Vivianne Knebel was born illegitimate in 1943 in the epicenter of Nazi power, Berlin, Germany. Her free-spirited and strong-willed mother, Marija, fought to keep her alive among falling bombs and Soviet attacks. After the end of World War II, with much of Berlin razed to the ground, Vivianne came to know poverty and constant hunger. As a teenager, she immigrated to Canada, but in her new homeland, times became so desperate that she had to beg for money to eat. After dropping out of school to find work, Vivianne became the victim of sexual harassment. Spiraling into depression, she attempted to take her life, but was miraculously saved by a six-year-old child.
Falling in love with a fellow German immigrant, Wiland, proved a pivotal turning point for Vivianne. He saw a wellspring of potential in her and believed that she could become more than she had ever imagined. They married and moved to the United States. In the land where so many immigrant dreams are built, Wiland encouraged Vivianne to pursue endeavors that would test her mettle, including piloting a plane, running a marathon, and taking on a key role in supporting his business enterprise. Vivianne's journey of personal growth later gave her the courage to battle cancer and embrace a spiritual life.
Through hardship, demoralization, yearning, searching, loving, inspiration, and growth, Vivianne has discovered the ultimate secret to a life well lived: a grateful heart.
"From Rubble To Champagne" "Rising from the ashes of war-torn Berlin to a life of grace, beauty and gratitude" is the remarkable story of Vivianne Knebel. From a lonely childhood in ravaged, post WWII Berlin, to young adulthood as part of a wave of struggling German immigrants in Canada, to marriage, family and ultimate fulfillment in the United States, Vivianne's mindful and insightful journey moves and inspires the reader. Rising from the Ashes is a woman's celebration of challenges overcome and a life fully lived.
Stephen Metcalfe - author of The Tragic Age and The Practical Navigator
Ms Knebel's spell binding book is a first hand account of something most of us in the US haven't been exposed to and can't fathom. There are many heart wrenching German Holocaust stories. A story that hasn't been told though is, with post WWII Germany in ruins, the horrific challenges that everyday citizens and families face and how one young girl deals with them. It demonstrates what the human spirit can accomplish when challenged in unfathomable ways.
Tom Gegax Author, Winning in the Game of Life and The Big Book of Small Business.
The autobiography entitled "From Rubble To Champagne" "Rising from the ashes of war-torn Berlin to a life of grace, beauty and gratitude" draws the reader into a riveting account of the author's life story of triumph over tragedy. Vivianne transports you to her early life surviving the horrors of war in Hitler's Nazi Germany. Her indomitable spirit of optimism and perseverance are evident throughout her story and should serve as inspiration for anyone who feels defeated and suppressed. The author tells her life story with grace, charm, and wit. It is a must read for contemporary readers who wish to draw life lessons from our past.
Susan Stuart, M.D. Board certified top Dermatologist
