Sylvia Smoller

Rachel and Aleks: a Historical Novel of Life, Love, and Wwii Sylvia Smoller

Before Hitler's rise to power, Rachel Jonish, a beautiful and spiritedyoung woman living in a small village in Poland marries AleksMischler, a political journalist who becomes a government official. They live a full and contented life in Warsaw, despite the ominouspolitical currents swirling about them. When the increasingly anti-Semitic government dismisses Aleks, it is the first of many changesthat will alter the course of their relationship and their lives. During a visit to London in 1939, Rachel meets Roman, a ruthless,rough, and rich businessman. With war imminent, she breaks off theiraffair and rushes back to Poland. In the midst of the bombing ofWarsaw, Rachel and Aleks flee the approaching Nazi invasion in aharrowing journey that takes them to Russia, Japan, and finally toAmerica. There, in the time of air-raid sirens, rationing, and Roosevelt'sfireside chats, Rachel thrives after starting her own businesswhile Aleks founders in unsuccessful ventures. When Roman reentersher life, Rachel's personal conflict is intertwined with the fate of thesister she left behind. Consumed by her opposing desires-to be independent yet be takencare of by a man-Rachel must choose between her husband and herlover, each of whom holds a vital piece of her heart.