Lament (Chapter 1)
I can hear you talking about me. Yes, I abandoned my sons during the war, and now you see me as a neglectful, cold-hearted mother. Even my boys are convinced I don’t love them. They don’t get it. Never mind. Their opinions don’t matter. And perhaps, neither do yours.
No one should judge me. Except for a few friends, I had nobody. My mother loved herself alone; my father was only happy if he was the center of attention. Husbands? Fiancé? They either didn’t or couldn’t provide what I needed. And there was always tension between my brother and me.
As far as my people, the Jews, went, if they knew everything that I did and thought during World War 2, they’d be appalled. I know.
But hear this! Before you judge me, realize that you don’t know why I did what I did. You don’t know me. You don’t know what happened. You don’t know the whole story. Nobody does. You see, the truth was different. Read my story; see for yourself.
By I. Caroline Crocker
The Truth was Different
One Woman’s Journey Through World War 2
To be published in November, 2026
Summary
Moeder
The most common reaction of those who read Unforgivable is “I couldn’t put it down.” Then, in a tone of disgust, comes, “What was up with that mother (Rita)?” The Truth was Different is the answer to that question.
Her Story
Believe it or not, Rita didn’t believe that she was a cold-hearted, spiteful woman. How do I know? She wrote five now-out-of-print books in which she detailed and explained some of her actions. The rest of her true story was pieced together through interviews with her relatives, reading what her brother wrote, help from an awesome genealogist, a research trip to the places she lived, and extensive historical research. That goal was accomplished by May of 2026.
Wait for it!
In a book to be published by the end of 2026, Rita will speak for herself, not omitting any of the painful or embarrassing details. The powerful story of heartbreak, impossible choices, and bombshell revelations will be unforgettable and will provide food for thought for years to come.
Award-Winning Author
Caroline Crocker
Caroline’s story is that she has worked as a biology professor, the chief executive officer (CEO) of a startup company, the president of a nonprofit, a private tutor, a technical writer, a research scientist, a consultant, and a communications expert.
Caroline maintains a blog, Rambling Ruminations, and is the author or coauthor of 15 books, including the related five-star and award-winning WWII series books, Brave Face: The Inspiring WWII Memoir of a Dutch/German Child, Unforgivable: Through a Child’s Eyes, and the upcoming The Truth was Different.
Caroline is married to Richard and has four grown children and eight grandchildren.
But what is most important here is that Caroline is Rita’s granddaughter.
See where Caroline is appearing by clicking here!
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caroline(at)ramblingruminations.com
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caroline(at)ramblingruminations.com