It has been said that the first casualty of war is innocence.  In her new book, Elke’s Memoir of Hamburg 1941: The Heartwarming Story of a Little Girl Born During WW II, Elke Neumann Taylor remembers a life of hunger, hardship and heartache—all experienced before the age of 12.

The author of this volume lives with her husband, Jerry, on a farm near Dunmore where they raise cattle.  Having raised two sons and now with four grandchildren, Taylor is content to stay home focusing on her many interests. She is now busy writing a sequel to Elke’s Memoirs of Hamburg 1941.

Pocahontas Libraries actively encourages our patrons to read local and regional writers.  Our West Virginia and Appalachian “To Know Ourselves” Collection is among the finest in West Virginia.  PCFL is also in the beginning stages of developing a special collection of books by writers with Pocahontas County connections.  In the near future PCFL will launch an annual author’s event along with a writing workshop for aspiring writers.

Taylor will present her book Tuesday, November 14, at the McClintic Library from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Taylor will give a presentation of her book, informally discuss her work with all visitors, and sign copies.  Such events are always enjoyable social gatherings.  We hope for a nice turnout.

Elke’s Memoirs of Hamburg 1941 begins with memories of Taylor’s peaceful country life. Then her father’s plane was shot down over France, her mother was drafted into the German army and transferred to Italy, and Elke was left at a convent.  Later her mother deserted the army to care for her family as Germany became increasingly war-ravaged.  The desperate, impoverished, homeless family shifted from one locale to another trying to scratch out their existence.

The author offers a vivid account of the suffering that war inflicts upon the innocent, but it also reveals lighthearted moments.  Through the eyes of a child, readers grow to know and love this small family who made the best of a tragic situation and delighted simply in the comfort of being around those they loved.

Again, we invite Pocahontas County residents and visitors to stop by between 6:30 and 8:30 Tuesday to welcome Elke Taylor as a new local author.