The author has said that she thought often of keeping a diary during the extraordinary ordeal of living under foreign occupation and oppression—not unlike the day-to-day record keeping employed by Anne Frank in Holland during the same time period. “But I didn’t even have paper or a pencil—and I was never in one place long enough to have time to write, much less to ensure safekeeping for them,” Anna recalls. “I suppose you could say that with the memories still as vivid today as the events were 50 years ago, Only the Birds are Free is the diary I never wrote at that time!”

In addition to the many people who have experienced wonderment, suspense, and inspiration from reading Anna’s book, there are hundreds more who have been touched by a personal presentation about the book’s story. Dr. Cornwell is available for talks and classroom presentations, as well as participation in book discussion groups. Such presentations can take a variety of points of focus, depending upon the audience’s interests and needs, e.g. a tie-in to current events, early displays of courage and leadership for youth groups, a literal look at history in the making, or reflections on dealing with life’s challenges and overcoming adversity.

To contact Dr. Cornwell about a presentation or to get more information, please go to our contact section on this site.

Dr. Cornwell addresses an audience in her hometown in Greece