Chance and Choice covers the first third of my life (1923-1952) from my childhood in a small German town to my early career as a biologist in London. While concentrating on family and friends, I have tried to convey the spirit of the times - how it felt to be a Jewish girl in Hitler's Germany, an enemy alien in war-torn England, and a girl scientist in what was then a largely male field. My memoir also recalls some interesting people, the countries I have visited, and the joys and tribulations of my research. The story ends with my marriage to Peter Staple, a young English dentist and doctoral student.