Stumbling Stones
Germany, 1920. With the support of her wealthy Jewish parents, young Alice Heppenheimer attends the Nuremberg Arts and Crafts School to pursue a career in fashion design. At a family dinner, she meets Ludwig Alder, an ardent pro-Jewish political activist, and within two years, they marry.
Passionate and ambitious, Alice hones her wardrobe skills by working for other garment manufacturers, then opens her own clothing factory. Despite the increasing animosity and religious intolerance for those of Jewish faith and the limitations imposed by a gender-biased society, she succeeds. Alice moves to Frankfurt when her marriage falters, hoping to build and expand her business. As Hitler and his Nazi party gain momentum, she and her family, along with thousands of other Jews, are gradually stripped of their rights and privileges and subjected to cruel restrictions and punishments.
After divorcing Ludwig, Alice marries Alfred Falkenstein, the ex-husband of her estranged friend, Erna. For years, as the Nazis continue their relentless persecution, attempting to destroy every facet of Jewish life, Alice and Alfred live on a dangerous precipice, facing life-threatening circumstances and an overwhelming, uncertain future.
Based on a true-life story discovered while researching her family heritage, Suchman’s powerful novel is a gripping portrayal of Alice Heppenheimer’s life as a Jewish woman in Germany during Hitler’s reign of terror. As the horrific events unfold, heart-breaking scenes of the sinister impact on family, friends, and the Jewish community are skillfully revealed through poignant dialogue and well-developed characters. Alice’s indomitable spirit and resilience are vividly depicted as she bravely confronts prejudice, injustice, and inhumane conditions during a brutal and unforgiving time in history. An inspiring, haunting story of love, courage, and the will to survive.
