Book talk: Holly Müller on her novel My Own Dear Brother

Join us at the Wiener Library for a talk by Holly Müller on her recently published novel, My Own Dear Brother.

Join us at the Wiener Library for a talk by Holly Müller on her recently published novel, My Own Dear Brother. Holly will talk about her novel and give readings from it, and discuss the inspiration behind it. Set in Nazi-controlled Austria, My Own Dear Brother explores the themes of family loyalty and conflict in a time of war, inspired in part by the author’s own family’s experiences. There will be an opportunity to purchase a signed copy of the novel at a reduced price on the night.

My Own Dear Brother
It is 1944, and war has taken the men in Nazi-controlled Austria to the front line. For thirteen-year-old Ursula Hildesheim life in the village of Felddorf remains almost as it was: bullied by her schoolmates, idly thieving from the village shop, enlisted in endless chores by her mama and sister and running wild with her adored older brother Anton. But when Russian prisoners escape from the local concentration camp, her mama starts an affair with a married man, her friend goes missing and her brother's allegiance to the Hitler Youth emerges in shocking ways, Ursula finds herself alone, disturbed by dark memories, and surrounded by threat. In this new world of conflict, Ursula discovers a bravery she has never known before and is forced to recognise that danger comes not only from the enemy at the door but from the enemy within. My Own Dear Brother is a remarkable coming-of-age story and an unflinching study of both cruelty and courage. Rich in folklore, it introduces a daring young heroine and a powerful new literary voice.

Reviews
“A powerful and absorbing novel that pulls you deep into the troubled war years of its young heroine. Love and loyalty are the book's real themes, and the manipulation of the innocent. Brilliantly done” – Esther Freud, author of Mr Mac and Me

“A moving portrait of a girl forced to come of age in a world at war” – Sunday Times

“Intensely imagined” – Independent

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