Introducing Klara

Introducing the main character (the “diarist”) of my book, Klara/Clara/Clarita/Claire Philipsborn. 

Kiel, 1890.  Photo from WikiMedia

Klara, ca. 1910.  Photo courtesy of Gerry Brent (Günther Berendt)Z"L, Klara's nephew.

The historical Klara was born on June 29, 1890, in Kiel, a bustling port city with a small Jewish population on the Baltic Sea, in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Her three siblings were born there as well. Their father, Jacob Philipsborn, known by his Yiddish nickname, “Koppel,” manufactured and sold children's clothing and military uniforms.

Klara’s mother was born Ida Mond, in Kassel (Cassel), Hesse. Ida's family was wealthier than the Philipsborns; her cousin, Ludwig Mond, settled in England and founded the Brunner-Mond industrial empire. Many of his descendants became ennobled.

More will be revealed about Klara as an historical figure as well as a fictional character, both in these pages and in the novel. I will still be pleased to answer any questions you would like about her. You can see her genealogy here.

Ida & Jacob, ca 1910.  Photo courtesy of Gene Dannen.