We look forward to seeing you all online!

Author Vera Kochanowsky will discuss her newest book Anna and Boris: The Love Letters (1944-1946), which is a translation of more than 125 of her parents' letters. It presents a rare and personal account of life and love during the last months of World War II and the beginning of reconstruction in Europe.

Anna, an 18-year-old Swiss beauty, and Boris, a Russian refugee twice her age recently rescued from years of Nazi persecution, become captivated with each other after a brief first encounter. Over Anna’s parents’ objections and despite strict travel restrictions imposed on foreigners by the Swiss authorities, their love survives and deepens through an extensive correspondence lasting nearly two years.

In their letters these two disparate, fascinating individuals reveal themselves fully: their inner and outer worlds, their life challenges and lessons, and their hopes for the future. They also expose the realities of living in Europe at this time, the difficulties of emigration, employment, travel, as well as some shocking examples of xenophobia by the Swiss (despite opening their borders to thousands of foreign refugees).

About the author: Dr. Vera Kochanowsky has previously given an Encore Learning presentation based on her first book Lenin, Hitler, and Me, which represents a revision of her father’s memoirs.  She is a harpsichordist, teacher, choral conductor, and chamber musician. After studying music in Europe on a Fulbright grant, she settled in the Washington, D.C area and founded two early music choirs: Carmina, a mixed choir, and Illuminare, a women's ensemble, and led them for over twenty-five years, until her retirement. Vera continues to teach privately and perform as a keyboard artist.

Registration: Advance registration is not required, and this free event is open to all. We enabled same-day registration for our Encore Learning Presents offerings on Zoom. This means when you join our Zoom webinars (always the same link), you will be asked for your name and email address. Please know that we don’t share your information, and we adhere to our Privacy Policy.

Connect to the presentation online via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84268052749

This program is presented in partnership with Encore Learning. Encore Learning is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2002. They offer a wide variety of college-level noncredit courses, clubs, special events and activities to help meet the continuing educational and social interests of anyone over age 50, regardless of residence location.

• Location campus
• Audience:
  • Good for Adults Age 55+
• Categories:
  • Lecture