When the Lilacs Bloom Again , a true story of WWII European life is full of suspense, horror, and romance; disease and threat of starvation were our constant companions for five long years. Despair and abuse of spirit were the legacy of the daily threats of bombings, rape and beatings. The title is a quote from my father's October 30, 1942 letter, which ended: "If God wills, we shall see each other soon. Perhaps when the lilacs bloom again." Following deportation from Hungary, our quest for permanency and peace continued. The curtain of darkness gradually lifts as the challenges of my coming of age in a vastly different country begin. "A courageous memoir and a bold testament to the resiliency of the human spirit. Kathe Bryant has put flesh on the tattered pages of history and has proven once again the inevitable triumph of love over hate." Philip Gulley, Quaker Pastor, author. "When the Lilacs Bloom Again" is a true story so full of drama, danger and courage, it reads like fiction. Torture, rape and murder are part of her story as well as innocence, romance and faith. The story tells of spiritual tenacity and gritty determination which war itself could not defeat. Tom Mullen, Emeritus Professor: Earlham College; author. "Kathe Bryant's story chilled my bones by bringing war into a human perspective. Kathe calmly leads the reader through the horrifying course of events that ended with her family's emigration under Quaker sponsorship. Many of the facts are so gruesome, the sensitive reader really doesn't want to know... Kathe's book reminds us of the child behind the victim's face. Do not forget me... Cynthia Stanley-Russell, attorney & author.