Michelle Barker wrote A Year of Borrowed Men from the early childhood memories of her mother, Gerda. A versatile writer, Michelle has published short fiction; nonfiction; a fantasy novel, The Beggar King; and a book of poetry. She has lived and travelled in many places with her husband and four children, settling most recently in Penticton, British Columbia.
When World War II "borrows" most of the men in Germany, seven-year-old Gerda's family is allowed to borrow three French prisoners of war to help run their farm. They are supposed to treat the men as enemies, but the family finds clever ways to show kindness and friendship. Based on a true story.
