The enthralling Kalvarianhof historical fiction series continues in this fourth book. "How Soon the Flowers Fall" is a story of family and friendship, the difficulty of doing the right thing in dark times, and overcoming tragedy. Tender romance, daring escapes, and real history combine to tell the story of Germany between the first and second world wars.
Markus Mathais and his friend Solomon Levi resume their lives with their families after the struggle to survive World War I as soldiers in the Kaiser's army in the German colonies in Africa. After the tragic death of his wife, Helena, Markus returns to his mother's apartment in Munich with his children and brother-in-law Wolfgang. Levi returns to his family and farm, Kalvarianhof, in the forests near Munich.
It is the mid-1920s and Germany is reeling from the effects of inflation, unemployment, and violence in the streets. The Jewish Levi family experiences the growing threat of the fascists, and with the terrifying election of Hitler as president in 1933, the danger increases, threating their very lives. The two families support each other, resisting the rising antisemitic violence ensnarling them. All are tested as the Nazis assume complete control of the country, imposing draconian rule. To escape prosecution, some family members flee the country, some go into hiding, and some join the underground resistance, bringing danger and death closer to all.
