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Discover the glamorous life of Albertina Zimmerman, who traversed the Atlantic from Habsburg Austria to New York-a wild land "where the streets are paved with gold."
Albertina Zimmerman, known affectionately as "Oma" by her loving grandson, Bernard, was an endless source of fascination and an avid narrator of true stories whose protagonists were leading figures from music, politics, and the Viennese opera.Born to a distinguished family in Silesia, she lived the grand old days of the Habsburg Empire in Austria to the fullest, forging friendships with composers such as Bedrich Smetana and the undisputed "Waltz King," Johann Strauss.This book is a testimony to a grandson's admiration and love for a woman who lived for fashion, art, and all things beautiful. Inside, you will discover:
How Oma brushed shoulders with the biggest celebrities and eminences of her time-including Empress Elisabeth (the famous "Empress Sisi"). Oma's attendance at historic events such as the premiere of Die Fledermaus. The violent assassination that took the life of Empress Sisi. The tragic murder-suicide pact between the Crown Prince Rudolph and his young mistress, the 17-year-old Baroness Marie von Vetsera. The clashes between the Emperor, Franz Joseph, and his heir, Franz Ferdinand-whose assassination led to the outbreak of World War I.
And much more.More than a recollection of Oma's interactions with the elite of Vienna, many of Bernard's recollections involve tender moments he experienced in the company of Oma. She was a champion for multilingual education. She believed that her grandson should be well-schooled in music and singing, and she told the American school system about it. Empire's Orphan is an intimate tale of a woman who lived and breathed for culture and the arts. Far from resting on her fortune and good luck, she was a fierce protector of her family, making a courageous move to New York in search of a better future for those she loved. Immerse yourself in the fascinating highs and lows of Oma's life and warm your heart with the beautiful connection she shared with her grandson.
