German history, dramatic fates and the optimism of a strong woman
Wuppertal, 1945: shortly before the end of the war, young Lissi only just survives a bombing. Fortunately, she finds a new home staying with her aunt and her two cousins. The difficult post-war years are characterised by hunger, cold and housing shortages. On top of that, 17-year-old Johann, a displaced boy from Pomerania, is housed in the hidden room in the attic where Lissi sometimes retreats. She falls in love with this confident boy but then he unexpectedly contracts TB and has to go far away to convalesce.
Wuppertal, 1979: Lissi’s husband Johann dies in a traffic accident. Leaving her alone with their 18-year-old daughter Miriam. One year later, an old acquaintance contacts Lissi and it is only then that he is told of the tragic death of his childhood friend Johann. To her own surprise, Lissi is fascinated by Georg and his unconventional lifestyle...
