It is 1774 and 12-year-old Karl Schuler has already endured unthinkable hardship and sorrow. Orphaned years ago, he has been living with his oma in Duchy of Württemberg ever since. But when she suddenly passes away, Karl must leave everything he knows behind once again and move in with his Uncle Nicolas in Stuttgart.
Meanwhile, Gunther and Maria Mueller are living with their three sons in Kelheim, Bavaria. Although they are not wealthy, they are happy. But when Gunther dies and their rent must be paid, Maria must do whatever it takes to help her family endure their struggles.
As time passes and the two families persevere through one challenge after the other, their greatest obstacle comes when they decide to participate in the Danube Swabian trek. Filled with pride and determination to seek a better life, now only time will tell if they can survive turbulent times and leave a legacy for their descendants.
“An engrossing, satisfyingaccount of the development and disintegration of a lesser-known immigrant community.” Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
