A story of love and war . . . When young Clara Simon suddenly quit her steady job in Ernest Maxwell Abbott's law firm over his increasingly shabby treatment of Jewish clients, she soon realized the seriousness of her actions. Giving up any job in struggling, post-WWI London meant taking a chance. Clara knew her family at 21 Aldgate would not be supportive. With that in mind she did the only thing a Londoner could do: she looked for a quiet place to have a cup of tea and think over her hasty decision. A coincidental meeting with a former Abbott employee resulted in the suggestion of a job offer in Chelsea. Clara, reluctant to consider venturing into affluent Chelsea, finally agreed to meet with the important French artist, Paul Maze, who needed an assistant to help write his memoir of his work as a field artist during WWI. Her experiences in his employ left her profoundly changed by the ghosts of war, the Nazis — and by Paul Maze. A story of class distinction, a people and their traditions, a family and its fate, a country and its fight against Fascism, and a woman with a secret she must take to her grave. Set in 1930s and 1940s in London, England, France and Germany in the chaotic time between World War I and into World War II. Based on true-life characters and events, 21 ALDGATE is a story about a place in time that no longer exists -- except in rapidly fading memories.

21 Aldgate

Literature & Fiction

Friedberg, Patricia

Genre Fiction

Rainbow Books, Incorporated

"Letters from Wankie" is a unique true story based on the collection of some 500 air letters the author, British-born Patricia Friedberg, wrote home to England in the mid-1950s, during the first two years of her marriage to her South African physician husband. Together the newlyweds moved to the remote mining town of Wankie in the far northwest corner of Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) where he was employed as a colliery doctor. More than 50 years later, after her mother passed away, Patricia found among her mother's papers the bundle of air letters neatly tied and safely stored. Reading through the collection it was evident that the letters contained an incredible, historical account of life during the colonial years as seen through the eyes and writings of a young woman, twenty years of age, who was, unbelievably, even to herself, employed as Clerk of the Court at the Native Commissioner's Office. Despite the enormous cultural differences the young Londoner faced -- the challenging and often shocking exposure to tribal practices and native law -- she carried on, overcoming obstacles with spunk and grit and a saving sense of humor. PRAISE FOR "LETTERS FROM WANKIE" "A gorgeous, touching, tragic tale of a lost -- but now, thanks to Patricia Friedberg -- never forgotten time in a remote corner of colonial Africa." --Douglas Rogers, "New York Times" journalist and author of "The Last Resort: A Memoir of Zimbabwe" ". . . a delightful account of a plucky young woman who takes things as they come and makes the best of them. She effectively uses the device of letters to home . . . Patricia’s 'voice' made me smile all through her account . . . like listening to a charming tale told by a good friend . . . a friend you have known forever. Well done!" --Georgia Court, owner, Bookstore 1, Sarasota "What an adventure! I loved this book! I could not stop reading this honestly portrayed, exhilarating account . . . Filled with humour and astute wry observations, this is a delightful trip into the past . . . a valuable slice of history that documents an era now washed away, an insight into a country which was once the jewel of Africa, and now is in ruins." --Paul Williams, Ph.D., author of "Soldier Blue" "An inspiring -- and most satisfying read." --Joan Kufrin, author of "Uncommon Women" and "Leo Burnett, Star-Reacher" ". . . mental scenery that is thought-provoking, instructs and entertains. Exceedingly well done and a pleasure to read." --Marilyn Pincus, bestselling author, ghostwriter and member of the Authors Guild, New York, NY

Letters from Wankie: A Place in Colonial Africa

Biographies & Memoirs

Historical

When young Clara Simon quit her job in Ernest Maxwell Abbott's law firm over his increasingly shabby treatment of Jewish clients, she soon realized the seriousness of her actions. Giving up any job in post-WWI London meant taking a chance. Clara knew her family at 21 Aldgate would not be supportive. A coincidental meeting with a former Abbott employee resulted in a job offer in Chelsea. Clara, reluctant to consider venturing into affluent Chelsea, finally agreed to meet with the important French artist, Paul Maze, who needed an assistant to help write his memoir. Their working relationship ignited a passionate love that forever changed her. On the tides of the Second World War, Clara was forced to make decisions that risked both her life and her marriage...

Dreamscape Media

A Story of Love and War "I read it with the greatest interest... a fascinating and absorbing look into the past." - Sir Martin Gilbert, Churchill, biographer and bestselling author of: Churchill and the Jews: A Lifelong Friendship, A History of the Twentieth Century, Churchill and America, Churchill, a Biography, Churchill and the War "This remarkable family saga and love story has embedded itself into my psyche... Set in the East End of London between two wars, it is beautifully detailed and will last long in the memory." -_Mandie Fletcher, BAFTA Award winning British TV and Film Director, Ace Award Winner, Writer/ Director, Absolutely Fabulous, the film, and Patrick the Pug " ... while some of the thoughts and actions are fictitious, there is a strong element of reality present throughout. That and the integrity of the main characters make 21 ALDGATE, a standout. - Donna Bird, SleepingHedgehog.com "The vicissitudes of World War II are splendidly delineated in this intriguing novel. - Jewish Book World A wonderful and compelling writer, Patricia Friedberg brings the reader into a pre-war and WWII London unknown to many. The story of a strong young woman her adventures, her courage, her wit, her resilient family, and the heroes of the story, the British people and the bravery with which they faced the threat of an enemy near at hand. - Georgia Court, Owner BOOKSTORE 1, Sarasota, Fl Combining all the best elements of historical fiction with an illicit affair makes 21 Aldgate a must-read. Ashley Dacus, Manager, Davis-Kidd Booksellers, Memphis, Tn I love the waymemories of WW2 myself, I did grow up in the dismal aftermath of rationing and deprivation and like most of my generation, have a deep regard and respect for all those who took part. History can come alive when viewed through the eyes of people who experience it. Patricia Friedberg's books are proof of this, helping readers to relive the past and, hopefully, learn from it. Jackie Minnitti The Island Reporter, St. Petersburg, Fl I love the way Patricia Friedberg tells the story - so straightforward, no frills or fancy prose. Speaking as a War Baby (born 1943) although II have no direct memories of WWII myself, I did grow up in the dismal aftermath of rationing and deprivation and like most of my generation, have a deep regard and respect for all those who took part. - Anne Collis, Artistic Director of England's National Symphony Orchestra, Voyage Crossing, New York to Southampton Queen Mary 2

Newman Springs

Letters From Wankie

Romance

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Friedberg, Patricia. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Friedberg, Patricia

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Friedberg, Patricia. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

21 Aldgate

Letters from Wankie: A Place in Colonial Africa

21 Aldgate

21 Aldgate

Letters From Wankie