Brothers on the Run: Fleeing Hitler, Fighting Franco

by Pat Lorraine Simons

Based on a true story, Brothers on the Run takes you on an high-velocity ride across pre-World War II Europe. In 1933, two teenage Jewish brothers barely escape death at the Nazis’ hands only to find themselves crisscrossing Europe as unwanted refugees whose survival depends on their luck, daring, and wits. In 1936, when the United States denies them entry, the boys enlist as foreign soldiers in the Spanish Civil War— a fateful decision that indelibly scars them, but that also brutally delivers them into manhood and serendipitously opens the door to freedom.

Genres: World War II

331 pages, Paperback

First published April 5, 2013

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rudolph and Gottfried deserve four stars for their story. The author did a fine job writing their stories about their escape from Germany prior to WWII. These teenaged boys were Jewish German citizens when their journey began. They were men by journey's end. Hitler came to power in 1933. His intention to wipe out the Jews is well known. Through Germany, Switzerland, France and Spain, Rudolph and Gottfried stayed a step ahead of hell. They were fortunate in that resistance movements helped them escape Europe, they had family waiting for them in America, and between the two of them they had necessary talents to reach their destination. Their life along the way made for wonderful reading. Weren't they a pair?

The author's research left me disturbed. Her research was documented, but I question the reliability of the documentation. So much has been written about Hitler and his friends that it seems everybody has been in bed with Hitler at one time or another, with or without knowledge. I am not satisfied about Hitler's funding of the war. Must I now believe that Henry Ford was a Hitlerite? I think that as Hitler was becoming a rising star, he was popular. What he became was unacceptable. This is a simplistic answer to a complicated question, but I am writing a review, not a book.

Thank you, Ms. Simons, for a good read.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of the author's German/Jewish father and uncle in Europe in the 1930's both right before Hitler came into power and a few years after and how that affected their family. The brothers spend a number of years crisscrossing Europe trying to stay ahead of those that want to hurt them. The author wrote it in the brother's voices as their story was told to her. The brothers were 79 and 81 years old when they told their story and because so many years had passed, I'm wondering if the horror of it all was somewhat dulled in their memory since the story was told somewhat light heartedly and it seemed a bit like they were having an adventure instead of running for their lives.
At the back of the book the author gives many historical details and, while I know that the USA and many other nations did quite a lot of business with Germany and even continued for awhile after most of them were aware of how horrible Hitler was, it is always a shock to read the names and events that happened in the pursuit of money.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite subject to read about is the Holocaust and World War II, so I was ecstatic when I won this book in a giveaway. I absolutely loved this book! One of my favorite things about it was that every other chapter was told from the perspective of Gottfried or Rudolf, two German-Jewish brothers traveling across Europe. I liked this back and forth because both of their stories got to be told even when they were not together. I found it easy to tell the brothers apart while reading the chapters which I was happy about because that worried me when I first started the book. This story was so original and the personalities of the brothers really came out in the text. I also loved the pictures that were included throughout the book. Overall, I thought this book gave a great perspective of two brother's struggles during war and tragedy. I will be recommending it to my family and friends.



I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Fran Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Hitler came to power, only the three youngest boys remained in Giessen, Germany with their parents. Their Father was a WWI hero but that didn't mean anything to the Nazi's. This is the story of Gottfried and Rudolf and how they survived by their wits on the run. The true story takes them to Paris and to Spain during the Spanish Civil War where they fought against Franco. The story is engaging, sad, and heart warming.There are certain grammar and spelling errors which are distracting but on the whole it's a wonderful book that let's you feel in detail what is happening around these young men.

[Laura Jostes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meeting the author tonight at our Book club. It will be great to hear first hand how the book came about! It is a fast reading book--a real eye opener to the plight of refugees wherever they may be found in the world.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows two German Jewish brothers, Rudolph and Gottfried, as they flee Germany and attempt to make their way to the United States prior to WWII. Based on the life stories of her father (Gottfried) and Uncle Rudolph, Ms. Simons does an excellent job of making you feel as if you are listening to the boys tell their stories as they occur. This page-turner was an excellent story and an easy read. Will definitely be recommending it to my friends.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Margy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small book, big subject. At first I was dismayed by the style of writing, but my disappointment disappeared after 20 pages as I was caught up in the story. I am thrilled with the goodness of so many people who helped these two young men survive. The addition of photos throughout the book add a lot of support. I loved the notes section at the end. These notes are so informative historically as well as personally to their story. The explanation of the politics of the Spanish Civil War was especially excellent! Thank you Ms Simons.

[Elice Mcneely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never Forget

We can never forget what happened during World War II

I rather enjoyed this book.

It was very interesting to read this story bout this family of German Jews who weren't sent to concentration camps.

It's the first book of that sort they've read. I loved the actual photos included for reference (only wish there had been more)

[L. Eira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story, the intrigue, the recounting of the factual history of that time. It is a must read.

I'm glad the author chose to tell this story. We must never forget the ugly facts of how people lived in that period of time. Let history never repeat itself.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A "MUST" READ!
Very few books get 5 stars from me, and this is one. Non-fiction memoirs of two brothers running from Hitler's Nazis from 1934 to 1937, told from each one's viewpoint, but presented concurrently.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing journey by the author's father and uncle as they flee Nazi Germany and make their way to America. I am so glad that the author took the time to write down her family history and share it with us. This book was a quick read and held my attention.

[Ginny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting true story of two brothers during the early years of Hitler. I found the footnotes to be as interesting as the actual story. The author visited our book group so that added an interesting dimension.

[Peter J Strauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heroes of the greatest generation

Simons illuminates the courageous lives of her father and uncle whose personalities are vividly brought to life. This is a life-affirming well-researched work that reads like a novel. Read it and cry tears of joy.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredible tale! Two brothers escape capture by Nazis through wit, card playing, womanizing and a good dose of luck. An amazing adventure!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! As a true story, I enjoyed their misadventures and the comical way they survived in such a dangerous situation.

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book about two Jewish brothers escaping death and prison in the late 1930's. It is quite descriptive, and the 2 brothers are very likable. I enjoyed it very much.

[Janet Mulroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed the writing style and perspective of the times through the two brothers' eyes.