And Silently Falls the Snow

Written by Klaus M. Schwarzenholz, and posthumously published by his daughter Ruth, this emotionally powerful novel is inspired by true events, and Klaus' own experiences during the Second World War.

And Silently Falls the Snow follows Elli, her younger sister Ruth, and their father Rolf as they are forced to flee their home in Silesia in the bitter winter of 1945. With the Red Army advancing and the Third Reich crumbling, they join thousands of other refugees escaping across war-torn Europe in horse-drawn wagons through snow-covered terrain. Their journey is marked by relentless danger—Russian patrols, the chaotic retreat of German forces, and the unpredictable violence of the SS. The novel’s emotional core lies in a pivotal moment: the family’s decision to cross the frozen River Neisse, rather than take the "safer" route through an intact bridge — an apparent refuge that leads many others into a deadly trap. As bombs fall on Dresden and Elli is forced to confront the abduction of women and children by the SS, her resilience and courage are tested to their absolute limits. The story moves from Silesia to the Elbe River, weaving together themes of loss, endurance, and hope.

This story will resonate deeply with readers for its historical accuracy, compelling characters, and poignant narrative that illuminates the human cost of conflict, especially those that focus on the lesser-known stories of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances.