English Girl, German Boy: World War II from Both Sides

by Tessa Börner, Martin Borner

This is the story of World War 11 seen through the eyes of two people – one English and one German. Starting in the early 20th century, the authors describe the lives of their ancestors in Britain and Germany, and their experiences living through World War 11. With the help of her mother’s notes and letters, Tessa writes a poignant account of bombings, hardship and the death of her father in the Battle of the Atlantic. Through Martin’s eyes, we learn how he survived the Dresden firebombing, escaped from communist East Germany and how ordinary Germans suffered. They met, married and raised a family in Canada and made several return visits to East Germany during and after the Communist era. We hope this first hand account from "both sides" will lead the reader towards a better understanding of the conditions which led up to World War 11.

Genres: Biography

273 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2005

Reviews

[Marlene Rohr · Rating 4 out of 5]

The life and love story of a husband and wife whose countries were in conflict with each other during their childhoods throughout the second world war. A sobering view of the atrocities of war and the long-lasting effect on those affected. The fact that these people survived and were successful in their new country of Canada is a wonderful story of truly overcoming. It also gives the reader an insider's view into what happened in East Germany after the war ended and how destructive the communist government was in the everyday lives of the citizens.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I met Martin Borner at his B&B in Costa Rica, which prompted me to read this book.
I focused mostly on the second half of the book, which tells his "German Boy" story. His story is actually quite interesting and well written. He grew up near Dresden and was in Dresden when the city was pointlessly obliterated by Allied bombing late in WWII; he later escaped to the West in the late '40's. His parents stayed behind in East Germany, so the reader is given some insight into the conditions there in the Cold War era.
A book well worth reading.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

I met the author in Costa Rica and the book tells of two children who lived through WWII on opposite sides. How they met, fell in love, married and eventually opened a Bed & Breakfast on a mountain-side in Costa Rica.

[Janet Shelton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book written by Posada Mimosa, Grecia, Costa Rica B&B hosts. Martin survived the Dresden Fire Bombing and escaped from East Germany after WWII. Became an international real estate investor living in Canada. Very interesting life stories.