THE STORIES – and songs – of ex-patriot Poles she has met since moving to southern England has inspired writer Barbara Cluff to distil their experiences into a book.

In a sweeping narrative, covering the years from 1899 to 1944, A Polish Symphony documents the struggle of the Polish people to return to independence through occupation by Russian and German regimes.

Now living in Chichester, Barbara was born in Poland, educated in Germany and married to a Briton, Roger Cluff, and, as with many people of her background, her family never talked about the Second World War or the many privations suffered by previous generations.

Gradually over the past five years, she has collected reminiscences, including nursery rhymes and songs, from Poles who wanted to remember their homeland. She has woven these into a historically accurate story with a central figure of Viktor, who wants to tell his children about his, and their, identity.

The Cluffs have written children’s books but this is Barbara’s first for adults. It will be launched at Petersfield’s One Tree Books, in Lavant Street, on Tuesday, October 23, at 6pm.