Jean Romano

Over the Rhine Jean Romano

It is the early 1870s and Emilia is ready for a dose of reality. While embarrassed by her family's efforts to find her a husband, she is more than prepared to leave beautiful Düsseldorf, Germany, and embrace new adventures. Although she has been provided the privilege of nurse's training, Emilia believes marriage holds the key to unlock her true happiness.

Wilhelm Knobholtz, past the follies of youth, is a machine designer who needs a wife. After his extended family secretly arranges a meeting with Emilia, the pair marries and begins a life together in Essen. William, who wants his career to take precedence over Emilia's, expects her to serve only as his wife. After the couple emigrates to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1877, Emilia focuses her attention on fulfilling the personal and educational needs of their three children-Elise, William, and Herman. Now as the children mature and develop dreams of their own, they must overcome their own obstacles and attempt to achieve success during uncertain times in America.

Over the Rhine is a multigenerational tale that shares the struggles and triumphs of a German-American family endeavoring to make their mark during the turn of the twentieth century.