At the heart of Ibis, tucked away on Sandhill Court, lives someone whose storytelling bridges generations and continents. Meet Peter Benario—a longtime resident, avid community member, and now, published author whose deeply personal project blossomed into a powerful piece of memoir and historical reflection.

Peter and his wife, Karen, have called Ibis home for 11 years since moving from New York, finding not just sunshine and great golf but also an inspiring network of neighbors and friends. But it was back in his college days at American University, where Peter served as Sports Editor for the campus paper The Eagle, that his love for writing truly began to take root.

Fast forward a few decades, and that passion led Peter on an extraordinary journey—one sparked by a manuscript left behind by someone very dear to him: his mother.

Her story, Yesterday Was Not So Long Ago, began as a family keepsake, a labor of love she wrote over the course of 12 years, based on her diaries. It's a heartfelt account of her life growing up in Nazi Germany during the 1930s and 40s. But as Peter read and reread her words, he realized this story was more than a private memoir—it was a powerful narrative the world needed to hear.

Bringing the book to life was no small feat. Peter merged two versions of her original writing, added his father's story, and extended the timeline through the rest of her life. The result is not just a historical account, but a layered tale of resilience, love, family, and the bonds that transcend even the darkest times. From the tender relationships she shared with her parents to an unexpected romance with a German naval officer and a cherished connection with Peter’s Jewish grandmother, the story offers both emotional depth and historical insight.

Peter credits his editor, Carolyn, for helping bring everything together. “She truly was my rock,” he shares. And while the creative journey was rewarding, Peter also discovered that publishing a book is just the beginning—marketing and sharing it with the world is a challenge in itself.

Still, the spark is lit. Peter already has several ideas brewing for future works—some staying rooted in WWII-era storytelling, others venturing into the world of historical fiction. One thing is certain: he’s chasing stories that stir the soul, thrill the heart, and celebrate the human spirit.

His advice for other aspiring writers? “Don’t give up! The odds might be against you, but the thrill of holding your finished book in your hands is worth every ounce of effort.”

As for life in Ibis, Peter couldn’t be more grateful. “Our neighborhood truly has it all—from sports to social events, dining to friendship. But most of all, it’s the people who make it so special.”

You can follow Peter and his writing journey on Instagram @pbenario and Facebook @peterbenario.

 

You can see Peter’s upcoming book signings and event schedule at  www.peterbenario.com.