The House by the Lake: The Story of a Home and a Hundred Years of History

This picture-book adaptation reveals the rich history of a Berlin cottage, exploring the lives of those who called it home over a century. The House by the Lake beautifully captures this journey.

This exquisite picture-book adaptation brings to life the remarkable narrative of a wooden cottage on the outskirts of Berlin, a place that has witnessed a century of history. The House by the Lake: The Story of a Home and a Hundred Years of History beautifully illustrates the experiences of a loving Jewish family, a famous Nazi composer, wartime refugees, and a Stasi informant, all intertwined within the walls of this little house. As the world around it changed dramatically, including the rise and fall of a world war and the construction of the Berlin Wall, the cottage remained a silent witness to these events.

Thomas Harding's original biography captures this extraordinary story, and now he presents it in a format accessible to young readers. With enchanting prose that resembles a haunting fairy-tale and stunning illustrations by Britta Teckentrup, The House by the Lake invites readers to explore the profound connections between personal histories and broader historical events. The narrative not only tells the story of the house but also reflects on the lives of those who inhabited it, making it a poignant reminder of resilience and love amidst turmoil.

This adaptation is not just a book for children; it serves as a bridge to understanding significant historical moments through the lens of a single home. The portrayal of the cottage and its inhabitants provides a unique perspective on the complexities of history, making The House by the Lake an essential read for both young and adult audiences alike.