Here's the First Article about Carnival Girl!

This is a link to a short article about the book, Carnival Girl, prompted by our press release.

The Standard Examiner - Carnival Girl

A first Radio Interview for Carnival Girl!

Sonja Herbert just finished a radio interview with The Cultural Hall about Carnival Girl. Information about when and at what radio stations it will air will be forthcoming.

My First Interview!

Hi!

My publisher has set up my first interview for next Thursday. It will be aired and podcasted from the Internet station The Cultural Hall, a very interesting and funny LDS radio station. I'll let you know more as it comes up.

I'm in Oregon right now, welcoming a brand-new granddaughter into the arms of our amazingly large and loving family. Also, one of my sons is in the process of moving from Kentucky to Oregon to be closer to his family, and we'll be helping him move in today. 

Tomorrow it's time to spend the whole day with the big sister of the new baby girl.

If I have time, I'll start a new love story here on the blog tonight.

Let me know what you thought of The Priest! and if you're interested in reading another one!

Sonja

Press Release for Carnival Girl

Here is a copy of the press release:

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

About to be Published: A Spiritual Awakening in Post-WWII Germany

1/27/12—Provo, Utah—German convert and immigrant Sonja Herbert announces the release of her memoir, Carnival Girl: Searching for God in the Aftermath of War.

Even for Post-WWII Germany, Sonja’s life was unusual. Readers will experience Germany through the eyes of one little girl, but from a very unusual point of view, since she was the young daughter of a Jewish woman who survived the Holocaust by hiding in a circus, and she grew up traveling the carnival circuit in a devastated Germany.

“The devastation and my mother’s stories of hiding from the Nazis seemed normal to me when I was little,” Herbert says. “But as I grew up a little, I realized that most Germans didn’t have to hide and most children do not live in traveling caravans. I was different, and that’s when I started to wonder what it would be like to live in a real house, like other children.”

Sonja had a spiritual experience at a very young age, but her mother who had turned agnostic disapproved of any signs of religiosity. “Nevertheless,” Sonja says, “I kept praying in secret. As I got older, I searched out the local churches in the towns we held our carnivals in.”

The reader experiences with Sonja the difficulties that arise as she grows up with seven people living in one small caravan. As a pre-teen, Sonja attends school in a different town every week or two, and the drunken burghers, celebrating their town’s yearly festivities, do not leave her happy to be part of the carnival. Her desire to leave the carnival grows as she gets older.

At fourteen, Sonja meets the Mormon missionaries, and against the disapproval and ridicule of her family, converts. “I knew that the only way I could live my new-found religion was to leave the carnival. Since that was impossible, I put it into God’s hands.”

Young Sonja traveled a long and unusual road to be able to live the Gospel instead of having to work the carnival every Sunday. With her, the readers will experience the guiding hand of God as she clings to her faith under the most difficult circumstances, and they will leave the story with their own testimonies strengthened.

Pre-order your copy of the book today from Amazon.com or DeseretBook.com or find out more information at germancarnivalgirl.com.

###

About the Author:

Sonja eventually served an LDS mission, got married to an American soldier, and at twenty-four she immigrated to the United States. She received an MA in Language Acquisition from Brigham Young University, taught high school and ESL for many years, and is now a full time writer. A mother of six and grandmother of eleven, she resides in Provo, Utah.

Sonja’s writings have been published in many anthologies. Some of her stories are:

"A Lesson for a Son," and "Final Goodbyes,"  Patchwork Path: Dad's Bowtie, July 2009

"Schooled," Ask Me About My Divorce: Women Open Up About Moving On, June 2009

"Goodwill to Men," The Ultimate Christmas: The Best Experts' Advice for a Memorable Season with Stories and Photos of Holiday Magic September 2009

"Just a Small New Year's Resolution," Chickensoup for the Soul: My Resolutions, December 2008

"Letting the Light Shine," Christmas Traditions: True Stories that Celebrate the Spirit of the Season, November 2008

"A True Mother," Chicken Soup for the Soul: Divorce and Recovery: 101 Stories about Surviving and Thriving after Divorce, October 2008

41 -- Jozef and Nina Meet Again -- The End of the Story

Three days later, Jozef sat in the kitchen of his new dwellings, the circus caravan, papers spread out around him and a cup of coffee in front of him. The day before, he had taken the bills for the animal feed from the office caravan to his home, where he kept the fire burning the whole night. He wanted to do some work on them in his home before going to the cold office, making a fire, and working there.

A knock sounded on the door. Jozef rose and opened it.

Nina, dressed in a pink dress and a blue handkerchief taming her dark curls, stood in front of him. Her eyes grew wide. “You! What are you doing here? Where is Wizlaw?”

When he saw her standing there, so beautiful and so spirited, Jozef’s heart threatened to jump out of his chest. He tried to hold back a smile. “Oh, you mean your husband? But come on in and tell me all about it.”

She glared at him, but entered the warm kitchen.

He closed the door, pulled out a chair for her. “Now tell me all about your wedding. Was it very nice?”

She stood in front of him, arms crossed. “None of your business! I don’t understand what’s going on here.” She pushed past him into the living room. “What happened to Wizlaw and the girls? Where are their things?”

It was all Jozef could do not to envelop her in his arms and cover her face with kisses. Instead, he gently put his hand on her shoulder. “Please, Nina. Sit, and I’ll explain. Can you do that?”

She brushed his hand off, turned and slumped into the kitchen chair. “All right. I’m listening.” Her scowl never left her face.

“I made a deal with your so-called husband. He went to Paszowice with his family and is now working for Panje Bukowski, the father of the girl he wants to marry. And I have accepted Panje Francesco’s offer of managing the circus. And that’s why I’m living here now.”

“I don’t understand. I thought… I thought you had a girl in Paszowice. What happened to her?”

“Do you mean my friend Maja? She’s engaged to be married to Wizlaw.” He shrugged. “I’m sorry you had that impression. I never wanted you to think that I had feelings for her beyond a friendship, because I don’t and never had.”

Jozef could see Nina blush, even under her dark skin. She stared at her hands on the table. “And why… why do you want to work in a circus? That’s very unusual.”

Jozef put his hand on top of hers. “Oh, Nina. Don’t you understand? I have never loved anyone as much as I love you. And where you are, that’s where I want to be. Tell me that I have a chance. I’ll be the best husband I can be. But if you don’t want me, let me know and I’ll leave again, as soon as I found a new manager for Panje Francesco. “

Nina didn’t look up. A hot tear splashed on the back of Jozef’s hand. He rose and moved around the table till he stood next to her. Gently, he put his finger under her chin and made her look up. “Say something. Please. I didn’t want to make you cry.”

Nina jumped up, threw her arms around him and buried her moist face in his shoulder. “Yes! Yes! You have a chance. You’re the only one who ever did.”

“So you’ll marry me?”

“I will. Tomorrow if you want.”

She looked up at him and Jozef sealed their engagement with a kiss.

***

A month later, Jozef and Nina had a joyful bright wedding in the circus tent.  It lasted for three days, and Wizlaw, his fiancée Maja, and Konrad were present.

***

Jozef and Nina had seven children.

Jozef did a great job managing the circus. With the years, Panje Francesco became a very good friend to Jozef and his family.  Panje Francesco had no children, and when he died, he left the circus to Jozef and Nina, who ran it until their oldest son, my father’s ancestor, was old enough to take over.

40 -- Jozef Makes Arrangements

Konrad bent forward, hands on his desk. “It’s good to see you back, Jozef. Who is your friend?”

Jozef introduced them and added, “I have to tell you something and have a favor to ask. Everything I say also concerns Panje Dubiki.”

Konrad nodded. “You have my full attention. Go ahead.”

 “I need to give notice. I can’t work here any longer.”

“But why? Aren’t you happy with the work?”

“I am. Very much so. But nevertheless, I need to go. It’s a long story. Maybe one day either I or Wizlaw here will tell it to you. But don’t worry. I brought Wizlaw to work for you in my stead. He is a competent manager and has managed a large estate in Germany.”

Wizlaw dug a paper out of his folder. “Jozef tells me you know German. Here is my recommendation.”

Konrad took it without looking at it. “I don’t understand. Are you going back to the priesthood, Jozef?”

“I’m not. I will be managing a circus, and hopefully will be marrying the girl of my dreams and one day have a family. That’s why I’m leaving.” He bent forward. “But, Konrad, it’s important that you hire Wizlaw. The happiness of Maja depends on it. I don’t want to say more than that.”

Konrad turned to Wizlaw, frowning. “Maja’s happiness? Are you purporting to know my daughter? Who are you anyway?”

Wizlaw reddened. “I’m a widower with two little girls. I met Maja a few months ago as I was traveling through this town. I believe Maja will be happy having me around.” He looked at his hands.

Konrad shook his head. “What can you offer her, besides a ready-made family?”

Wizlaw didn’t look up. “Not much. I’m sorry. I have some savings. I also have a good head on my shoulders and I’m competent. I believe I could work my way up in any good managerial position. And…” He looked up, still blushing, “I can offer her a heart full of love. I believe she will be happy with me and my girls.”

Jozef added, “If Wizlaw doesn’t work out, just send word to me, and I’ll gladly return.”

Konrad suddenly laughed. “I don’t think you have to worry about that. I don’t have a choice, have I? If her worrysome behavior had its roots in such a deep love that she was pining away, who am I to refuse her or her chosen?” He turned to Wizlaw. “But you better do a good job. Manage my estate as well as Jozef did, and treat her as well as she deserves to be treated, and we’ll have an agreement.”

Wizlaw rose and held out his hand. “Thank you so much, sir. You won’t be disappointed.”

Konrad also got up. He shook Wizlaw’s hand, a grin still on his face. Jozef thought those two would get along fine.

Konrad turned to Jozef. “And you Jozef, have probably done a very good deed. You’ve helped my daughter, just as you promised.” He shook his hand, also. “I wish you the best in your future endeavors. Is there anything I can do to help you move?”

“Yes. Can I borrow your large coach? I’ll use it to move my personal things. Let Wizlaw go with me. He’ll return in three days with his daughters and his furniture.”

“It’s done. And now you are excused, Jozef. Wizlaw stay here.”

Konrad rang the bell for his servant. “Please give word to Maja that she is to come and see me in my study immediately.”

Josef grinned and left.

39 -- Jozef and Wizlaw Arrive at the Bukowski Estate

Wizlaw and Jozef arrived late at night, stabled the horses, and went to Jozef’s small house. Jozef showed Wizlaw the rooms.

When Jozef led him to the last room, the guest room where Wizlaw would stay overnight. Wizlaw said, “This guest room would make a fine nursery. And there’s plenty of room, with the office, the living room, and the other bedroom.” He turned to Jozef. “Are you sure you want to make that switch? You won’t have that much space in the caravan.”

Jozef nodded. “I know. And I am sure. My fate is with the circus.”

He sent his man to get a small supper from the main house’s kitchen, and they are and retired early.

The next morning, Jozef and Wizlaw went to the main house, asking for an appointment with Konrad.

As they followed the butler down the hallway to Konrad’s study, a door opened and Maja stepped out. She saw Wizlaw and blanched.

Jozef winked at her. “Maja, I gather you already know Panje Dubiki.”

Wizlaw took her hand and kissed it.

The butler stood a few paces off, staring at the wall, waiting.

Maja pulled her hand back, glancing down the hallway. “What are you doing here? Is everything okay?”

Jozef stepped between them. “He is here to apply for the manager’s position.”

Maja’s head swiveled between the two men. Finally she focused on Jozef. “Are you leaving us, Panje Wawrzyniak?”

“Yes. I found another position. As much as I enjoy your family, I need to move on.”

Wizlaw touched her hand. “We need to go. I’ll see you later, Maja.”

 In the office, they only had to wait a few minutes.

Konrad, already dressed and ready to go to town, invited them to sit down in the two chairs fronting his desk.

38 -- Jozef Secures a new Position

Panje Franzesco’s caravan wagon was a little larger and painted in a bright blue. Inside, a stove put out waves of warmth, and an older lady, Panje Franzesco’s wife, sat on a comfortable looking sofa, knitting something in brown.

Jozef and Wizlaw were sitting on two easy chairs fronting the sofa, while Panje Franzesco sprawled next to his wife on the sofa, wringing his hands. “You’ve always done such a good job, Panje Dubiki. I just don’t know what will become of our little circus when you’re gone.”

“Don’t worry. That’s why I found Panje Wawrzyniak for you. He’ll do a wonderful job. I’ll train him. And if he does not work out, I promise I’ll either return or find you someone else.”

Panje Franzesco sighed. His wife turned to him. “Why don’t you give it a try? The new manager has the whole winter to learn what to do, and if he’s managed an estate before, he already knows a lot.”

“All right then. I’ll accept your resignation, Wizlaw, and Panje Wawrzyniak, I expect you to start your new duties next week, on Monday. Will that be agreeable to you?”

Jozef nodded. They discussed the pay and living arrangements, and two very excited and satisfied men got ready for the six hour ride to Konrad Bukowski’s estate.

37 -- The Rest of Jozef's Plan

“Do you have a nanny?” Jozef asked Wizlaw.

“One of the artists, a young woman named Nina, is looking in on the girls every day until I can find a nanny willing to travel in the circus. But Nina isn’t here this week. She and her brothers are giving a performance in a neighboring town.”

Jozef nodded. What a lucky stroke that Nina was gone. This way, he could take care of his plans without being interrupted by his feelings for her.

He focused back on Wizlaw and his family. “You might need someone to be with your daughters while we’re going to Paszowice.”

“The Chan family have three children. Panni Chan often watches the girls for me. I could ask her to keep them till I come back.” Wizlaw bent forward. “You said there is more to your plan?”

“Yes.” Jozef hesitated. His plan suddenly sounded crazy to him. But no matter how crazy, it was what he needed to do. He took and deep breath and went on.  “I’d like to switch places with you.”

Wizlaw frowned. “You want to manage a circus?”

“Yes. Not just any circus, but Circus Francesco. Do you think you could help me get your position before we travel to Paszowice? I will guarantee that you can get on with Panje Bukowski. It he won’t take you, you can come back here, and you won’t have lost anything but a few days.”

Wizlaw laughed. “This is so unusual. Here is a complete stranger who wants to switch places with me. I will have all the advantages and you want to live in this tiny, crowded caravan wagon, with no special comforts. You’ll probably take a pay cut too.” He grew earned. “I cannot trust this arrangement. There has to be more in it for you, or there will be a great disadvantage for me, working for Panje Bukowski. I need to know more.”

“I can understand your need for more information. Let me tell you. Firstly, the position at the estate really is very nice. Panje Bukowski is warmhearted and pleasant, and he gives his manager the space he needs to get the work done. You can always come to him with any concerns. He’ll always do what he can to help.”

“If I can believe that, it makes it even harder for me to understand why you want to leave his employ.”

“That’s a long story. I visited the circus when I was a boy, and there I met and talked to the prettiest little girl I had ever seen, Nina Bufando. I have never forgotten her, even in seminary. Years later, I was responsible for the church in a small town not too far from Paszowice, when the circus came to town. Seeing Nina again brought back memories and led me to a crisis of conscience. After Circus Franzesco left, I did not expect to see her ever again, but by then I knew the calling of the priesthood was not for me. The bishop agreed with me and found me the manager position for the Bukowski estate. And when Maja confided in me about her understanding with you, I knew I was called to the circus. I have no doubt in my heart that this is the place where I’m meant to be, and where I will be happy. That’s my story.”

Wizlaw sat quietly. Slowly a bright grin spread over his face. “I believe you, Panje Wawrzyniak. If you’ll be so kind as to wait here a moment, I’ll bring Panni Chan to get the girls, and then we’ll go see the owner, Panje Franzesco.”

36 -- Jozef Has a Plan

Jozef held out his hand. “I’m Jozef Wawrzyniak, from the Bukowsky estate in Paszowice. I bring news of Maja Bukowsky.”

Wizlaw stepped back and opened the door wide. “Come in, come in. How is Panna Bukowsky?”

Josef walked into a small kitchen. A wood stove stood in one corner, putting out waves of comfortable heat. Wizlaw passed through the tiny room into the next partition. A large play pen fronted a comfortable looking sofa. Two little girls, maybe two and four, sat in the playpen, dressing two cloth dolls and pretending to be their moms. Wizlaw pointed to the sofa and Jozef sat.

Wizlaw pulled an easy chair out of a corner and sat in front of Jozef. “Is Panna Bukowski doing well?”

Jozef bent forward. “First, I have to tell you that I have Panna Budowski’s complete confidence, but I did not tell her that I would go and see you.”

Wizlaw shook his head. “I don’t understand. Are you her brother?”

“I’m not. I am the estate manager. But I arrived at the estate as a priest, and Maja and I have formed a close friendship. I feel for her as if she were my sister. In the last few months, Maja has been losing weight, and she is not able to take joy in her life. In an effort to cheer her up, her father introduced her to several eligible men, and one of them would be delighted to become her husband. Maja however, is miserable. So she finally confided in me.”

Konrad balled his fists. “I have tried my hardest to obtain a position where I would be acceptable to her father as her husband. I have not been successful. I would die to keep Maja from living a life of unhappiness. What else can I do?”

“I have an idea. Have you managed an estate before?”
 

“Yes, I have, in Germany, before I met my first wife. She and her whole family were members of a circus, and when we got married, we joined with Circus Francesco, who was giving a guest performance in Germany. You see, my wife didn’t get along with her family and gladly left them behind when we moved to Poland with the circus.”

“So there is no way you can get a recommendation from your former employer?”

“Luckily, I still have my recommendation, but it’s in German. That, and the fact that I’m traveling with a circus, has made it almost impossible for me to obtain a managing position outside of the circus.”

“Don’t worry. Your recommendation it a lucky stroke. Panje Bukowski speaks German. Here is what I propose: You come with me to the Bukowski estate. With your recommendation and my support, I’m sure Panje Bukowski will give you a try.”

Wizlaw shook his head. “I’m confused. Didn’t you say you are the manager there?”

“Yes, I am. But I’m planning to quit.”

“And you’re willing to let me have your position?”

“Actually, what I’m planning is even more complicated than that.”

Wizlaw chuckled. “I have complications, too.” He pointed to the girls in the playpen. The younger one was lying down, hugging her doll and sleeping. The other was rocking another doll, almost asleep herself.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter to all my friends and relatives! I've finished the last proofreading of my book, and the publishing date is still June 14th.

Jozef will be back to morrow! Hope you all can wait that long!

35 -- Josef Finds the Circus

The next morning, Jozef left his horse at the inn’s stables and walked to the circus grounds in the misty morning rain. The circus, huddling on a large piece of land encircled with a loose wooden fence, looked almost forlorn. The big tent was up, to house the larger animals over the winter, Jozef guessed. The caravan wagons were circling the tent, with the animal cages out front and the living quarters for the trainers and artist probably in the back, as far as Jozef could see as he came closer.

He tried the front gate, but it was closed and locked, so he squeezed through a largish space between two fence boards. The free space between the caravans and the tent was desolated. A whiff of straw and animals came from the tent. Jozef heard a faint rustling and the bellowing of some great cat. His heart leaped at the thought of what he was about to do. It felt right, so right. He hoped everything would turn out the way he envisioned.

He rounded the tent, careful to avoid the worst of the mud on the drizzly ground, and approached the trailers with tiny curtains in the windows, and smoke coming out of small chimneys on the roofs. He assumed the circus people lived in them. He made his way along them, wondering what circus families would be like. 

He couldn't find what he was looking for, so he decided to ask. He selected a caravan from which the sound of children’s laughter came, went up three small steps and knocked on the door.

His heart was hammering in his chest as footsteps came to the door and it creaked open. He half expected Nina to answer his knock, but was disappointed.

 Wizlaw, in his morning coat stood before him. His eyes grew large as he saw Jozef. “You’re not one of us. What brings you here?”

34 -- Jozef Goes on a Trip

Jozef packed a change of clean clothes in his saddlebags, filled his money belt with the money he had earned in the last three months but had seen no need to spend, and dressed in his warmed winter coat, boots and hat.

His first step was the nearby town. He stopped at the guesthouse and entered for a drink and some talk.

The wife of the inn keeper, a chunky middle-aged woman, liked to talk, and Jozef banked on that. She brought him a mug of beer and put it in front of him on the table. “Looks like you’re dressed for quite a ride, Panje Wawrzyniak. Where are you going this late in the year?”

Jozef looked up at her and grinned. “I’m chasing down the circus, Pani Niemczyk, if you can believe it. There was a mess-up, and they left with something that belongs to me.” He took a swallow of his mug.

“Do you know where they are, Panje?”

“I was hoping you could help me. Maybe you’ve heard from any of your patrons where they have gone after they left here.” He gave her his best smile. “You usually have the best information in town.”

Pani Niemczyk simpered. “You’re too kind. I do know they went on to Buzilowo after they left here, but that was a while ago. There’s no guessing where they are now.”

Jozef sighed. “I’ll just have to go to Buzilowo then.” He finished his mug and paid. “You’ve helped me so much already. Thanks and good bye.”

“Good luck to you,” the innkeeper’s wife called after him.

He arrived in Buzilowo three hours later, and after another hour in the largest inn in town, he knew where Circus Francesco settled down for winter quarters every year. His source of information, a skinny old man, assured him that they always arrived in the first week of November. Since it was already November 24^th, they’d be all settled in by now.

He arrived at his goal late that evening and spent the night in a warm room at one of the inns.

As he settled into the hard bed, he sighed with contentment. Tomorrow he’d find the circus.  And then, maybe things could be straightened out.