Love, War and Curling Irons: A Memoir (Paperback)

~ Leni Schick-Grehl (Author), Rita Ginsberg (Contributor)
Key Phrases: curling irons, Leni Schick-Grehl, Paw Paw, Fraulein Wren (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

After sixty years, Leni Schick-Grehl opens a window to the secrets of her past in Love, War & Curling Irons. Journey with Leni through some most memorable stories of her parent’s lives before she was born, playful moments during her childhood, and becoming of age during Nazi Germany and World War II. This historical memoir will leave readers empowered and intrigued as they embark through the uncertainty and panic of the air raids, and the destruction and poverty left by the war.

With nowhere to live, Leni finds temporary haven in the basement of Werner Ihnen’s barber shop where she works. After months of uncertainty, Germany surrenders, and the allies assume power, sparking a glimmer of hope and renewal.

Yearning for a fresh start in life, Leni ventures to find her esteemed grandparents in Bremen-Aumund, Germany, only to discover that an American sergeant has befriended her grandparents. Spellbound by their first encounter, the story ignites as two lives are changed by the circumstances of war that brought them together.

A heartfelt tale touched with humor and eloquent simplicity, Love, War & Curling Irons both inspires and delights readers as it chronicles a life where the will and love stand strong despite overwhelming obstacles.

About the Author

Leni Schick-Grehl was born in Duisburg, Germany, in 1924, becoming an apprentice hairdresser at the age of 13. She remained a hairdresser as she immigrated to America in 1947 and married sweetheart Fred Grehl, an American World War II Veteran. They eventually retired to Carlsbad, New Mexico. Leni has three adult children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren and now live in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.

Product Details

• Paperback: 148 pages
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing (December 4, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 142518653X
• ISBN-13: 978-1425186531
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #394,475 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Once you start reading it you can't put it down., January 13, 2009

By	Linda S. Saunders (Oklahoma) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I don't normally sit down and read a lot of books, but I loved this book and I couldn't put it down. I just kept reading and reading. Sometimes we forget how easy we have it until we read about someone and how life was for them over 70 years ago. Some of the stories made me smile, some laugh, and some brought tears to my eyes. The book has a lot of personal pictures and historical references, which brought the book even more to life. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in reading about what life was like during WWII for a young girl and the experiences she had growing up.