The Lost Son [Paperback]

How does a mother survive the unsurvivable? After her husband and the baby's nurse kidnap her infant son, Nicholas, and take him back to their native Germany, Julia Kruse must completely rebuild her life in America. The Lost Son chronicles Julia's journey from Depression-Era Queens, NY through World War II as she struggles to provide for herself and her remaining son, Johannes. Over the years, her search for Nicholas is thwarted at every turn, until she falls in love with chauffeur Paul Burns, whose boss might have the political connections to find her son and bring him home from the German front during the last days of the Third Reich, where Johannes is also fighting for the Allies."Evocative and suspenseful,The Lost Sonis a finely-crafted novel about a mother’s desperate quest to be reunited with her youngest child. The propulsive narrative moves effortlessly across geography and time. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction. Vanderslice artfully plumbs the depths of regret and the stubborn optimism that glimmers in the most resilient of souls." —Heather Bell Adams, author ofMaranatha RoadandThe Good Luck Stone
 "The Lost Sonis an unflinching look at how one woman, and her two sons, reinvent themselves against a backdrop of violence and violation. Julia is unstoppable as she grapples with her present and her past. The search for her long-lost son, and the fallout resulting from his recovery, produce (to use Julia’s words) a study in 'all the ways love and family can go wrong.' And yet, Julia triumphs. I loved this book." —Benjamin Ludwig, author ofGinny MoonStephanie Vanderslice is the author of several books, including The Lost Son and The Geek's Guide to the Writing Life: An Instructional Memoir for the Rest of Us, named a top writing book by The Writer and Poet's and Writer's magazines. Professor and Director of the Arkansas Writers MFA Workshop at thlc4