You run across a book now and then that just hits you directly in read feels. Yes, I know - it's a fictionalized story based on true accounts in recounting the history of the bravery of Helena and her mother Francszecki Halamojawa. The names of others were changed. It's the account of what transpired and the end result that are the factual foundation this story is built upon.
Do any of us know exactly how brave and courageous for Helena and her mother to hide Jewish families ( Helena did not know that there were 15 in hiding in their small, unassuming farm. She also hid a Nazi ( in uniform only ) soldier . All he (Helmut) wanted, was to go home and farm (like his savior) and take care of his Oma (German for Grandmother- who raised and taught him right from wrong. Which is probably why he couldn't shoot another human, nor could he shoot an animal)
All in all, at one time there were 6,000 Jews in the small town of Sokal, Poland. But by 1945 there were were only 30-- 15 of which Helena and her mother saved by hiding them..
Can these atrocities ever be repeated? Does history really repeat itself? Will we sit back , keep our mouths shut, turn a blind eye to what's going on directly under our noses? And keep our ears deaf to the howling of the pain, the injustices committed against humanity?? Because to remain silent and do nothing, is the true evil of sin.
Well worth the 5 stars...well worth the time reading, well worth the lesson learned. --- take the time to read this..--P/