Dandelion Soup

Dandelion Soup is a book that can be related to by readers of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities. Through multiple interview sessions, the author captured an older generation's story of struggle and determination faced by family members during World War II. Starting in West Germany in 1936 and ending on Ellis Island in 1952, many firsthand events fill the pages with vivid stories of happiness and hardship. The title Dandelion Soup is in reference to a powerful tale told by the protagonist, the author's late Grandfather, Wilhelm Piller. As a preteen, Wilhelm, along with his parents, sister, aunts, and uncles, were displaced German people, along with millions of others, directly impacted by the horrors of World War II. There were many occasions when there was no food to eat, no meat, no poultry, no fish, no vegetables, nor fruit to eat. Spices, coffees, teas, and sweets were distant memories from a happier time. With the early stages of starvation always lingering, Wilhelm's daily tasking during the spring and summer months was to traverse the German countryside and pick dandelions. Once his knapsack was full, he returned to his family, where his Mother would dry out the leaves, stems, and flowering parts of the plant. Boiling a pot of water, these ingredients were added to make "Dandelion Soup." It was a bittersweet meal as the soup's strong taste was offset by the warm broth that would soothe empty stomachs. These firsthand stories give perspective and add value to today's readers by providing insights and suggestions for dealing with life's insurmountable challenges.​