Dandelion Soup

​Through multiple one-on-one interview sessions, the author, Brian Elles captured an older generation story of struggle and determination faced by family members during World War II. Beginning in West Germany in 1936 and ending on Ellis Island in 1952, this non-fiction book takes readers through unprecedented times that can be empathetic to everyone today.

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Filled with vivid stories of happiness and hardship, Dandelion Soup is a book that can be related to by readers of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities. These first-hand stories from a previous generation add value to readers of today by providing insights and suggestions for dealing with life's apparently insurmountable challenges.

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The title Dandelion Soup is in reference to a story told from a protagonist, who is Brian Elles' late Grandfather: Mr. Wilhelm Piller. As a pre-teen, he, along with his parents, sister, aunts, and uncles were displaced German people, along with millions of others, who were 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 spring and summer months was to traverse the countryside of Germany to pick dandelions. Once his knapsack was full, he would return 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 - the soup's strong taste was offset by the warm broth that would sooth empty stomachs.