The past is never dead, it isn’t even past
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...
Bryan Wiles on The Chocolate Suitcase Can you tell us about Bronek and Anna – did they inspire the novel? Although not materially wealthy or with much formal education, Bronek and Anna had an enviable sureness in the values that guided them through life. Rooted in the...
The Polish Odyssey ‘The Chocolate Suitcase’ is a novel, but it is closely based on the personal stories of Anna and Bronek Baranek and their Polish family during the Second World War. Their recollections were surprisingly vivid and agreed with the historical record....
