Publications
The publications of the Rencontre Réconciliation association offer stories inspired by true events, focusing on war memories and their transmission between generations.
Through these works, we explore the family legacies of the Second World War, the silences, the ruptures and the attempts at reconstruction that are sweeping through Europe today.
These stories are part of a Franco-German and European approach, linked to the conferences and meetings organised by the association .
Some of the stories are based on testimonies collected as part of our Memories project.
A structured editorial approach
Each work originates from:
from a personal account,
rigorous formatting work,
within a clear contractual framework that respects individuals.
The publications are produced in partnership with SopaLangues to guarantee professional editorial support.
A collection about war memoirs
The eBooks cover topics including:
the trajectories of descendants of the war ( Kriegsenkel ),
family silences after 1945,
contemporary Franco-German dialogues.
These accounts help us better understand the lasting impact of conflicts on subsequent generations.
They give a voice to those who grew up in the shadow of war, often marked by family silences, unspoken words or difficult legacies to bear.
By sharing them, the association hopes to contribute to a better understanding of European memories and to a peaceful dialogue between generations and countries.
Published works
The story of a son who didn't want to become a father
Presentation
Inspired by a true story.
In Berlin, Gerhard grew up in the shadow of an authoritarian father, haunted by a past he refused to name. For a long time, silence served as his inheritance. Until the day Gerhard decided to break the chain, even if it meant distancing himself from everything he knew.
This story explores post-war Germany through the eyes of a son forced to grow up too fast. Between inherited guilt, a need for love, and a quest for identity, *The Story of a Son Who Didn't Want to Become a Father* traces a journey of rupture and reconstruction.
Written in a restrained and sensitive style, the text raises questions:
family memory,
the weight of what is left unsaid,
transgenerational transmission,
the possibility of freeing oneself from the history of others.
It is part of the reflection carried out on the Kriegsenkel, the "grandchildren of the war", confronted with a past transmitted without words.
👉 Read an excerpt from the book
A work that is part of a European approach
This book is part of the Crossed Memories collection, which brings together stories inspired by true events that bear witness to the wounds and reconciliations inherited from the 20th century.
It is part of the Franco-German dialogue work carried out by the Rencontre Réconciliation association.
An educational booklet to accompany the reading
A separate teaching booklet has been designed to allow for independent use in the classroom (middle school, high school, university students).
He proposes:
excerpts with commentary,
points to consider,
educational activities,
a reproducible student worksheet.
👉 Discover the educational booklet
Works in preparation
Astrid – (title to be published)
A story in progress about family transmission and war legacies.
Publication is planned after editorial finalization.
French translation of a work by Alex Dekker
French version in preparation as part of a Franco-Dutch cooperation, a natural extension of the Franco-German exchanges developed by the association.
This project is part of a broader effort to promote transnational dialogue about the legacies of war.
Editorial projects in development
Agreements in principle have been reached with other European stakeholders, including Antje and Annegret.
These projects will be announced once their editorial framework is finalized.
A European dynamic
The publications are part of a Franco-German cooperation aimed at fostering a shared understanding of war legacies.
A teaching vocation
Some books may be accompanied by educational materials intended for schools or reading groups.
They are a natural extension of the conferences and public discussions organized by the association.
Obtain the books
The books are available on the main digital distribution platforms.
Continue reading
The publications are part of a broader outreach effort combining public conferences and European dialogue.
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