VIVIANNE KNEBEL

Author of From Rubble to Champagne:
Rising from the ashes of war-torn Berlin to a life of grace, beauty, and gratitude

ABOUT VIVIANNE

Born an illegitimate child in the wake of WWII in Berlin, Nazi Germany to a single mother, Vivianne Knebel’s options were limited and her future looked bleak. She experienced poverty, cold, and hunger, and was even driven to the point of commiting suicide. To seek out a better life, Vivianne immigrated to Canada as a teenager, but her misfortunes did not end there. However, in response to a miraculous intervention, she decided to preserve her life and keep moving forward.

After this incident, Vivianne met a fellow German immigrant, Wiland, who eventually became her husband. But even more than that, he became a catalyst for change in her life. His belief in her is what helped her see the true, immeasurable value of her life. She went on to play a key role in Wiland’s business venture and together they built a better future for each other. 

Since then, Vivianne has run a marathon, learned to pilot a plane, and even beat cancer. She’s found a greater sense of spirituality and wants to share her story with the world, to remind people that there is always a reason to keep moving forward. 

Books

The Art of Aging - Vivianne Knebel

Discover the Timeless Wisdom of Aging Gracefully

In a world obsessed with youth, Vivianne Knebel, a writer,
thinker, and lifelong student, brings you a profound exploration of
aging with elegance and wisdom. In “The Art of Aging: The Beauty,
Richness, and Possibilities,” Knebel delves deep into the inexorable
transformations accompanying life’s later stages. Drawing inspiration
from the insights of scientists, philosophers, and poets, she unveils
the paramount significance of self-belief and self-guided evolution as
we navigate the intricate terrain of aging.
 
Vivianne Knebel’s journey, rich with personal experience and wisdom from mentors, takes you on a transformative voyage….
 
 

Watch Vivianne on the REBOOT Your LIFE Podcast with Cory Harrison and Ashley Neal

From WWII to a Long Life – 37:22 of the episode.

In the latter half of the episode, we encounter a woman who is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Vivianne Knebel, a survivor of Nazi Germany, brings her astonishing insights on the aging process and the art of resilience, which she explores in greater detail in her book, ‘The Art of Aging’.

 

Vivianne Knebel's FOX 19 NOW Cincinnati on Healthy Aging and her new book "THE ART OF AGING".

Lessons Learned About Life and Love: Living with Intention and with Wisdom from Great Minds

Born in Berlin during WWII Vivianne grew up in the post war years. Those challenging times left their mark on her but also toughened her against all the adversities of this world.

Vivianne endured intense physical, emotional, and political oppression in the most visceral ways starting from the day she was born. Many would say that she experienced more trauma before the age of fourteen than many will in a lifetime.

Her life has been one of both hardship and comfort, demoralization and fulfillment, searching and finding, and uncertainty and hope. It is amazing what the human spirit can accomplish through will and determination.

All the obstacles she had faced and conquered are now valuable life lessons.

Having always been a seeker and a searcher she is passionate about studying the works of great poets and philosophers. They have helped her make sense of the world, and their wisdom allowed her to cope in flexible ways with the challenges life throws her way. She has overcome many hurdles and achieved the peace of a truly loved and appreciated life. Many philosophers, poets, and scientists equate this state to beauty.

In her second book “Lessons Learned About Life and Love”, Vivianne shares some of the lessons she has learned from writers and thinkers such as Dr. Wayne Dyer and Dr. Viktor Frankl, weaving them into her own experiences in a compelling guide to living, loving and thriving in old age. Her insights offer proof that great wisdom is not gained only from the classroom or the lecture hall, and that one need not look far to understand the secrets to living well. From anecdotes about her everyday rituals to memories from her world travels, Vivianne captures the profound and often surprising moments of enlightenment that can be found right in front of us, if we only know where- and how-to look.

A rich guide on how to love life and to love the love of one's life. Vivianne Knebel has given all of us a real gift in brilliantly distilling her life lessons and how they have been impacted by the teachings of her distinguished mentors. This book is ideal for those who want to find meaning in all of life's moments.

- Walter Green, author of "This Is The Moment"

From Rubble To Champagne: Rising from the ashes of war-torn Berlin to a life of grace, beauty and gratitude

Vivianne Knebel was born illegitimate in 1943 in the epicenter of Nazi power, Berlin, Germany. Her free-spirited and strong-willed mother, Marija, fought to keep her alive among falling bombs and Soviet attacks. After the end of World War II, with much of Berlin razed to the ground, Vivianne came to know poverty and constant hunger. As a teenager, she immigrated to Canada, but in her new homeland, times became so desperate that she had to beg for money to eat. After dropping out of school to find work, Vivianne became the victim of sexual harassment. Spiraling into depression, she attempted to take her life, but was miraculously saved by a six-year-old child.

Falling in love with a fellow German immigrant, Wiland, proved a pivotal turning point for Vivianne. He saw a wellspring of potential in her and believed that she could become more than she had ever imagined. They married and moved to the United States. In the land where so many immigrant dreams are built, Wiland encouraged Vivianne to pursue endeavors that would test her mettle, including piloting a plane, running a marathon, and taking on a key role in supporting his business enterprise. Vivianne’s journey of personal growth later gave her the courage to battle cancer and embrace a spiritual life.

Through hardship, demoralization, yearning, searching, loving, inspiration, and growth, Vivianne has discovered the ultimate secret to a life well lived: a grateful heart.

An Unimportant Girl: The Story Vivianne Knebel (Coming Soon)

An Unimportant Girl:The Story Vivianne Knebel


DIRECTED BY: DAXTON DUBAC
H
STARRING: VIVIANNE KNEBEL

 

Born fatherless in Berlin in 1943, Vivianne shares the story of her life growing up in war-torn Nazi Germany and her struggles through immigration, sexual harassment and suicide that led her path to a triumphant and happy life with her soulmate.

 

 

An Unimportant Girl - Film Festivals

an unimportant girl documentary

Read the new article

“An Unimportant Girl”

written by
Vivianne in newest issue of

 The Relatable Voice Magazine.

 

To read the article click the graphic and scroll to

The Relatable Voice Magazine – April 2023
The BookFest Special

Vivianne’s article is on page 46!

New Interview with The San Diego Union-Tribune


Read the interview with Vivianne Knebel about her new documentary with here hometown newspaper The San Diego Union-Tribune.

WISHTV.com Interview with Vivianne Knebel

“An Unimportant Girl”- the Life Story of Vivianne Knebel KATU ABC 2 Portland Interview

Vivianne Knebel grew up in the ruins of Berlin after World War II, but she was determined to make a better life for herself. She put her life story into her book, “From Rubble to Champagne” and the follow up “Lessons Learned about Life and Love.” Her life story was also made into a documentary film, “An Unimportant Girl.”

Have You Listened To Vivianne's Podcast?

 

Lesson Learned About Life and Love: Living with Intention and with Wisdom from Great Minds.

Vivianne's New Interview with Women Living Well After 50 with Sue Loncaric

San Diego author shares story of triumph with hope it will help others

 
A San Diego author is sharing her story of triumph with hope it will help others.
Posted at 7:21 AM, Oct 11, 2021
and last updated 9:21 AM, Oct 11, 2021

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Vivianne Knebel’s story begins in war-torn Nazi Germany — Berlin 1943.

She says, “I had many strikes against me right from the get go. I was an illegitimate daughter of a fiercely devoted mother.”

A single mother who struggled to keep Vivianne and her older sister Yvonne safe and fed.

Vivianne says, “My mother tried to keep us afloat working in the black markets, striking deals, anything to have some food on the table for us.”

Vivianne says her childhood forever affected her appreciation for food.

“That’s why to this day when I cut a loaf of bread I will always do it with awareness.”


Watch the Interview With ABC 10 San Diego

From Rubble To Champagne Receives
The 5 Star Review From Literary Titan

The book is splendidly written, Vivianne tells her story in such a way that one can both learn about a relevant and dark part of human history, and also feel inspired by the beauty of human life and its resilience. Moreover, this book showcases a story that many times is not told and gets ignored in our history, and that’s the story of the Germans that saw themselves affected by all this conflict, just wanting and trying to survive and save their families from poverty and from the war.

official selection Focus International Film Festival 2021

From Rubble to Champagne Feature Film Trailer -
Accepted To The Focus International Film Festival 2021

I am excited to announce the film trailer for my memoir "From Rubble To Champagne" has been accepted into the Focus International Film Festival 2021. Thank you to the Focus International Film Festival!

New Podcast Hosted by Vivianne Knebel

Lesson Learned About Life and Love:
A New Podcast Hosted by Vivianne Knebel is now available on iHeart Radio Radio, iTunes, Spotify and Amazon Music.

Click below to listen:

TUMBLR BLOG

Vivianne Knebel Thoughts, Musings and Writings

My life has been one of both hardship and comfort, demoralization and fulfillment, searching and finding, and uncertainty and hope.
I have learned to embrace life’s trials the same way I welcome its joys: both have the capacity to instruct us. To bring us new levels of appreciation,
to deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us, and to drive us to become our best selves.
 

Welcome to my blog.  These writings, thoughts and musings contain who I am, what I have overcome and strive to be…

This is my story..


EVENTS

vivianne book signing 1
Vivianne during a recent book signing for her memoir “From Rubble to Champagne”, at Warwick’s Book Store in La Jolla, California.

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