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The Light After the War,
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Amanda Thompson
I agree as soon as I read the book I wanted to know who Anita's father was. Loved this book.
Zoe
I was curious as well, so I did a bit of research.
I believe Anton was based on a real-life person - in this website (https://www.bookbub.com/blog/anita-ab...), Abriel says 'In Naples, my mother worked at the US consulate and fell madly in love with an American officer.'
However, in this article (https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/pb-...), she says, 'My father was born and raised in Lithuania. When Hitler invaded in June of 1941, he and his family climbed onto Russian trucks in order to escape the Germans.' Clearly, her father was not the American officer. But Anton IS based on someone that was in her mother's life.
Most possibly, Anton is based on an American her mother had a relationship with, but it did not come to fruition. So, in answer to your questions, a) The name of her father is not disclosed (as some previous comments mentioned), rather an unnamed Lithuanian, b) No information and c) Definitely not completely made up, Abriel likely draws inspiration from the officer her mother met in Naples.
It makes sense, considering this book is based on her mother's experience during the Holocaust, not her parents. Hopefully that explains some things.
I believe Anton was based on a real-life person - in this website (https://www.bookbub.com/blog/anita-ab...), Abriel says 'In Naples, my mother worked at the US consulate and fell madly in love with an American officer.'
However, in this article (https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/pb-...), she says, 'My father was born and raised in Lithuania. When Hitler invaded in June of 1941, he and his family climbed onto Russian trucks in order to escape the Germans.' Clearly, her father was not the American officer. But Anton IS based on someone that was in her mother's life.
Most possibly, Anton is based on an American her mother had a relationship with, but it did not come to fruition. So, in answer to your questions, a) The name of her father is not disclosed (as some previous comments mentioned), rather an unnamed Lithuanian, b) No information and c) Definitely not completely made up, Abriel likely draws inspiration from the officer her mother met in Naples.
It makes sense, considering this book is based on her mother's experience during the Holocaust, not her parents. Hopefully that explains some things.
Sherrie74
Here is a website that answers the question but not fully ... obviously NOT Anton but still she does not give out her father's name. No mention of a brother so maybe she was actually the child Vera was carrying at the time. Weird. https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/pb-...
Melinda
I had the exact same questions! It almost seems like Vera did not marry Anton after all.
Helen
I agree with you, it is unclear. Abriel doesn't reveal that. Perhaps she was adopted.
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