HEIMAT

About the Book

Heimat: Steppes of Russia is a work of historical fiction that personalizes the poignant story of the Germans from Russia through the precocious Helga Baden.

At a young age, Helga was destined to go on a quest that would take her from Germany to Russia to America in one life span. A helpmate to her blind sister, as a young girl, Helga gave advice to her father, with the mind of an adult way beyond her years. Helga's love for a Russian is not expected nor would it be accepted by her people.

This is a story of hope, survival, conviction, determination, and innovation. It is the story of an individual, a family, three groups, and three nations. Russia became a land that was feared and eventually Helga, along with her brother, Jacob, and his family, and Gretchen left the Black Sea area and traveled to America. The against-all-odds survival of the Germans from Russia is truly remarkable and heart-wrenching.

About the Author

Shirley Wegner Nitschke, a first-time author, and has lived her entire life in the state of North Dakota. She was born and raised on a farm near Alfred and graduated from Jamestown High School. Shirley and her husband, Larry, live in Jamestown, and enjoy their summer place in Alfred.