep into the tumultuous and terrifying world of East Germany under Communist rule, revealing both the cruel reality her relatives endured and her own experiences as an intelligence officer, running secret operations behind the Berlin Wall that put her life at risk.

A personal look at a tenuous era that divided a city and a nation, and continues to haunt us, Forty Autumns is an intimate and beautifully written story of courage, resilience, and love--of five women whose spirits could not be broken, and who fought to preserve what matters most: family.

Forty Autumns is illustrated with dozens of black-and-white and color photographs.

--Kirkus Reviews

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: William Morrow & Company
Published: 08/15/2017
ISBN: 9780062410320
Pages: 416
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.20w x 1.00d
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SKU: 35890781799

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mary burnette
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★★★★★ 4
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This lightweight nylon backpack quickly became my go-to for everyday errands and quick trips. It feels almost weightless on my shoulders, yet it has plenty of room for my laptop, water bottle, and even a sweater without looking bulky. The fabric wipes clean easily (a lifesaver when I set it down at the park bench), and the zippers glide smoothly without catching. I’ve carried it around all day and it’s comfortable, stylish, and practical without trying too hard.
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KevCape
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★★★★★ 5
Gift for my wife. I win!
Color: Beige
A gift for my wife. Love how sleek this looks. Also like that it has multiple pockets. It is the perfect personal item when traveling. Super functional. Great value for what I paid for it. Love that it keeps all stored items secure while still being accessible. It also had padded straps and a carry on strap.
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M. Garcia
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
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Color: Black
Bought this for my teenage daughter. The bag is super sturdy and a great deal for the price. All of the pockets help keep her organized and provide plenty of space for all she needs. The canvas is easy to clean and can be wiped with a rag. I plan to buy another in a fun color!
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Chef de Cuisine
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Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2025

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