The day I left

East Berlin, 1982. Greta Schneider falls head over heels in love at first sight with Henry Henderson. The British engineer, who is briefly visiting the German Democratic Republic, personifies the free, forbidden world behind the Iron Curtain that Greta, a recent translation graduate, longs for with all her being. Henry also finds Greta perfect: her beauty, courage, and vibrant, curious nature bring a breath of fresh air into his previously mundane life. When he asks her to marry him, Greta doesn't hesitate and, miraculously, she even obtains permission to leave the country. It would seem that nothing can threaten their happiness. Until, one morning, Greta disappears without warning.
Oxford, 2018. Even after all these years, Henry is still tormented by burning questions to which he has never received an answer. Greta loved him and he loved her. They had overcome so much together, so why did she leave him? How well did he really know his wife at all? A chance encounter brings a certain young mother to his restoration workshop, and with her, an unexpected clue he might be able to follow… Will he manage to find out what happened to the love of his life?
A novel about the essence of love, about memories, and decisions that can't be taken back.
Published in a translation by Barbora Klasová.