The Hidden Valley

The Hidden Valley is the first volume of memoirs on the life and travels of David Bergman. Born in South Australia’s Barossa Valley, he spends his childhood in a winegrowing region colonized by German settlers who left their homeland in the nineteenth century.

From earliest times it has been a valley hidden away in a vast continent. Moulded by customs and traditions from Saxony and Silesia, he grows up in surroundings transformed by Anglo-Saxon culture. Indeed, this blend is noticeable during his formative years, especially after entering a rural school set amongst vineyards. By then the German language had lost its influence in post-war years marked by peace and prosperity.

Unsurprisingly, his childhood is a happy one. How could it really be otherwise in a valley known for its vintage festivals, horticultural shows, singing evenings and sport? And then there are his beloved hills. Lucky to be born on one of the slopes overlooking the valley, it becomes a place to which he retreats to write his first poems.

Publication:  October 2018                      ISBN:  978-3-9818915-1-5                      Pages:  350

Background

Nothing in life is foreseeable. From the cradle onwards a host of things could have turned out quite differently. The very fact that they didn’t can be put down to chance, as some may see it, while others will point to a force shaping the actions of mankind. Who can tell which of the two will predominate?

The first volume of these memoirs marks the beginning of a long journey. In the depths of the Antipodes it starts in a valley hidden amongst hills and vineyards. Viewed from my present-day perspective, it appears almost microscopic and at times one wonders how so much could have happened in those early years.

The journey that begins in distant Australia ends in Europe and is essentially an odyssey into one’s inner self. As people and landscapes come and go, writing becomes a gateway into the dreamland of creativity.

Hamburg 2 December 2018

The Vienna Symphony

Arriving in Vienna one summer, an ageing Hungarian composer and conductor settles into the Hotel Imperial to create a new symphony.

In the following weeks he discovers a city he knows well and is stirred by countless sights and sounds that will hopefully get him started.

Helped by his manager he soon moves into a noble villa in the fashionable suburb of Döbling. Hidden away in quiet surroundings, he begins work on what is likely to be his last composition. Inspired by a city and nearby woods echoing a wealth of stimulating sounds, he sets about incorporating them into his opus. After its completion members of his orchestra from Budapest arrive and move into the Hotel Imperial.

As rehearsals finally begin, a teenage violin virtuoso is added to his orchestra. Captivated by her refreshing style, he dedicates part of the fourth movement to her. However, as arrange-ments are made for a performance to be held outdoors, he can already feel his creative powers diminishing. In spite of that, he reaches for his baton.

Publication: September 2017                       ISBN: 978-3-9818915-0-8                       Pages: 760

Background

Strangely, it wasn’t love at first sight. That, if anything, is most probably why I keep coming back to this city on the Danube. For me, at least, it’s the kind of place that grows on you and it isn’t just the music. Its writers, coffee houses and charming dialect likewise begin to make an impression. And then there are the Vienna Woods overlooking the city to which Sisi herself once retreated.

 Falling in love is one thing, while writing about your partner is another. In the end I decided to choose a musical background for my tale. The choice wasn’t a difficult one. While on one level it describes the birth of a symphony, it’s basically a novel about Vienna and her people. However, each time I returned they had somehow changed and I had to adapt accordingly, while in the background the Danube simply kept on flowing.

And in the future? Well, I am likely to keep on returning as each time I hear new melodies filling the streets and woods. Perhaps they are echoes from the past that haven’t been able to escape over the nearby Alps, or maybe they are simply memories deep inside me. Does it really matter?

Hamburg 18 October 2017

Alpina

In late summer a writer leaves for the Alps to begin work on his latest novel. Hoping to find solitude and inspiration in an environment entirely different from the coastal landscape where he lives, he settles down in a cosy villa beside a brook near the spa resort of Badgastein.

Before long the aggressive mountain climate takes its toll on his health and he undergoes medical treatment. As a result of his declining condition, he is unable to devote as much time to his writing as intended. Besides, guests and visitors in this remote region lure him from his labours, above all the receptionist Babs and philosophy professor Belina. Under these circumstances will he finish what he has come here to do?

In addition, there is the mysterious figure of Alpina herself. Not only secretive but stunningly beautiful as well, she accompanies his efforts during the cycle of the seasons. Embodying the very spirit of these breathtaking surroundings, it soon becomes clear that an undertaking of this magnitude will not be possible without her.

Publication:  October 2015                        ISBN:  978-3-00-050469-3                        Pages:  730

Background

Unlike my other books, Alpina has an unusually long history. Besides, it is the only novel I have interrupted. I began writing it at the end of the last century and got as far as page 130 when, for various reasons, the lure of the endless Swedish plains was simply too great and I placed the manuscript aside. Finally, some two years ago, I returned to my text and, with a number of changes, carried on from where I had left off.

Having visited the resort of Badgastein a number of times in the past, I was at last in a position to view this Alpine region in a detached way in order to get it into some kind of perspective. As a Northerner, I have never really felt entirely at home in the mountains so in a sense this novel is a desperate attempt to come to terms with this strange world. Besides, novels are likewise mysterious so it gave me a chance to analyse the writing process at the same time.

Many kind thanks to the friendly owners and staff of the Hotel Grüner Baum on the outskirts of Badgastein where I have been writing and relaxing in such pleasant surroundings. Indeed, I can still hear the merry little brook babbling past my balcony.

Hamburg 4 November 2015 

Loreley Blues

Early one spring a young Dresden landscape gardener leaves his home city for the Rhineland to attend a garden exhibition in Koblenz. Hoping to gain new ideas and inspiration for his work, he unexpectedly cuts his visit short after spotting a Loreley figure draped over a grave.

Determined to discover the real Loreley, he immediately sets off along the Rhine. However, little goes according to plan as he gets caught up in the intricacies of a legend that has fascinated him since his schooldays. Untiring in his efforts to find fresh traces of the siren, he is led to believe there may be a lot more to her than simply stunning looks. Besides, is there not a danger that he too may fall for her charms?

Ignoring all warnings to the contrary, he unwittingly gets lured towards her until, like so many heedless sailors before him, he recognizes the danger too late. As his youthful world reels, he is drawn down the stream in a desperate attempt to figure out the elusive damsel. On reaching Rüdesheim his life takes a complete turnabout.

Publication:  May 2013                        ISBN:  978-3-00-041546-3                        Pages:  360

Background

With its castles and strongholds, vineyards and cottages, ancients ruins and taverns, the Rhine Valley is steeped in myths and legends. However, none is as fascinating as that of the Loreley who even to this very day keeps a sad and watchful eye on those scores of tourists from all over the world who pass her by car, train and boat.

So what is it about her that fascinates everyone so much? Several visits did not really throw much light on the matter so, for better or worse, I decided it might be wise to fall in love with her. However, I had already fallen for her charms without even realizing it.

In this regard little has changed since I finished writing the tale several months ago. A summer has come and gone, but my thoughts still drift back to that lonely lass gazing into the water.

Hamburg 4 September 2013

Selene

Summer has arrived in the Swedish province of Dalarna. With the midsommar celebrations just weeks away, there is an air of expectancy in the little town of Mora neatly nestled between the Österdalälven River and Lake Siljan. Nearby, the first holidaymakers have already settled into the caravan park.

For Selene a summer job is more important, though they are rare. But surely her stunning looks and stylish clothes should be of some help when it comes to the crunch? Luckily, keeping the local cemetery clean and tidy is at least something you can normally rely on if all else fails. And should life really turn sour, what could possibly prevent her from simply leaving home in search of adventure? Nothing, actually.

One moonlit night she paddles off in her little canoe. Planning to follow the river to its very source, she is confronted with unforeseen hindrances along the way until, unable to get further, she leaves the stream and enters the fjeld region of Upper Dalarna. Here, with the moon as her guide, she hopes to unravel more than just the mystery surrounding her name.

Publication:  November 2011                        ISBN:  978-3-00-036090-9                        Pages:  236

Background

Few towns in Sweden are able to attract visitors in both summer and winter. Mora happens to be one of them. Neatly nestling in a little bay at the top end of Lake Siljan, it draws scores of tourists to the famous Vasaloppet cross-country ski run which begins in Sälen some eighty kilometres away. And then in June there’s the popular midsommar celebrations during which the folks dress up in their local costumes and dance around the maypole.

Witnessing both events is what really inspired me to return to this charming little town on the banks of the Österdalälven and it’s something I have kept on doing over the years. As a result I guess it was more or less inevitable that a tale of the folks and their delightful surroundings should emerge.

Since publication a number of people have asked me if the teenage girl Selene actually exists. I have given it a good deal of thought and have reached the conclusion that the question is a jolly good one.

Hamburg 28 November 2011

Painting my Heart

As the Iron Curtain opens René, an art student from East Berlin, joins crowds of people streaming through the Brandenburg Gate into West Berlin. Three days later he steers his tiny Trabi across West Germany to Paris where he hopes to begin his career as a painter.

Arriving in the French capital in late autumn, he settles down on the slopes of Montmartre near the Place du Tertre where he seeks inspiration in surroundings frequented by artists. However, adapting to life in a totally strange milieu saps both his time and energy as he is confronted with a culture so different from the one he has left behind. With attractions at every corner, he neglects his brush and canvas.

Emerging from the long winter, René finally discovers a city unleashing all the creative energy he is after, and a stunningly attractive girl who inspires him to alter his approach to painting. Instantly everything changes, including his own lifestyle, but will he be able to resist returning to a country rapidly moving towards reunification?

Publication:  December 2010                        ISBN:  978-3-00-033303-3                        Pages:  620

Background

Since settling down in Europe the fortunes of France and its enchanting capital have occupied a good deal of my time. Whether visiting friends, attending weddings or simply coming to explore, there is always something about Paris that has appealed to my imagination.

Writing a novel about her, however, is another matter entirely since one’s perception of her changes over the years. Having given much thought to the matter, I finally decided to take a closer look at her through the eyes of a foreign painter at a time when the future of Europe itself was undergoing far-reaching change. Now, more than twenty years later, the artist may finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Undoubtedly, Painting my Heart is partly autobiographical. However, it is more than that. In effect, it is really a shy declaration of love. Relaxing there is rather like returning home after difficult times for during whatever season you arrive, you can be sure there will always be a vacant park bench waiting for you.

Hamburg 25 December 2010

A Summer in Bellagio

Since ancient times Bellagio has been a popular holiday resort with both Italians and foreigners. Pleasantly situated on the tip of a promontory overlooking Lake Como, it continues to attract scores of visitors seeking sunshine and solace on its peaceful shores.

Among them are three summer guests who have booked into the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni: Janna, a divorce lawyer from Munich who is looking forward to her vacation and Arlette, a couturière from Paris who has come to present her very latest creations. And then there is Giovanni, a tenor from Milan who will be singing the leading role in Verdi’s Rigoletto in a series of outdoor performances beside the lake.

As a host of fashion models from France arrive in the quiet resort, together with the La Scala opera ensemble, the activities of the three holiday guests promptly collide. At first little more than casual acquaintances, they nevertheless sense an emotional bond drawing them closer together until their lives take a dramatic turn.

Publication:  October 2009                        ISBN:  978-3-00-027964-5                        Pages:  450

Background

The North Italian lakes have always had a special appeal to visitors from less sunny parts of Europe. Indeed, the moment one crosses the Alps and spots the vast plains of Lombardy stretching into the distance, the charming landscape and climate are likely to cast a spell over you.

I have to admit I too fell for these attractive surroundings and, having visited Lake Como several times, I simply could not resist bringing a handful of local and foreign guests together. The result of my efforts was A Summer in Bellagio which takes place in and around the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni fronting the peaceful lake.

In the ensuing relaxed holiday atmosphere it is a meeting of different worlds that takes place. So when a divorce lawyer from Munich, a couturière from Paris and an opera singer from Milan happen to meet, even the otherwise so serene swans curiously turn their heads.

Hamburg 12 October 2009

Strawberry Dreams

Each summer the sleepy little resort of Laholm on the banks of the Lagan awakes to new life. After a long winter the time has come to celebrate. As visitors from the west coast of Sweden arrive for the annual festival, the local residents brace themselves for the event.

One day Lasse, a stranger to the region, steers his houseboat Strawberry Dreams up the river and drops anchor below the town. Fascinated by an area where his ancestors once grew strawberries, he begins to search for the fields. However, his task proves more difficult than expected. Hampered by his Danish accent and a mission that raises eyebrows in the community, he accidentally ends up in the arms of Miss Strawberry 1986.

Wondering how something so zany could have happened, Lasse discovers it is a pretty eighteen-year-old strawberry princess who has turned his head. Having located her farm, he is invited to attend a garden party in her honour. Soon they sense there may be more to life than strawberries. Or is it merely a dream? For Lasse, at least, there is no turning back.

Publication:  August 2008                              ISBN:  978-3-00-024419-3                             Pages:  208

Background

Since my university days the films of Ingmar Bergman have never ceased to fascinate me. Many years later I was privileged to meet him in Stockholm and discuss the relationship between film-making and writing novels.

At times I wonder if Strawberry Dreams would have been written if it had not been for Bergman and his encouragement. What is certain is that I discovered the pretty little town of Laholm at a formative stage in my development and that a host of visits there over the years led to the genesis of a novel that was more or less inevitable.

The result of it all is a merry little tale describing the tender relationship of a young Dane and a Swedish girl in the summer of 1986. Set along the banks of the River Lagan, the novel recounts the meeting of two young people and, through them, the fortunes of neighbours separated by little more than a narrow stretch of water. 

Now and again, the sun still comes out and shines above those little strawberry fields beside the river.

Hamburg 10 August 2008

Hajo and Hygeia

Hajo has little reason to complain. His career as Director of the Department of Inland Revenue in Hamburg has been remarkably successful and his large staff are satisfied with him. Even the usual symptoms of midlife crisis are unable to take hold until he meets Hygeia.

Overwhelmed by her beauty, Hajo falls for her instantly. Never before has he been swept off his feet. All at once everything changes. Unable to erase her from his mind, his condition worsens. Even his work suffers so, taking matters into his own hands, he finally makes a desperate attempt to regain control of his life, but all his hopes are dashed when she mysteriously vanishes. Overnight, his ordered existence crumbles.

There is really only one place where she can possibly be - on her way home to Greece. So, leaving Hamburg in the middle of winter with merely a backpack and a strong pair of boots, he sets off in search of his dream. He had never really doubted he would eventually find her, but did he think his wanderings would change his entire life?

Publication:  December 2007                            ISBN:  978-3-00-021507-0                       Pages:  520

Background

Greece is a land that has always fascinated me. Since childhood the gripping tales of those many heroes and heroines of ancient times have continued to stir my imagination.

Writing a novel about these fascinating figures, however, is an entirely different matter unless you happen to know one of them personally. Almost from the first moment I met Hygeia in Hamburg I knew it would be simply impossible to ignore her. And so, inspired by her, Hajo and Hygeia gradually took shape.

The novel, which describes Hajo’s journey to Greece in a desperate attempt to find his beloved, took many years to evolve. Having studied the language and visited the country a number of times, I felt the time had come to document a relationship which, by modern standards, has lasted unusually long.

And so the journey begins in a cold Hanseatic city on the banks of the Elbe and ends in the very heart of the warm Peloponnese.

Hamburg 15 December 2007

The Magic River

Shortly after retirement Chief Inspector Mats Johansson discovers his daughter’s body trapped in a sluice near the mouth of the Klarälven River. Immediately he resumes work at police headquarters in Karlstad as a second body is found further upstream and a third nearby.

As further bodies are discovered, the serenity of seven riverside towns is shaken and the local authorities warn the public against wandering by the stream alone. Never in his forty years of service has Mats been confronted with a case of such magnitude. Leaving Karlstad, he begins his investigations at once. Like a magnet, each piece of evidence lures him further up the river until he himself comes under fire.

As rumours of sectarian suicide begin to surface, it is believed a mastermind is behind the river deaths. But why were signet rings with a double seven found on the fingers of the victims? And what role do runic inscriptions play? As Mats gets closer to the truth, it becomes clear he simply can’t cope, but now it is too late for his own life is at stake.

Publication:  December 2006                             ISBN:  3-00-019551-3                              Pages:  442

Background

Rivers have always fascinated me, but seldom have they inspired me like the beautiful Klarälven in Sweden. It was, if you like, love at first sight.

The first time I caught a glimpse of this mysterious stream was in the winter of 1974 during a visit to Oslo. Some twenty years later I returned to the majestic river which I followed to its source in the Norwegian mountains. Since then I have often returned to the neat little towns and villages along its banks.

So, bit by bit, The Magic River took shape and I soon found myself hard on the heels of Chief Inspector Mats Johansson as he set out one misty morning in his ramshackle Saab to solve the mystery of seven river deaths. His meticulous investigations exceed anything he has so far undertaken and, worse still, even threaten to disrupt his retirement plans.

Perhaps this tale will likewise inspire you to take a canoe and discover the magic river for yourself.

Hamburg 1 December 2006

Tassilo

Tassilo is the tale of a young dreamer. From the moment he opens his eyes in an Australian clinic to the day he parts with his lucky charm on a Portuguese beach, he is driven by his fantasy.

Under the blazing sun he grows up in a bizarre world peopled with winegrowers and pastors, matrons and swaggies, princesses and professors. And then there is his magic conch. It has always brought him luck on the golden shores of the Southern Ocean, so why do its siren voices lure him beyond the equator? After a stormy sea journey he is washed ashore before setting out to discover his new home.

Written with warmth and humour, Tassilo opens a window into the author’s early years. Set in some of the world’s most exotic landscapes, it traces the spiritual odyssey of a wanderer between two hemispheres.

Publication:  April 2006                              ISBN:  3-00-017994-1                              Pages:  233

Background

Tassilo is a portrait of childhood and youth. The tale follows the fortunes of a young dreamer from the formative years in Australia to his early wanderings through Europe.

During my last visit to Australia in 1999 I was amazed how much the country had changed. It certainly wasn’t the place I had known as a teenager. Or had I changed? Whatever it was, I suppose you could say a spiritual odyssey of the kind I have written was more or less inevitable.

Penned in a style bordering on poetry, it delves beneath the surface of life down under by transforming the dreams and wishes of a young wanderer into a work of art.

I hope you will enjoy reading this spirited and reflective tale as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

Hamburg 17 April 2006

Bengt’s Last Summer

Professor Bengt Svensson has enjoyed a comfortable life. Each summer he leaves the southern Swedish city of Lund to spend his holidays at the quiet resort of Tällberg on the shores of Lake Siljan. Here, at the Hotel Dalecarlia, he settles down to several months of painting and catching butterflies.

It is midsummer and the fragrance of wild flowers is in the air while the gentle slopes are echoing with violin music. As always, he joins in the merry solstice celebrations when, one morning, he falls prey to the charms of Svea - a little girl of barely teenage years with long blonde hair, blue eyes and alluring appearance. Suddenly everything changes. Smitten by her beauty, his health deteriorates as he seeks her presence.

As the festivities planned for his sixtieth birthday draw closer, Bengt senses an aching void of loneliness. But surely it’s far too late to change his lifestyle now. Worse still, neither the obliging hotel staff nor a local doctor seem capable of helping him. Then, fearing his life is drawing to an untimely end, he abandons all restraint.

Publication:  July 2005                        ISBN:  3-00-015880-4                        Pages:  336

Background

Of the novels I have written so far Bengt’s Last Summer has a very special place in my heart. The reason for it certainly has to do with the people it describes and a virgin landscape untainted by mass tourism. The novel will be published this summer and will make its debut at the Frankfurt Book Fair in autumn.

Located in the heart of Swedish Lakeland, this epic tale describes the last months of an ageing professor from the southern university city of Lund. Painting Lake Siljan and catching butterflies are his favourite summer pursuits until he falls prey to the charms of Svea.

The novel centres on the midsummer celebrations in the hamlet of Tällberg. Here, in the province of Dalarna, the summer solstice festivities reach their climax on the 21^st June with music and dance. Pretty well everyone turns up with a violin which is the most popular musical instrument in these parts. In fact, there’s a saying that goes: ‘If you bump into two locals, you can be sure three of them are fiddlers.’

Understandably, this will be a busy summer for me and if the weather does its bit, there’s no reason why these shouldn’t be bright times.

Hamburg 6 June 2005

All I Want Is You

The Berlin pop star Kikki has sung her megahit many times and as she arrives in St Moritz it’s business as usual. Tommy has likewise rocketed to stardom overnight and his American skis display the world champion’s logo as his executive jet touches down in the chic Swiss resort.

As Kikki launches into her award-winning title All I Want Is You her audience runs wild. Tommy’s fans are just as mad and stand in the cold for hours merely to catch a glimpse of him tearing down the slopes, but why does he suddenly become infatuated with her? You can bet she has other admirers as well, above all the hotel staff manager Romano who panders to her every whim. However, Tommy has never played second fiddle to anyone.

Overwhelmed by Kikki’s special brand of magic, he is convinced her hit refers to no one but himself as he bursts into her show and storms the stage. The photographers are treated to a feast and for the dozens of journalists it’s the headline they have been waiting for. In reality, Tommy is merely warming up for the final showdown.

Publication:  March 2005                        ISBN:  3-00-014783-7                        Pages:  242

Background

With the publication of All I Want Is You just weeks away, this lull before the storm gives me a chance to tap out a few lines to you.

My latest novel is a winter tale set in the heart of the Swiss Alps. It’s the story of two mega stars caught between fame and love. So when Kikki, a funky Berlin pop star, and Tommy a Colorado ski champion meet in St Moritz, you can expect the snow to ignite.

Some of you may possibly be familiar with the chic Swiss resort in the canton of Graubünden. Anyway, after visiting the place several times, it seemed to me the perfect setting for a racy novel which probes into the glitzy world of young stars. In addition, it gave me a chance to take a look at the way the mass media works.

The scenery in this part of Switzerland is breathtaking. What else can you expect of a landscape with peaks soaring to 4000 metres and beyond? Naturally, this is not only a challenge for climbers, but also for writers.

I hope you’ll enjoy reading this tale, but do take care. You may feel giddy.

Hamburg 26 February 2005

The Spanish Wedding

He is tall, dark-eyed and hardly a girl can resist him. She is blonde, has blue eyes and knows how to deal with men, so the heat is on when Frisco and Lilli bump into each other in a León disco. Swedish girls are rare in this Spanish city and guys simply don’t let dancers of her looks slip through their fingers.

It is captivation from the start and possibly more. After holidaying in Sweden together their friendship deepens and they move into a flat. Lilli soon dreams of getting married in a Swedish country church, but you can’t expect Frisco’s enormous clan to travel all that way for the wedding. Instead, Lilli’s family and friends head south.

So the scene is set for an extravagant summer wedding in León’s magnificent San Marcos complex. Being kidnapped, however, isn’t exactly on the menu so who is behind it? Someone obviously has an account to settle as a wild chase begins. Amidst the turbulence of the local fiesta the wedding guests themselves get caught up in the chaos.

Publication:  July 2004                        ISBN:  3-00-013533-2                        Pages:  220

Background

Unlike most of the books I have written, The Spanish Wedding had spontaneous origins. It was the result of a decision I made in a train last summer somewhere between León and Bordeaux. Apart from all the excitement of the Spanish-Swedish wedding itself, I was suddenly paralysed by the fear that all the amazing things that took place might be lost and forgotten forever. I think this hit me somewhere in the Pyrenees.

It is, of course, a work of fiction for where memory fails, fantasy takes over. I can assure you it gave me tremendous pleasure writing it and if I had not been fortunate enough to possess a solid chair of pure oak, I’m certain I would have ended up rolling on the floor in laughter.

Sharing my thoughts with you on the web is something totally new for me and I hope this exciting medium will give us a chance to remain in contact. As so many of my readers are scattered around the globe, this opportunity is almost too good to be true.

I hope you’re snug in your part of the world.

Hamburg 15 March 2004