Beneath the Linden

About the Book

Set in the international conflicts of 1960s Eastern Europe, Beneath the Linden is based on a true story about love and courage in spite of impossible odds. Marlo, an American student overseas, meets and falls in love with Karl, an East German medical student. Karl tries to escape the “Iron Curtain” for the West to start a new life with Marlo. But Warsaw Pact troops mobilized in August of 1968 create an unexpected obstacle, and the couple’s future appears doomed. The story reveals little-known realities about life in former Communist East Germany; but, even more, discloses the indomitable human spirit.

About the Author

Surviving a somewhat tortured childhood in San Jose California, John Herbert Emerson began writing stories and composing music in pre-adolescence. A graduate of Washington State University and Boston University, John is variously described as a world traveler, thespian, published author, musician, poet, counselor, spiritual leader, peace and justice activist, once a smuggler of mail to families of political prisoners in the former Soviet Union, noldic and alpine skier, hiker of mountain trails, sports enthusiast, brother, husband, father of three daughters, grandfather of nine, great grandfather of nine, and friend. He and his wife, Janice make their home in Sparks, Nevada.