The Linden Tree Legacy

About the Book

The Linden tree, with its heart shaped leaves and medicinal flowers, grows in abundance in Europe. In the country of Slovenia it is thought to be the witness of many generations and point the way to heaven. Four generations of Slovene ancestry are depicted in these pages. They experience adventure, passion, sorrow, love, and forgiveness. You will learn what happens to vivacious Louiza, handsome Anton, sweet Rose and gentle Frank when they immigrate to the United States. Their lives are affected by the historic events that occur in the first half of the twentieth century; World War I, Prohibition, The Great Depression, and the beginning of World War II.

The main characters are Louiza and Anton Poncek and three of their children; Ivan, Stefan, and Theresa.  Friend Milan. brother Andrew , childhood friend Ljupa, fiancé Agnes and old enemy Jako, are important to their story.

Other main characters are Frank and Rose Koznar and four of their children; Josip, Beth, Katja, and Eddi. Brother Pavel and his wife Helena, Dr. Malvec, Hans, Anchka, White Dove and cousin Fritzy affect the Koznar’s lives.

About the Author

Beverly was born in Ohio and moved to the San Fernando Valley in Southern California as a child with her sister and her parents. At that time many people in the entertainment industry such as Bob Hope and Bing Crosby lived in the valley. Beverly attended Van Nuys High School with celebrities Robert Redford, Natalie Wood, Diane Baker, and Don Drysdale; the famous Dodger baseball pitcher. She was interviewed on A&E and CNN television programs due to her friendship with Redford. She was a friend of Ed Masry, the lawyer in the movie “Erin Brochovich,” while attending Valley College.

         After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene at the University of Southern California, she worked in a dental office across the street from Universal Studios where actor Stephen Boyd (co-starred with Charlton Heston in “Ben Hur”) and actor Doug McClure (he had perfect teeth) were patients. While at that office, she met and married a charming aerospace engineer.

        Beverly was a clinical instructor at her alma mater for five years. She was an active member of the PTA and was a volunteer at the local art center for many years. She participated in scholarship committees for U.S.C. students and raised funds for A.A.U W. by acting in reader’s theater. She continues to be a member of several support groups of the Norris Theatre.

       After retiring from dentistry and interviewing her aging parents about their lives, Beverly fictionalized their stories into this book. One of the main characters, Beth, represents her mother. It is said a book takes on a personality of its own and leads the author down paths never planned. This became true for her.

     These people are thanked for their inspiring instruction: Dr. Ross Winterowd, Professor Emeritus of U.S.C; Stephen Smoke, author-lecturer, musician; and John Knoerle; author-editor. She is grateful for the many hours husband Harlan and son Brian spent reviewing the manuscript. She appreciates Marko Smrdlj, for his expertise of the Slovene language, the critiques of the Writer’s Workshop, the encouragement of the Southwest Manuscripters, and the advice from educators, Carol Palmer, and June Schwarzmann.  She thanks Mark Knudson, Eric and Joelle Knudson, LaVerne Francis, Anne Destabelle, Melody Intagliata and Mary Kehrl, for their support.