Forgotten History: Germany’s Refugee Crisis after WWII

Inspired by the author’s family history, The Photographer celebrates how humanity can thrive against all the odds. Set at the end of the Second World War, when 11 million Germans fled from east to west, the novel explores love and survival in a time of mass migration.

Pomerania in 1933. Trude falls in love with Albert, a young photographer who takes her picture in the street. Her mother disapproves and, when war breaks out, arranges for Albert to be sent to the front. Eventually Trude and Albert are reunited in a refugee camp near Hamburg. But now the couple face a new challenge: can they begin their relationship anew?

Friday 19 May 7pm – 8:30pm at Waterstones Piccadilly. This event is free but please RSVP by email events.piccadilly@waterstones.com, by telephone 020 7851 2400 or in store

Meike Ziervogel grew up in Germany and came to Britain in 1986. Her debut novel Magda was shortlisted for the Guardian’s Not the Booker prize and chosen as the 2013 Book of the Year in the Irish Times, Observer and Guardian. Clara’s Daughter (2014) and Kauthar (2015) were published to widespread critical acclaim. Meike is the publisher of Peirene Press.

Stefanie Bird is Professor of German Studies at University College London. She has published on topics ranging from the interaction of fact and fiction in the biographical novel, the relationship of female and national identity, and the representation and ethics of shame.

Rosie Goldsmith is an award-winning journalist specialising in arts and current affairs. In 20 years on the BBC staff she travelled the world, covering events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of apartheid in South Africa, presenting flagship BBC prgrammes Front Row and Crossing Continents. Rosie speaks several languages and has lived in Germany, Africa and the USA.