With the Wind to the West: The Great Balloon Escape

by Jürgen Petschull, Courtney Searls (Translator)

As the moon rose at midnight and a favourable breeze began to blow to the West and freedom, two East German families, four adults and four children, began an adventure that became the most dramatic escape yet undertaken from Eastern Europe.
With the Wind to the West tells of their almost unbelievable flight, in September 1979, to West Germany aboard a home-made hot air balloon, the largest such balloon (eight storeys high) ever made.

Genres: Nonfiction

180 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Rhoda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 1982 Disney film (with the same title as the book) is what brought me here. I've loved that movie for years and frequently rewatch it. After another viewing of that film, I wanted to know more about the real story and came across a quote from one of the family members stating that they weren't satisfied with how Disney portrayed their story. That sealed it; I had to find out WHY.

****Please note that in 2019, another film adaption was made, a German film called Balloon by Studiocanal. From what I have found, English subtitles are not available, and the DVD is only offered in Region 2 formatting, so I haven't seen it yet. It does show that it's available with Prime Video on Amazon, but I don't know if it has English subtitles.****

Night Crossing follows two families, the Strelzyks and the Wetzels, as they plan their escape from East Germany by hot air balloon. Having lived in a strictly controlled Communist area where they are frequently fed propaganda and where dissension of any kind, even stating a negative opinion about the government, is forbidden, the dissatisfaction of both families grows until they can't stand it any longer. They are tired of asking permission and being denied and having no control over their lives. How I would love for books like this to be required school reading! Thus, the plan to escape by hot air balloon to the forbidden West Germany is born.

I have to say: I ABSOLUTELY love the plan to build a hot air balloon. It's fantastic and absolutely amazing, especially when neither man had ever done so before. If one reads this, please don't let black words on a white page conceal from you how extraordinarily daring and clever this whole endeavor was.

The first time I saw the movie (and I'd never heard the story before), I thought the story was magnificent. I rewatched the movie very soon after just because it was so unusual. Having read the real account now, my sentiments remain the same. I can see why there was some displeasure in the way Disney brought the tale to the screen, but I also still love the film. Quite a bit is left out in the movie, yet I found it satisfying after reading the book.

This is an extraordinary read, perhaps not as flashy or fast-paced or exciting as some. For me, what makes it so incredible, so special, is that it all really happened. Dear readers, it's true, and I love that!

I do want to make one extra comment. There were many close calls and instances where things were chalked up to sheer luck...There's only so many near escapes and fortunate outcomes a person can have before they come to realize they probably have some outside help. As with most of my reading, I could see the Lord's hand in this story, whether He was ever given the credit or not.

Overall: Love this tale of great risk and incredible escape. This is an unforgettable, true story.

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

While a rather unemotional account of the events surrounding a daring escape from a totalitarian regime, the observation and increasing awareness of propaganda in their everyday lives, and the care and consideration to their community by choosing to be friendless was stark. The bleak reality of living in such a world. Fantastic novel, well worth the read.

[Christine Mathieu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Das Buch beschreibt die aeusserst spannende Geschichte zweier Familien aus der Ex-DDR, die im September 1979 eine aufsehenerregende Flucht per selbstgenaehtem Fesselballon in den Westen unternehmen.
Der erste Anlauf misslingt, aber sie geben nicht auf...

Disney verfilmte die Geschichte kurz darauf.

[Carmelita Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A riveting and spell binding read that had my attention from Page 1. It is the first time in a very long time that I finished the book in one sitting over a total of +- 3 hours.

Recommended for those readers who enjoy suspense and nail biting scenarios.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: This rating comes from my 12 year old self, in a recently discovered school assignment.

[Edgar camilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great history that remind us all the struggles people have to deal with to achieve freedom

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true story about a successful escape from East Germany to West Germany by balloon in 1979 by two families, 8 people. They used a handmade hot air balloon to escape the oppressive German Democratic Republic. The book gives all the details of the family, their lives under communism, and their two attempts at leaving, the last being the successful attempt.

This was a very easy and interesting read. There were moments of suspense and worry that the families would not make it, ultimately it was a very inspiring and touching story about freedom and family. I particularly loved all the little insights into the families’ life in East Germany.

[Booklover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Im usualy more into the young adult books an stuff like that, but someone asked me to read this book, and though its a older book, i think its great. its not as dramatic and whatever as most popular books are, but its a true and amazing story. :)

[Jayme · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have vague memories of reading a book like this in elementary school, though this is not the book. Still, it’s interesting to learn about the long process behind their successful effort and the conditions in East Germany when they left.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for book group and really enjoyed it- the story is just fascinating and though sometimes it read like a newspaper article, I found this true life story captivating.

[Ike · Rating 2 out of 5]

One word = dramatized

[Grandma · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of interesting information in the book that was not in the movie.