Flight of the Swallows

A dramatic story sourced from the author's past, Flight of the Swallows is set against defining events of the twentieth century"”wars and political upheavals. It is a riveting tale of love, courage, human flaws and ultimate redemption, where the next generation emerges from shadows of the past and thrives.1939: young lovers Rosa and Dan escape the holocaust in Nazi-occupied Poland, fleeing to the depths of Russia. Through their eyes"”and subsequently through Nina, their daughter"”we are taken on an enthralling journey across Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Siberia, Poland and ultimately, to Australia.The book is a poignant account of what people will do to survive, their sacrifices and their secrets, and how their ordeal affects the next generation. It leaves us thinking"”what shapes our lives and makes us the people we are? Is it the world around us or is it written in our DNA?

Raya Klinbail, a family doctor, was born in Kazakhstan through a vagary of history. Before her first birthday a Kazakh clan had offered a bride price for her. Her parents resisted and returned to Poland where in her early years she was brainwashed by Communist propaganda. A temporary détente allowed the family to migrate to Australia where Raya grew up to question everything.