With Just One Suitcase

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

This epic book, spanning two continents, recounts the story of three generations of two families whose lives unexpectedly intersect in their adopted country. Beautifully capturing the loss faced when war dislocates families, it also tells of the struggles and challenges of starting anew and adapting to a different way of life. With Just One Suitcase serves as a tribute to the courage and resilience of two men who bear the scars of war and face adversity without surrendering their optimism for the future. "Cheryl Koenig is to be congratulated. She has written a masterpiece. With great skill Cheryl has written an immensely readable, gripping biog documenting daily life in a crazed world. The story begins with a thumbnail sketch of life in semi rural Romania at the outbreak of the second world war and moves on to relate the experiences, in that country, of her then youthful father & father-in-law. Many years later, in Sydney, Australia, they chance to be reunited when Cheryl nervously introduces her father to the father of her future husband. The writing is powerful, in the first person, giving the reader a fly-on-the-wall feeling of being there. Having thoroughly researched the period Cheryl is able to construe the hitherto unknown Romanian perspective with great credibility, and, as if they hadn't already suffered enough, she goes on to relate how these amazing young men had the courage and strength to take flight and start a new life in this far flung land. That they survived at all is a miracle." - Sylvia Levi, Goodreads review

Reviews

'Like many adult children of first generation Australians, I have grown to appreciate more deeply the momentous decision made by my parents in leaving their homes, their families and everything familiar to come to a new land. I believe Australia has benefited in so many ways from the trust and optimism of those who migrated to our shores. Our richness as a migrant nation endures through the stories of our forebears, told and retold to new generations. This is one such story among many that make us who we are today.'

- Tanya Plibersek, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development.

"Cheryl Koenig's embrace of life shines through in earlier books, such as Paper Cranes. 'With Just One Suitcase' is the backstory to her achievements. Where do those with great courage and wherewithal get it from From those who raised them, loved them, willed them to open their hearts to life. This story of the struggle of grandparents and parents in war-torn Europe leads us movingly to trials of a different sort in Australia. Cheryl Koenig's message is that we are always more than one person. We are ourselves, and also the dreams and hopes of those who have loved us."

- Robert Hillman, award-winning biographer and fiction writer

"An excellent story splendidly told."

- Annabel Lawson, Books Editor, Country Style

"Cheryl Koenig is to be congratulated. She has written a masterpiece. With great skill Cheryl has written an immensely readable, gripping biography documenting daily life in a crazed world. The story begins with a thumbnail sketch of life in semi- rural Romania at the outbreak of the second world war and moves on to relate the experiences, in that country, of her then youthful father and father-in-law. Many years later, in Sydney, they chance to be reunited when Cheryl nervously introduces her father to the father of her future husband. The writing is powerful, in the first person, giving the reader a fly-on-the-wall feeling of being there. Having thoroughly researched the period Cheryl is able to construe the hitherto unknown Romanian perspective with great credibility, and, as if they hadn't already suffered enough, she goes on to relate how these amazing young men had the courage and strength to take flight and start a new life in this far flung land. That they survived at all is a miracle."
- Sylvia Levi, Goodreads reviewer

Author Bio

Cheryl Koenig OAM, is a Sydney-based writer and motivational speaker. With Just One Suitcase is her fourth book - the family's memoir - and is Cheryl's homage to her father, Frici, and her father-in-law, Istvan; and her belief in the importance of history in understanding ourselves. Her previous publications are Paper Cranes (2008), The Courage to Care (2007) and There's always hope: just alter the dreams (2006). In 2009 she was named NSW Woman of the Year, and in 2015 received the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to people with disabilities, their families and carers. Her involvement with disability services arose out of caring and advocacy for her son who was severely injured in a vehicle accident. Cheryl continues to volunteer her time to improve health care services, which she combines with her passion for writing. Cheryl has developed a high profile as a speaker to a diversity of organisations and audiences from community groups to being a keynote speaker at the University of New South Wales Graduation Ceremony. Since the release of With Just One Suitcase, Cheryl has been devoting much of her talks on multicultural Australia and what it means to be Australian in a rapidly changing and uncertain world.