How Soon the Flowers Fall

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.

Walter Soellner is the author of the 5 book Kalvarianhof historical fiction series. The books are "The Perilous Journey", "The Storm That Shook the World", "An Incident in Africa", and now "How Soon the Flowers Fall". The fifth in the series will be published in 2022.

A longtime interest in 19th and 20th century history led to Walter's decision to retell some of the most overlooked stories of this period. He plays out the lives of fictional characters against the real events of the times, with grand adventures across three continents. Loyalty, friendship, and love—sometimes forbidden—by turns challenge and inspire his characters as history marches inexorably toward tragedy.

Walter is a retired professor of art and art history, and has lectured approximately 80 times in most art museums in the the S.F. Bay Area. He currently resides in San Jose, California with his wife, Sandra, and their two cats.