Children of the Storm: The Autobiography of Natasha Vins

by Natasha Vins

Young, school-age Natasha receives pressure from her teachers to give her unquestioning allegiance to the Soviet State. Anti-Christian sentiment dogs her family's life as well. The Vins family faces imprisonment, humiliation,court trials, and loss of jobs as part of the persecution waged by their government. In her teen years, Natasha begins to see that doors close to those who remain faithful to Christ. Now she must count the cost and decide for herself whether she wants to pay the price. The autobiography of Natasha Vins.

Genres: Biography, History, Christian, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Religion, Childrens

135 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2002

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book aloud to my kids years ago, but as I've been hearing that the Christian church is being strictly regulated and driven underground in Russia again, I decided to reread it so I could review it on my blog. This story gives the reader an idea of what life was like for Christians living behind Russia's Iron Curtain in the 1960s and 70s. The author tells of her family meeting in secret with fellow believers for church services, of being mocked by her classmates for believing in God, and being pressured to join the Communist youth organization, and then of her father's arrest and imprisonment in Siberia. He was eventually miraculously released and his family was relocated to America in 1979, where they continued to serve in ministries and missionary work focused on the persecuted church and Russia in particular. Mr Vins wrote another book about his experiences entitled The Gospel in Bonds: 8 years in the Soviet Gulags.

This story is not a great work of literature, but simply a personal, unpretentious narrative by its humble writer who wishes to share her family's story to inspire hope and courage to believers everywhere.

We may not appreciate everything about our nation's government, but stories like that of the Vins family should give us pause to be thankful that we still have the freedom to worship publicly, and to read the Bible and talk about our faith without suffering major consequences. It should also serve as a reminder to pray for the persecuted church in Russia, N. Korea, the Middle East and many other places around the globe.

[Bambi Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this one to go along with the reads for our 20th century history studies. It was a fascinating look at the way communism affected the Christians of Russia in the 1970’s. The Vins family was certainly very inspiring in their steadfast faith and all they endured. Especially loved the accounts of how the little ones were treated at school and their perseverance under social persecution. Also, three cheers for resolute grandmothers! “Babushka” was amazing. My children had a hard time enjoying the courtroom talk after the first few accounts.

[Jenny Hartfelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children of the Storm was not an easy read, but an excellent and challenging one that interested even my 8 and 11yo sons. It was more of a detailed, journal style biography, rather than a "story-based" biography.

As Americans, we truly do not comprehend the blessing of the religious freedom we have, nor the persecution of those living under Communist control. Over and over I was struck by the courage the believers demonstrated to continue meeting and serving and preaching--rather than being paralyzed by fear--even when the consequences were horrendous imprisonment or death. Certainly we rejoiced with amazement to see God's sovereign control in ultimately bringing the Vins family to America.

[Lauren Acosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tremendous testimony. Their family had such a love for Jesus and sacrificed so much more than we do for Him.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this for school. Would probably read it on my own free time:)

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't really know what to expect from this and chose it as a read aloud for our history unit that included the fall of communism. I was so impressed by it. It lent itself very well to a read aloud, it was engaging and easy to follow. I'm kind of ashamed how much I didn't/still don't really know about communism/countries that lived under that rule or still do. Even given the subject matter I think it was very well done and not an issue reading to my 7.5 yr old. I have an immense appreciation for my religious freedom and all that entails. We finished the book the same time as the fall of communism lesson and I felt like cheering as we learned about the fall of the Berlin Wall and freedom coming to people who so long had been denied it. I'm grateful this had a happy ending, even if it wasn't the one originally envisioned for Natasha and her family. There were multiple times I got choked up reading this, tears were shed, and I felt connected with this family and their struggles. Couldn't ask for more.

[Grete Telander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is an excellent account of what life was like in the USSR for Christians, and the struggles they faced. It shares a timely reminder of how Christians ought to persist in the face of persecution, and praise God always regardless of the difficulties they face. The language is a little awkward, but even still, when I read the ending to my kids (ages 6-13) everyone was so thrilled to hear the miraculous way the story ended.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book. I had no idea what it was about when I started, and I loved reading the first-hand account of life as a Christian in the Soviet Union under communism. I read this aloud to my 11-year-old, and though hard and sad things happen, it's told in a way that's not overly scary. God's faithfulness shines through the hard things, and it was faith-building for both of us.

[JP · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was a really amazing book and it sounds like it couldn't happen but it did.

[Vicki DeLuzio · Rating 4 out of 5]

easy ready very interesting about Russia during the 1950-1970s and how atheist the communist were. gave me a new appreciation for our country

[Yibbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soviet Russia. The home of a convicted criminal, a preacher of the Gospel.
What would it be like to live there? To love him? To suffer for what he has done and believes? How does a child deal with everyone, her teachers, the police, prison guards telling her that her father is an evil man? Because of him, she can not do this or that; how does a family survive that? More importantly, how do parents pass on truth to children under those circumstances?
This book covers all of that. Best of all it offers the hope they have to everyone. It really helps put the things of this life into perspective. It is written for a child audience, but is good for everyone.

[Lindsay Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of spending time with Natasha before she passed away awhile back. I could hear her voice as I read these pages. It truly is a reflection of the beautiful woman that she was. Simple, grateful, full of Jesus. I only wish I had read it before she passed so I could’ve appreciated her more and asked more questions.

I highly recommend this book! It is not thoroughly in-depth but more of a fly-over of her life in communist Russia. It would make an excellent read aloud and introduction to communism and the persecuted church. So many aspects of the story are very timely to our dying country and the persecution that the Bible-believing church will soon face.

[Salinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book. I really enjoyed reading it. I was pretty hesitant at first because I'm not that much into autobiographies, but it was hard to put down. I always enjoyed the film Captive Faith so to read more about what was happening was really interesting!

I can't think of anything that I feel should be mentioned as far as warnings. Maybe some would rather that children don't read it......?

[Angie Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a hard but hopeful story about God's work in the Soviet Union during the days of the Iron Curtain. At times I found myself thinking I had heard parts of the story before, and now I'm not sure if I came across it in a different form somewhere else, or if maybe I picked the book up at the library and skimmed some parts without fully reading it... (Yes, I've done that before...bad, bad me!)

The writing style didn't fully engage me, but I thought the author did a good job of presenting her family's story in a way that was appropriate and accessible for younger readers without shying away from the awful realities of life under persecution. I was amazed and strengthened by the faith and witness of her entire family, young and old alike. A very valuable testimony and well worth the read.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of the time, Christians think about persecution and martyrs as belonging to Roman times, to the Colosseum, or to Bloody Mary. However, there is still tremendous persecution of Christians today, and this book will certainly open your eyes to it. Natasha Vins is an engaging author writing about the persecution her family experienced in soviet Russia during the 1960s and 70s. I never realized just how hostile the Soviet Union was to Christianity; religious leaders were regularly imprisoned, tried, and even killed just for trying to evangelize. This book will be sure to inspire, intrigue, and convict; certainly worth the read!

[Melanie Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with my eleven year old for homeschool, and it was a fascinating read for both of us. My son kept begging to keep reading, which is always a sign of a great book. This is also an important read for today when so many seem to have forgotten the evils of communism. We were also reading this during our quarantine for the corona virus, and it really helped us put things in perspective and praise God for our many blessings! I think this is a must read for everyone so we never forget the loss of freedom that communism inevitably leads to.

[Sarahelisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The autobiography of the daughter of an Unregistered Baptist pastor, in Soviet Russia. In her teens, Natasha had to think about whether she would be a Christian with all the discrimination that this would involve or follow the atheistic ideology of the State and be able to succeed in a profession.

There is a fair amount of action with house searches, visits to prisons in Siberia and eventual deportation.

Recommended. Suitable as a read aloud for older children-there is plenty to discuss.

[Uncle Alfred · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the former Soviet Union persecution as a Christian was as common as food shortages. This testimony of a pastor's child shares how her world turned upside down when her family members were arrested. The conditions of their multiple internments were faith building, yet bitter with longing to be together as a family again. God preserves her family in an 11th hour miracle, but it comes at great cost.

[Romie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What life was like for Christians in communist USSR. More of these stories need to be recorded and shared. I’m so glad that this is a book I can offer to my children to read and learn about what it was like to be so persecuted for your Christian faith. Much of this happened during my lifetime, and I always am a little bit shocked when I learn of horrible things that were happening that I didn’t even know about.

[Kevin Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This autobiography was so timely. Ms. Vins was born in the Ukraine during the time of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Her grandfather had been executed by the communists for the crime of being a pastor. This story follows her family through the turbulent times where the greatest crime was being a person of faith. Though written for children, adults will be surprised at the depth of thought elicited by her narrative.

[Ava · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this book for school and I enjoyed it. It always amazes me how lucky I am to live in America, and how brave missionaries were back then as their ministry could lead to death. This book definitely opened my eyes up to the tragedies people young and old had to go through to worship God. I'm so thankful that most places around the world accept Christians today.

[Gracie Roach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Currently doing a novel unit over this book with my 6th graders at a Christian private school. Every day they tell me how much they love this book! It’s their favorite of the year, better than Percy Jackson (high praise if you’re a 12 year old). It beautifully represents Gods sovereignty in all circumstances as well as how we are called to care for our fellow believers.

[Erin Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent biography of the Vins family, and the persecution they dealt with in living and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Reminds us all to be thankful for the freedoms we have to worship the Lord as we see fit.

[SusanandDavid Kalman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book about growing up as a Christian in Soviet-controlled Ukraine in the 1960's and 70's. It was eye-opening for me, as I had never read a Christian biography from that time or place before.

[Moriah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The true story and testimony of Natasha Vins was well-told. Part of it almost made me cry. The persecution of Christian believers during the Soviet Union and injustice done against them is history that all Christians, even western ones, should know.

[AnnaLee Conti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring!

Reading this story gave me even more appreciation for our freedom of worship here in America. We often take it for granted. I recommend this well-written, spell-binding book for everyone.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This autobiography is written for a young audience but, none the less, it was fascinating to read about life as part of the underground church in the Soviet Union, especially since much of her history paralleled my own, though in very different circumstances. Thank you, Natasha!

[Emily Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

True story of an incredibly faithful Christian family who endured years of persecution and imprisonment in Soviet Union. I gave it 4 stars because it’s not my favorite writing style, but the story itself and these people’s steadfast examples get 10 stars.

[Lisa Huettl · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enduring story of one Christian families life in Soviet Russia in the 1960's and 70's. Despite persecution, imprisonment, and other hardships due to their faith the family trusted God to see them through.

[Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing autobiography. It is definitely one of my favorite nonfiction books that I have read in the past few years. The story was very moving and entertaining. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick nonfiction read.