Still The Caretaker: A Latvian girl’s journey-my mother’s story

I’m thrilled to announce the release of a very special book that has been 20 years in the making—a labor of love that captures my mom’s incredible journey during the tumultuous times of WWII. “Still The Caretaker: A Latvian Girl’s Journey” is a historical fiction inspired by my mother’s childhood and her courageous escape during the invasion of her beloved country.

This book brings to life the strength, resilience, and hope that carried her through one of the darkest periods in history. It’s more than just a story; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of those who fought to survive and preserve their heritage.

This novel has a unique and personal way of experiencing the war in Latvia through a child’s eyes. What it was like to have both Russian and German soldiers invade your country, neighborhood and home.

Book Release: A Historic Fiction 20 Years in the Making

The book, written by the talented Nancy Schwarzkopf Jarmin, is a historic fiction that chronicles my mom’s (Dr. Zaiga Phillips) courageous escape from Latvia during World War II.

This book isn’t just a story; it’s a piece of our family’s history, rich with the memories and experiences of those who lived through the harrowing events of that time.

The Historic Novel Based On Deep Conversations and Research

The author:   Nancy Schwarzkopf Jarmin  has beautifully woven together detailed stories based on deep conversations with my mom and our family members in Latvia, bringing to life the trials, triumphs, and resilience of those who were forced to flee their homeland in search of safety and freedom.

The narrative is filled with vivid details, capturing the essence of Latvia’s landscape, culture, food and the indomitable spirit of its people. It’s a journey through history that explores not only the personal struggles and sacrifices but also the strength and hope that carried them through.

This book is more than just a tribute to my mom’s adventurous spirit—it’s a reminder of the enduring human spirit in the face of unimaginable challenges. For those who love history, gripping stories of survival, and richly detailed characters, this is a must-read.

I am incredibly proud to see my mom’s story immortalized in such a powerful way, and I’m excited to share it with all of you. The book is now available, and I hope it resonates with readers as much as it has with our family.

Join us in celebrating this incredible story of courage, resilience, and the enduring power of hope.

A Message From The Author: Nancy Schwarzkopf Jarmin

I’m often asked how and why I, an American of German-Norwegian ancestry, developed an interest in Latvia. It began years ago, in Seattle, Washington, when a co-worker shared some gut-wrenching/fascinating childhood memories of his family fleeing Latvia ahead of the advancing Russian Army. 

I began reading, looking for details that would tell me about Latvia as it was pre-World War II, during the war and after. Two years later, hearing of my interest, a friend in my then book club said, “I know some Latvians in St. Louis. Maybe they can help answer your questions.”

Her friends told me they were too young to have memories of the pre-war and war-time years but they gave me the name of a woman in Bellevue Washington who might be of help. I telephoned her and yes, Dr. Zaiga Phillips had memories. She invited me to her home.

A wonderful friendship began that weekend. We spent two days talking about Latvia’s history, Zaiga’s experiences during the occupation and war and her sorrow in leaving the country.

Her love of animals and the farms, forests, and flowering meadows of northern Latvia was apparent. Her delights had been her cats, dog, guinea pigs and a tiny chick. This would be the centerpiece of my historical novel.

Researching Latvia’s Rich History

In 2016, Zaiga and I spent two weeks in Latvia. We visited numerous museums and toured her childhood home in Ape. We spent time at her aunt’s pre-war dairy farm and walked the land that had been her paternal grandfather’s farm. I met her cousins in their rural homes and was taken to many places that are vital to the book.

Deeply affecting was our ride on the narrow-gauge railroad which, during the occupation, the Russians employed to send many of northern Latvia’s educated people, landowners and others considered to be a threat, on their way to Siberia. 

Nancy Schwarzkopf Jarmin

Retracing Zaiga’s Childhood Steps

We drove sections of the route Zaiga, her mother, brother and grandmother trod in the summer of 1944 as they, and thousands of other Latvians, fled their country ahead of the approaching Russian Army.

In Liepāja, we walked along the canal, where Zaiga and her family boarded a ship. They couldn’t  know that Soviet domination would keep them from seeing Latvia again for decades.

My notebook bulged; my heart and mind were overflowing. Gradually, I was feeling Latvia in a way that isn’t possible without glimpsing its soul and hearing the cuckoos’ call from the forest.

Back at home, there was more reading, more talking with Latvian women here and abroad. Much of what I’d written prior to the trip needed to be revised. My writers group of friends read new drafts.

The Manuscript – By Nancy Schwarzkopf Jarmin,

“I changed the manuscript from third person to first. I envisioned letters that Zaiga could have written to her brother while reminiscing about their childhood. Again, my writers group read drafts and commented. I sent the manuscript to three trusted readers. I debated about how best to publish the historical novel that I’d titled: Still the Caretaker: A Latvian Girl’s Journey.

And now the manuscript is in a cover that I love and is available worldwide. The Zaiga in the novel is a composite of Dr. Zaiga Phillips and several other brave Latvian women. It has been my honor to hear their memories and weave them into Still the Caretaker: A Latvian Girl’s Journey. “

Where Can I Buy ” Still The Caretaker: A Latvian Girl’s Journey?

You can buy the book on Amazon or any major book stores near you.