Lost Roots: Family, Identity, and Abandoned Ancestry

“A beautifully researched reconstruction of heritage and identity”

“Well written, exhaustively researched, and a beautiful compilation of a family’s lost collective history.” – Readers’ Favorite

Von Loewe examines his roots and family history, uncovering a rich tapestry of his past while transporting readers along a remarkable route through 20th-century Poland, Germany and America. This winding, incredibly detailed, and sometimes tragic genealogy not only impacts von Loewe’s identity, it also transforms his perspective of family and his own past. The prose is well-researched and thoughtful, avoiding the dry tone that sometimes accompanies historical memoirs. Von Loewe’s passion for history is evident, while his determination to uncover his family’s past makes the narrative both interesting and a pleasure to read. What sets Lost Roots apart is its well-detailed, heartfelt storytelling that will capture readers from the first page. Lost Roots cleverly heightens the mystery of von Loewe’s past while developing his relatives’ stories in the same vein as suspenseful fiction, expertly setting up readers for each new event and connecting them deeply to the story as it unfolds.
-The BookLife Prize

“A moving family memoir with historical depth.”

“A beautifully researched reconstruction of heritage and identity.”

“This book reads like Michener, except everything is true. It is the story of siblings who ended up with different surnames, gave allegiance to different countries, and accepted different cultural identities. Any family researcher will gain knowledge just from reading the Prologue. Highly recommended.”
-Debbie Greenlee, Research Director
Polish Genealogical Society of America