Christine Brandon was born in a quaint village in Bavaria, Germany. She grew up during the Depression and World War II. As a young adult, she immigrated to the United States. A teacher, registered nurse, a mother, a glass artist, and an author, she continues to defy the odds. “The strength to overcome, to fight the inevitable, the impossible, to reach for the stars, it’s there for the taking, in one’s own heart.” Christine Brandon In her book, False Heroes: Held Hostage by Heritage, the author offers a unique perspective of the WWII times through the eyes of a German child, reluctantly opening the door to her life. Trying to overcome apprehension and fear of being struck down while finding the right words, she painfully articulates the scars and stigmas, the imprints and ghosts of the war. She portrays her life as a relentless struggle, picking up the pieces from the devastating effects and the repressive culture of that time. When all the structures she depended on crumbled around her, and all her heroes let her down, she fought to break free from the chains that held her hostage.