"An excellent and intriguing account of the impact of the Cold War on families and their lives on either side of the Berlin Wall." -- Library Journal (starred review)

"Willner's epic memoir traverses three generations of mothers, recounting the tragedy, estrangement, and overwhelming courage of a family torn apart.... Her interrogative and unabashed voice explores the painful intersection of national duty and familial responsibilities.... A thrilling and relevant read for historians and casual readers alike." -- Publishers Weekly

Thoughtful and informative, Willner's book not only offers a personal view of the traumatic effects of German partition. It also celebrates the enduring resilience of the human spirit. A poignant and engrossing, occasionally harrowing, family memoir." -- Kirkus Reviews

[A] moving account of one family's life under tyranny... Willner's sensitive and well-written account causes us to reflect on what is really important to us and how we would react in a similar situation." -- BookPage

"This book is kind, honest, incredibly well-written, and important, a testament to humanity and courage." -- LitHub

"[A] meticulous and compassionate family memoir... Charting the twists and turns of politics in communist East Germany over more than four decades, it shows how currents of repression and reform affected individual lives." -- Chicago Tribune

"Forty Autumns is both an informative and timely read. In this increasingly tumultuous modern era when borders, both theoretical and physical, have once again become the front lines of critical issues such as immigration reform, pervasive prejudice and terrorism, stories like Willner's are especially important." -- BookReporter

"Even if you well know the story of the East German sequester, you will be