As we approach the 80th anniversary of VE Day in May, the risk of losing undocumented personal stories of the Second World War grows ever stronger. This is why Bryan Wiles’ debut novel The Chocolate Suitcase is such a remarkable achievement.
For many years, Wiles was unaware of the full extent of his Polish in-laws’ experience during the war. As they recalled more of their memories, he began to piece together their extraordinary story and he promised to himself that, one day, he would write them down. The Chocolate Suitcase is the manifestation of his promise. Wiles was faced with an epic task, but he has succeeded in transforming their stories into a gripping novel.
Bronek and Anna Baranek were newly married when Russian soldiers burst into their house at night and forced them onto a train to Siberia. Alongside their son, Ryszard, and Bronek’s mother, sister and nephew, they were transported to a labour camp where they suffered freezing conditions. The Siberian chapters are harrowingly detailed and it is troubling to think of the first-hand experiences they are based on. After the amnesty and their eventual release from the labour camp, the family made the train journey south to Samarkand. It was here that they were separated – the men were sent to join the Polish army to fight with the Allies and the women were to face a series of refugee camps. The descriptions of Monte Cassino and Arnhem were equally distressing as the disease and hardship suffered at the camps.
The Chocolate Suitcase is a moving testament to the strength of the human spirit. It is astonishing to think that Bronek and Anna survived and were eventually reunited. The family refused to be overwhelmed by their circumstances; they were unwaveringly resourceful and always generous with their time and hard-earned supplies. For all its moments of heart-wrenching struggle, the inspiring story of human bravery triumphs.
The novel is perfectly paced, moving quickly to incorporate the epic scale of the journey and ambitious plot. It is exceedingly well-written and the characters leap off the page. Wiles’ ability to portray the younger versions of his family without dulling their character or personality is a testament to his talent.
Accompanying the novel are pictures of the family taken at the time, which are often referenced in the story. There is also a map explaining their route and a pronunciation guide for the Polish names and places. These resources are not only helpful, but are a reminder of the reality of the story.
In writing The Chocolate Suitcase, Wiles has not only created a special gift for his family but for the rest of us too. It is a story that will stay with me for a long time.
Bryan Wiles is the author of The Chocolate Suitcase. Lily Lowe is an Editorial Intern at Aspects of History.
