Corrie Ten Boom: Heroine of Haarlem

Heroes of the Faith

by Sam Wellman

For challenge and encouragement in your Christian life, read the life stories of the Heroes of the Faith. The novelized biographies of this series are inspiring and easy-to-read, ideal for Christians of any age or background. In Corrie ten Boom, you’ll get to know the Dutch watchmaker whose powerful Christian faith led her to protect Jews during World War II—and carried her through the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp after her activities were discovered. Appropriate for readers from junior high through adult, helpful for believers of any background, these biographies encourage greater Christian commitment through the example of heroes like Corrie ten Boom.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Christian, History, Christian Non Fiction, Faith, World War II

205 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Sam Wellman, PhD, is a writer of numerous biographies. He has traveled to Germany many times and twice stayed for several months (in Berlin and Wittenberg). He blogs and tweets on Martin Luther and Frederick the Wise. He lives near Wichita, Kansas.

Reviews

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many reasons I have admired Corrie Ten Boom since I was a young girl first reading her story, and Sam Wellman captures most of them. The only thing better is reading the primary sources (Corrie's books) themselves.

Reasons I was reminded I love Corrie Ten Boom:

1) The wonderful people in her family. Opa, Betsy, Willem, Nollie, Mama, and all the Aunts each work out their faith in practical ways.

2) Corrie, as the youngest, was usually the last to 'get it,' and I relate to that slowness. Her willingness to learn from others is a characteristic I hope I can emulate, her following in the footsteps of the faithfulness of others is a path I want to tread.

3) I have always been blessed by reviewing Corrie and Nollie's argument about honesty. You have to read for yourself how each sister sought to honor the LORD and how He honored and sustained them as they sought him.

4) Corrie wasn't unfailingly confident she was doing the right thing, in fact she was often conflicted. Too many biographies of Christians over inflate their own confidence in their life choices. The reality is life is messy, our choices are often not purely 'right' or 'wrong' and the outcomes are uncertain. Corrie captured that reality in her writing and Wellman has replicated it.

5) She magnified Jesus. She knew her own weakness. She wasn't caught up in herself, but was seeking to be dependent on the LORD in her weakness to show Him that much stronger. These two passages come to mind:

2 Corinthians 12:9 "And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast [c]about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me."

John 3:21 "But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”

6) Corrie anticipated a predictable life, until Hitler invaded Holland and her faithfulness to the LORD transformed her into a national and international hero. While her preparation was lifelong, her true brilliance didn't shine until she was advanced in years - you never know what God is preparing.

A note on using this book with students: The imprisonment accounts are tastefully done, but unavoidably brutal. A sexual assault of a woman in service by the master of the house (prior to the imprisonment), life & death betrayal, prostitutes and the favors they attained from male guards (but not HOW they gained them beyond the label they wore), male guards assaulting female prisoners, forced naked searches and mass showers, and disgusting latrines (both diarrhea suffered by prisoners and use of the foal space to conceal actions from guards) are all discussed. They are not graphic, but younger readers may be confused about what is being discussed or need assistance processing the horrors of the prison camps in general. While the account here is both shorter and less detailed than "The Hiding Place," teachers should use caution in assessing the emotional maturity of the children reading.

This shorter biography for children was like having coffee with an old friend. Recommended for young readers or a brief refresher, but pales in comparison to the numerous original books.

[MaryEllen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an overall good story. It was inspirational and it covered Corrie's entire life from childhood to death. Although the story was interesting, I gave it 3 stars because the writing was choppy. The transitions from one moment in time to the next didn't flow. The story was full of information about Corrie's life, but since it was covering such a long span of time (within a short amount of pages), it didn't feel as personal as it should. However, I liked the Bible verses mentioned and the encouraging spirit of Corrie and her family; those sections were great in building up the reader's faith by showing how strong their faith in God was. Made me reflect on my own personal walk, which was a plus. Overall, I'd recommend this book to those who are interested in learning more about Corrie ten Boom's life.

[Challice · Rating 5 out of 5]

"But a woman who had survived the Nazi concentration camps didnt quit but prayed harder."

"In God's world there are no 'ifs.' No place is any safer than any other place. Our only safety is in the center of God's will. Let us pray that we know His will."

Fantastic read aloud for my kids ages 13-4. We were all engaged. In chapter 2, page 17 there is a teenager that plays a "game" and its cleanly described but if you like to be aware for appropriate ages here is a scene.

For the camp, you do see the degradation of having to walk naked before the Gestapo. However, it was tactfully done in my humble opinion. My children understood the nastiness but it was done in better ways than some of the modern works.

Corrie intended her story to point to Betsie's vision of sharing the gospel with many. And throughout this book we saw more and more of God's hand in the Ten Boom household.

[Testi_moni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazing woman esp. In her later years with all the work for God although she was aging! There is no retirement with God!😁
I did not like the authors writing at all, it felt so choppy and out of system.🤷‍♀️ sad..

[Carol H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simplistically written yet difficult to read. How tenacious for the Lord was Corrie ten Boom?!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corrie ten Boom tells an unbeleivable story of faith. I highly recommend reading this book.

[Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago, when I was very young, I read The Hiding Place and it affected me deeply. Reading this biography as an adult, I realized how little I remembered about her actual story in Holland. I remembered vividly her relationship with her sister in the camp. So much more depth to the story than the vignette of what I remembered reading as a child. Such determination and faith. And it's funny hearing about how blunt and curt she was in her delivery with everything including her evangelism. She was who she was and she accepted that because she knew God had a plan in her life. She got angry and frustrated and then would realize she had forgotten God's role in her life. How very human and authentic. Beautiful faith. So glad to have reminded myself of her place in this world.

[Cherrylyn B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Recently I've been re-reading some of Corrie ten Boom's book, and since we also own this book I decided to read it too. It was underwhelming. The writing wasn't the best. But my main complaint is that a lot of details were slightly changed from what is recorded in the Hiding Place. In a biography of a writer you hope for details that might not be covered in their books, but with all the liberties that were taken with details it was hard to know what was the result of more in-depth research and what is author's liberties. It seems unnecessary to change details that are recorded elsewhere for people to read. Between In My Father's House, The Hiding Place, and Tramp for the Lord, you get a good and more in-depth overview of her life, with better writing. This is more of a fly-over view.

[Kayce · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the ultimate story of Corrie ten Boom’s life remains her own writing in The Hiding Place, this book still reminds the reader why she is a hero of the Christian faith. I love reading about her life because as surrounded as she was by seemingly saintly family members who appeared more Christ-like than I think I could ever be, I relate to Corrie’s “regular” thoughts and feelings. What makes her a hero to me is that she trusted God through her desperate trials despite these natural feelings and thoughts. She teaches me what faith looks like and how to follow God day by day in my life.

[Esmerald City · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was a 9 or 10 year old Little girl, now I've forgot some details, but the things I can remember make me want to read it again, it's just that I have another books without read, you know?
It tells the history of the life of the Little Corrie, the daugther of a watchmaker, we can read when she's going thru hard times, and the mercy hands of God help her, and her family, I love it.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't really know anything about Corrie Ten Boom before picking up this book, but my grandma loaned this to me and thought I would enjoy it. I liked learning about how she spread the gospel to so many people throughout her struggles during WWII and even how she used her experiences to continue doing that after. Inspiring to see someone continually looking to the Lord for guidance throughout their life, even through unimaginable sufferings.

[Eric Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing life of survival and forgiveness despite anyone's misgivings on the religious underpinnings and direction. In retrospect I think Corrie should have turned in the sob guard that helped kill her family, but her courage to extend forgiveness is a noble example for sure. But why did it take so mfing long to read this one?

In 1999 I wrote: A very inspirational book

[Rachel Grepke · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many people lost their lives during the Holocaust, but also many survived. This is the story of one such woman. Her focus, faith and endurance led to an amazing life. My only critique of this book is I felt it could have gone deeper.

[Lylah Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book is so inspiring. Corries faith shocks me. I believe that the Lord strengthened her, and gave her the ability to do all that she did. This book is very edifying and I am very glad that I read it.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF. After reading “The hiding place” earlier this year which is a well written amazing story, this book pales in comparison. It’s choppy, poorly written and hard to follow. It gets 3 stars only because I know the content is amazing but read The hiding place instead.

[Abigail Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝐈𝐧 𝐆𝐨𝐝'𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨 '𝐢𝐟𝐬'. 𝐍𝐨 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝'𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥."

The world needs more stories like this!! What an encouragement it was to re-read this book and see just how much God can use a surrendered life for His plan and purpose!

[Azaniah Ilyas · Rating 5 out of 5]

corrie ten boom is a very inspiring woman.we all should try to have a strong faith like her.

[Brandon Hannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good book, but the writing was poor in spots.

[Daniela Maron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calatoare pentru Domnul - Corrie Ten Boom - Jamie Buckingham

[Joseph Hosanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cool Biography.... I wish it could be improved still more...with the content

[Hannah]

A

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read at least 2 of Corrie ten Boom's books, so I was excited to see this at my used book store. The writing was so awful, it distracted from the story. Quick to read, but disappointing overall.

[Emma Filbrun]

I first read The Hiding Place many years ago, and have been intrigued by the life of Corrie ten Boom ever since. Corrie ten Boom: World War II Heroine gives us a fuller picture of the life of this great woman of God, showing us her early years as well as the later years of her life.

Read my full review here.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing life this woman led. Tremendous courage and strength, all through Christ as her strength. It was really challenging to read about the very human everyday difficulties of her youth and then those of being in the Dutch underground, the prison and Ravensbruck. Her steadfastness in faith is an inspiration.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read "The Hiding Place" a few times, but not this version of Corrie Ten Boom's life. It was very similar, and yet written for a bit younger audience. I'll be on the look out for more books about this amazing woman.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely love the story of Corrie's life, and read The Hiding Place a few years ago. Was nice to read a biography. The 3 is because the actual writing of the book is average to poor, but it does give an ok overall look at her life, emphasizing her time in prison/concentration camps.

[Megan Ivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is incredible! I have to take off a star because of the writing. It is written for a very young audience, but even with that consideration it felt clumsy most of the way through. I am inspired to read A Hiding Place though, so for a biography the author did his job :-)

[Tigerlily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! It helped me to make parallels with history and Corrie's story. At times I couldn't put it down. It encourages me to have faith in God and trust Him no matter what! I would definitely encourage the reading of this book. (:

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone should read a biography about Corrie Ten Boom. It's an amazing story.

[Laura Robb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story of a Holocaust survivor and one who continued to serve God her whole life!