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The Upside of Hunger: A True Tale
"Beautiful, shocking, at times painful... the magnificently told story of a man who triumphed over the limitations of history to become his greatest self." The life he was born into was too small for Adam Baumann. But getting out in the midst of a world at war was dangerous.
Born in an isolated village in eastern Hungary between the great wars, Adam yearned for more. More excitement, more freedom, more knowledge of the world... and often more food. Locked up for theft at age nine, Adam's life took one tumultuous turn after another. From a twelve-year-old stable hand on a nobleman's estate, to a fifteen-year-old shivering in a foxhole on the Eastern Front, Adam's hunger for a bigger life led him into spine tingling adventures, mind-numbing horror, heart-breaking tears, and terrifying brushes with death. Awakening in a makeshift hospital with a shattered left leg, Adam was catapulted into a series of captures and narrow escapes from enemy forces as Europe reeled from the final destruction and horror of WWII.
Never standing still, he journeyed through war-torn landscapes to find and reunite his family, and began to build a life from the ashes, until the results of a medical examination at an American Embassy in Germany changed the course of his future forever.
Born in an isolated village in eastern Hungary between the great wars, Adam yearned for more. More excitement, more freedom, more knowledge of the world... and often more food. Locked up for theft at age nine, Adam's life took one tumultuous turn after another. From a twelve-year-old stable hand on a nobleman's estate, to a fifteen-year-old shivering in a foxhole on the Eastern Front, Adam's hunger for a bigger life led him into spine tingling adventures, mind-numbing horror, heart-breaking tears, and terrifying brushes with death. Awakening in a makeshift hospital with a shattered left leg, Adam was catapulted into a series of captures and narrow escapes from enemy forces as Europe reeled from the final destruction and horror of WWII.
Never standing still, he journeyed through war-torn landscapes to find and reunite his family, and began to build a life from the ashes, until the results of a medical examination at an American Embassy in Germany changed the course of his future forever.
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First published July 7, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
May 31, 2019
One of the best books I have read in the recent months. A real page-turner with rich plot (hard to believe it’s non-fiction) and flawless writing that just keeps you reading.
June 26, 2019
This is easily one of my favourite books. I would have given this 6 stars if could have.
The author tells the incredible story of Adam Baumann growing up in Hungary during WWII and the challenges he encounters before ultimately immigrating to Canada.
This true story shares a side of events I, as a reader, had never encountered. I am in awe of Adam, and thankful to Roxi for sharing his story so beautifully.
Do yourself a favour and pick up this book. You will not be disappointed.
The author tells the incredible story of Adam Baumann growing up in Hungary during WWII and the challenges he encounters before ultimately immigrating to Canada.
This true story shares a side of events I, as a reader, had never encountered. I am in awe of Adam, and thankful to Roxi for sharing his story so beautifully.
Do yourself a favour and pick up this book. You will not be disappointed.
July 17, 2019
This book was a captivating story of one man’s incredible journey through life. From the first few pages I was so drawn to Adam and his family, and his stories of love, loss & perseverance. I became so emotionally invested that I even found myself shedding tears by the end because I didn’t want to say goodbye. An amazing debut book from Roxi Harms and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
July 22, 2020
The Upside of Hunger is a biography of a living person in the form of a novel.
Adam is a modern Odysseus/Ulysseus, he is restless and craves for adventure.
Growing up in a small Hungarian village in the first half of the 20th century Adam Baumann feels like he's suffocating. Is it the difficult relationship with his father, a man of strong convictions, or something else, deeper?
Firt time he escapes home, even though he settles in a good place, he is found and brought home. He has many interests and excels at school so that he wins a scholarship for a university in the big city, but war cancels his dreams of another life. So, he joins World War II for the mere adventure and he survives. But for a man like Adam, who thrives at everything he does, post-war Germany, where his family finally settles, is not much more than the small Hungarian village he grew up in. So, he embarks on another adventure, that will bring him to another continent and I don't think he's settled still.
Roxi Harms wrote this book after having over 400 interviews with Adam Baumann, now living in Canada, and some serious research. All profits are directed to The Upside of Hunger Scholarship Fund, awarded annually to underprivileged Grade 12 students wishing to pursue a university education.
Adam is a modern Odysseus/Ulysseus, he is restless and craves for adventure.
Growing up in a small Hungarian village in the first half of the 20th century Adam Baumann feels like he's suffocating. Is it the difficult relationship with his father, a man of strong convictions, or something else, deeper?
Firt time he escapes home, even though he settles in a good place, he is found and brought home. He has many interests and excels at school so that he wins a scholarship for a university in the big city, but war cancels his dreams of another life. So, he joins World War II for the mere adventure and he survives. But for a man like Adam, who thrives at everything he does, post-war Germany, where his family finally settles, is not much more than the small Hungarian village he grew up in. So, he embarks on another adventure, that will bring him to another continent and I don't think he's settled still.
Roxi Harms wrote this book after having over 400 interviews with Adam Baumann, now living in Canada, and some serious research. All profits are directed to The Upside of Hunger Scholarship Fund, awarded annually to underprivileged Grade 12 students wishing to pursue a university education.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2020
I found the first 3/4 of this book interesting and really enjoyed it. The last 1/4 was okay.
September 16, 2018
An enjoyable page turner that keeps you wanting more. Roxi has captured the true story and essence of Adam across all the challenges of his life, ultimately rising above the global times and events of our world over the last 90 years. I particularly enjoyed the perspective of World War 2 through the eyes of a young German boy thrust into this conflict unknowingly and needing to use every lesson of his young life to survive and ultimately save himself and his family.
April 5, 2020
Harms takes the life trials and successes of Adam and weaves them into a page turning memoir for readers to enjoy.
Starting with his younger years in Hungary and gradually moving into his immigration to Canada. This was an interesting look into the propaganda and glamour given to many of the Germans who entered WWII. Not knowing the truth of the war and it's consequences.
The first few quarters of the book held my attention with Adam's family struggles, running away for better outcomes and his war experiences. Once he immigrated things slowed a bit as he came into his business ventures. Since I'm not a huge entrepreneur reader this is solely a reader preference but it's pretty interesting what he brought to Canada when others said it wasn't possible.
This reads like historical fiction and I loved it. The writing style and short chapters make it easy to get lost in Adam's life. I applaud Harms for the undertaking of his life's representation. I recommend this for anyone looking for a look into the other side of WWII in an easy to love fiction novel.
Starting with his younger years in Hungary and gradually moving into his immigration to Canada. This was an interesting look into the propaganda and glamour given to many of the Germans who entered WWII. Not knowing the truth of the war and it's consequences.
The first few quarters of the book held my attention with Adam's family struggles, running away for better outcomes and his war experiences. Once he immigrated things slowed a bit as he came into his business ventures. Since I'm not a huge entrepreneur reader this is solely a reader preference but it's pretty interesting what he brought to Canada when others said it wasn't possible.
This reads like historical fiction and I loved it. The writing style and short chapters make it easy to get lost in Adam's life. I applaud Harms for the undertaking of his life's representation. I recommend this for anyone looking for a look into the other side of WWII in an easy to love fiction novel.
June 18, 2019
This is the story of Adam, born in eastern Hungary, of German descent, between the great wars. Adam yearned for more than his simple life of following in the footsteps of his father, a poor farmer. From being locked up at 9 for stealing, to the Eastern Front of WWII at the age of 15, then immigrating to Canada after the war.
This book was so fascinating. Adam has lived a life so full it's hard to believe this is one mans' story. Hearing the perspective of WWII through the eyes of a German soldier was eye opening. Roxi Harms paints a vivid picture of the war torn countries, as well as the aftermath for a German soldier. It is such a page turner, I could not put it down.
As a Vancouverite, this book is even more interesting as Adam immigrates to Vancouver.
100% of the book sale profits go to the Upside of Hunger Scholarship Fund. Each year, high school graduates who have financially challenged families, and strong academic performances, are selected to receive the book profits to help fund their first year of college or university.
This book was so fascinating. Adam has lived a life so full it's hard to believe this is one mans' story. Hearing the perspective of WWII through the eyes of a German soldier was eye opening. Roxi Harms paints a vivid picture of the war torn countries, as well as the aftermath for a German soldier. It is such a page turner, I could not put it down.
As a Vancouverite, this book is even more interesting as Adam immigrates to Vancouver.
100% of the book sale profits go to the Upside of Hunger Scholarship Fund. Each year, high school graduates who have financially challenged families, and strong academic performances, are selected to receive the book profits to help fund their first year of college or university.
January 31, 2022
An enjoyable trek down memory lane
This was a story of hope and adventure. It was a story down the memory lane of a lad named Adam. This boy was a strong willed passionate person who grew into an adventurous man who never could sit still. It was a great story of growth and passion.
This was a story of hope and adventure. It was a story down the memory lane of a lad named Adam. This boy was a strong willed passionate person who grew into an adventurous man who never could sit still. It was a great story of growth and passion.
March 21, 2019
Superb!
From the moment Roxi started telling us about Adam, (over a few glasses of very good wine in the Piramimma tasting room) I was hooked. Just as Roxi was when Adam started relating his amazing story to her.
A story that no writer of fiction could possibly create.
This is Adam's true story, told with passion, humour and respect by a natural born storyteller. Highly recommended.
Bravo Roxi - now where is the next story?
From the moment Roxi started telling us about Adam, (over a few glasses of very good wine in the Piramimma tasting room) I was hooked. Just as Roxi was when Adam started relating his amazing story to her.
A story that no writer of fiction could possibly create.
This is Adam's true story, told with passion, humour and respect by a natural born storyteller. Highly recommended.
Bravo Roxi - now where is the next story?
November 27, 2018
An inspiring story told in an exciting style
Roxi's story telling ability made this chronicle of a very interesting life into a page turner. I finished it in record time.
I would recommend this book to anyone, especially young people, who want to understand what life was like during and right after World War 2.
It can also be a guide on how to overcome overwhelming obstacles by being kind, clever, and never giving up.
I hope this first book by Roxi Harms is followed by many more; the world needs inspiration now more then ever.
Roxi's story telling ability made this chronicle of a very interesting life into a page turner. I finished it in record time.
I would recommend this book to anyone, especially young people, who want to understand what life was like during and right after World War 2.
It can also be a guide on how to overcome overwhelming obstacles by being kind, clever, and never giving up.
I hope this first book by Roxi Harms is followed by many more; the world needs inspiration now more then ever.
August 31, 2019
This book captured me within the first few pages. As the story progressed it became more exciting to me and was hard to put down.
Read
February 25, 2020Of all the WW2 stories I’ve watched and read, I’ve never read a story (based on a true life) from the perspective of someone who happened to end up on the Nazi side. This story is of an unassuming German family with their son Adam living in Eastern Europe, who is just trying to make do in life as they struggle to support each other. Adam, ends up fighting for Germany, and consequently as part of the Nazi army. It’s an interesting story, because he’s an unassuming character who ends ups where he does as a result of life circumstances more than anything else, and it makes me wonder how many of these former Nazi soldiers have similar tales that went untold.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2021
Such a powerful true story written in an exceptionally engaging manner. Following Adam Baumann from his early life in Hungary to his time in Canada through Ms. Harm’s powerful writing style made for a Great Read.
Marsha
Marsha
July 12, 2021
All I can say is wow.
I have always been fascinated about Germany’s history and even was able to speak fluent German at one point as I took the language in high school. However, the perspective provided in this novel is like no other.
The author, Harms, does such a brilliant job in retelling Adam’s story. She is able to bring each person to life, it’s as though I know each of them personally. And to believe it is non-fiction is insane!
To see how those living in and around Germany were impacted, even well after the war, is astonishing. She very specifically describes the ways in which the population was coaxed into supporting Hitler, the ways in which Adam had to drop everything in his life (many, many times) in order to find, support, and care for his loved ones, and also how he was able to take a so-called ‘broken’ backstory and turn it into inspiration for his new and upcoming adventures around the world.
If you are at all interested in Germany’s history or the impact of the war, I would highly recommend. Although it took me about a month to finish, once I finally picked it up I would read for hours. If you are Canadian, it is absolutely INSANE to read about Adam’s influence in Canada after the war.
The ONLY reason I am not giving this book a 5/5 is because I didn’t enjoy the ending all too much. I wish that there was more reflection on how Adam ended up where he was in his life! Overall, a wonderful and enticing read!
I have always been fascinated about Germany’s history and even was able to speak fluent German at one point as I took the language in high school. However, the perspective provided in this novel is like no other.
The author, Harms, does such a brilliant job in retelling Adam’s story. She is able to bring each person to life, it’s as though I know each of them personally. And to believe it is non-fiction is insane!
To see how those living in and around Germany were impacted, even well after the war, is astonishing. She very specifically describes the ways in which the population was coaxed into supporting Hitler, the ways in which Adam had to drop everything in his life (many, many times) in order to find, support, and care for his loved ones, and also how he was able to take a so-called ‘broken’ backstory and turn it into inspiration for his new and upcoming adventures around the world.
If you are at all interested in Germany’s history or the impact of the war, I would highly recommend. Although it took me about a month to finish, once I finally picked it up I would read for hours. If you are Canadian, it is absolutely INSANE to read about Adam’s influence in Canada after the war.
The ONLY reason I am not giving this book a 5/5 is because I didn’t enjoy the ending all too much. I wish that there was more reflection on how Adam ended up where he was in his life! Overall, a wonderful and enticing read!
August 12, 2019
This was an interesting read for a number of reasons, although I wasn't quite the right audience for it.
You get the sense that the author's a very positive and kind person, and that voice comes through strongly in the narrative—as if an admiring grandchild wrote a memoir of a beloved grandfather. It's not an autobiography, and an official biography would likely include more official research and reporting, so it basically reads as creative nonfiction (memoir) presented in the format of a novel.
It traces the life of a Hungarian boy of German descent through the Second World War, his family's deportation to Germany, immigration to Canada, and his subsequent career as an entrepreneur. Think immigrant rags-to-riches story, but from someone on a side of that war that we don't usually hear from. Struggles with family relationships and external factors do come up, but they don't leave a strong impression (unlike with literary fiction where the heaviness can get overwhelming) and we don't really get the perspectives of others (wife, family, employees, etc.) so it's very much the experience of hearing someone recount their life story for the kids.
I found it interesting to hear about how things were in Canada and especially BC in the 1950s and ensuing decades. I guess I'm just a skeptic and had trouble fully sinking into the narrative without getting overwhelmed by questions about other experiences and viewpoints in the (hi)story. Having worked for the entrepreneurial descendants of immigrants of similar heritage, I was less inclined to take a rosy view of some of the activities. But, again, I'm not the ideal target audience there.
The author took on a massive project in recording and turning a long and busy life story into a novel, and she's done a beautiful job of production and marketing, with clear prose, short chapters, even editing and a proactive outreach campaign. She should certainly be commended for her hard work and kindness, and it's great to see local stories being recorded like this.
You get the sense that the author's a very positive and kind person, and that voice comes through strongly in the narrative—as if an admiring grandchild wrote a memoir of a beloved grandfather. It's not an autobiography, and an official biography would likely include more official research and reporting, so it basically reads as creative nonfiction (memoir) presented in the format of a novel.
It traces the life of a Hungarian boy of German descent through the Second World War, his family's deportation to Germany, immigration to Canada, and his subsequent career as an entrepreneur. Think immigrant rags-to-riches story, but from someone on a side of that war that we don't usually hear from. Struggles with family relationships and external factors do come up, but they don't leave a strong impression (unlike with literary fiction where the heaviness can get overwhelming) and we don't really get the perspectives of others (wife, family, employees, etc.) so it's very much the experience of hearing someone recount their life story for the kids.
I found it interesting to hear about how things were in Canada and especially BC in the 1950s and ensuing decades. I guess I'm just a skeptic and had trouble fully sinking into the narrative without getting overwhelmed by questions about other experiences and viewpoints in the (hi)story. Having worked for the entrepreneurial descendants of immigrants of similar heritage, I was less inclined to take a rosy view of some of the activities. But, again, I'm not the ideal target audience there.
The author took on a massive project in recording and turning a long and busy life story into a novel, and she's done a beautiful job of production and marketing, with clear prose, short chapters, even editing and a proactive outreach campaign. She should certainly be commended for her hard work and kindness, and it's great to see local stories being recorded like this.
June 28, 2019
The Upside Of Hunger is so engaging and beautifully written. From page one I was immediately captivated by Adams story. There are many words I would use to describe Adam but the two that stood out to me the most were resilient and strong. This true story will have you feeling every emotion as you turn the pages. This is a book I would read again and will definitely be recommending to everyone. I look forward to what's to come Roxi and feel privileged to have read Adams story.
September 26, 2018
Wonderful delivery of an interesting and fulfilling life!
Roxi.....for a first time write I think you did a great job in bringing Adam's adventures to life in a a wonderful true tale. I appreciate the details of Adam's life that have been put into print. Will love to see your next adventure in writing.
Roxi.....for a first time write I think you did a great job in bringing Adam's adventures to life in a a wonderful true tale. I appreciate the details of Adam's life that have been put into print. Will love to see your next adventure in writing.
March 27, 2019
A god story deserves telling.... Even more when it RealLife.
My father was born in 1928 near Danzig\Gdansk (Germany\Poland) and lived a parallel life as a displaced person post WWII. It was interesting to read, like many family stories . He was lucky so many of his family survived the war. We lost most of the family to childbirth and wars. Enjoyable read...
My father was born in 1928 near Danzig\Gdansk (Germany\Poland) and lived a parallel life as a displaced person post WWII. It was interesting to read, like many family stories . He was lucky so many of his family survived the war. We lost most of the family to childbirth and wars. Enjoyable read...
November 3, 2018
Excellent Book, Was hard to put down.
February 10, 2019
Very engaging read and well written. Kept me interested through to the end. I'm from Penticton so it was good to read about a man who made an impact on the place I live.
April 26, 2023
Roxi Harms compiled this book after more than 400 recorded interviews with Adam Baumann.
The book begins with maps of Adam’s childhood home, his childhood town, as well as one of his WWII journeys. Later on, we are given excerpts from 1940’s German radio broadcasts. These additions help bring the novel to life and immediately draw the reader into this story and the life Adam lived.
We are given in-depth insight into Adam’s childhood, how as a precocious child he was always getting into mischief (and feeling the strap) and looking for something exciting and different to experience. Avoiding boredom seemed a major impetus for the deeds he did. One action he undertook led him into the German army during WWII.
I’ve read many books written by U.S. military veterans, especially WWII veterans, this was the first one I read about a German WWII veteran. Towards the end of the war Germany had many teenagers in their military having had most of the older inductee’s die. At 15 Adam joined the army ending up in the SS, the elite section though it is never explained how, as a teenager, he was allowed to become an SS agent. I would have liked to have learned this.
The reader is told about strict laws regarding the Jewish people enacted during this time. Some of the laws passed by Hitler: “The Decree on the Confiscation of Jewish Property,” “The Decree on the Exclusion of Jews from German Economic Life,” and the revocation of their German passports.
Throughout his childhood, teens, and later in life Adam tested the fates – and succeeded. Plans that others would not go along with, risky behavior, impossible odds, all worked out for him. He traveled to and lived in many countries. As an entrepreneur he started businesses, sold businesses, and throughout all this supported his family.
Most books have a point they are trying to make, we learn the point of this book at the end of chapter six. “…some people need a little help in life and it’s the responsibility of the ones who don’t, to give it.” Adam Baumann lived his life by this axiom.
The author’s writing seems effortless. This novel reads like a tale one’s grandparent would tell after a hearty Sunday dinner.
Even though there are 448 pages, the novel is a quick read mainly because the author has some very short chapters. In one case, a chapter is only a few paragraphs long. She treats different scenes as if she’s writing a play. It seems like every scene change is devoted to a new chapter. It’s an interesting stylistic method, and it works.
Check out her website, roxiharms.com, you will see that all profits are going to the “Upside for Hunger Scholarship Fund” that helps under privileged 12th graders who want to attend university. Again, helping those who cannot help themselves.
Difficult to put down, I couldn’t wait to finish reading it! I would definitely recommend this book. It is incredible and inspirational, and a rare glimpse into the ever-changing world of post-World War II Germany as told by the German man who lived.
Susan Piazza is a Navy veteran, an author, columnist, and blogger.
The book begins with maps of Adam’s childhood home, his childhood town, as well as one of his WWII journeys. Later on, we are given excerpts from 1940’s German radio broadcasts. These additions help bring the novel to life and immediately draw the reader into this story and the life Adam lived.
We are given in-depth insight into Adam’s childhood, how as a precocious child he was always getting into mischief (and feeling the strap) and looking for something exciting and different to experience. Avoiding boredom seemed a major impetus for the deeds he did. One action he undertook led him into the German army during WWII.
I’ve read many books written by U.S. military veterans, especially WWII veterans, this was the first one I read about a German WWII veteran. Towards the end of the war Germany had many teenagers in their military having had most of the older inductee’s die. At 15 Adam joined the army ending up in the SS, the elite section though it is never explained how, as a teenager, he was allowed to become an SS agent. I would have liked to have learned this.
The reader is told about strict laws regarding the Jewish people enacted during this time. Some of the laws passed by Hitler: “The Decree on the Confiscation of Jewish Property,” “The Decree on the Exclusion of Jews from German Economic Life,” and the revocation of their German passports.
Throughout his childhood, teens, and later in life Adam tested the fates – and succeeded. Plans that others would not go along with, risky behavior, impossible odds, all worked out for him. He traveled to and lived in many countries. As an entrepreneur he started businesses, sold businesses, and throughout all this supported his family.
Most books have a point they are trying to make, we learn the point of this book at the end of chapter six. “…some people need a little help in life and it’s the responsibility of the ones who don’t, to give it.” Adam Baumann lived his life by this axiom.
The author’s writing seems effortless. This novel reads like a tale one’s grandparent would tell after a hearty Sunday dinner.
Even though there are 448 pages, the novel is a quick read mainly because the author has some very short chapters. In one case, a chapter is only a few paragraphs long. She treats different scenes as if she’s writing a play. It seems like every scene change is devoted to a new chapter. It’s an interesting stylistic method, and it works.
Check out her website, roxiharms.com, you will see that all profits are going to the “Upside for Hunger Scholarship Fund” that helps under privileged 12th graders who want to attend university. Again, helping those who cannot help themselves.
Difficult to put down, I couldn’t wait to finish reading it! I would definitely recommend this book. It is incredible and inspirational, and a rare glimpse into the ever-changing world of post-World War II Germany as told by the German man who lived.
Susan Piazza is a Navy veteran, an author, columnist, and blogger.
July 4, 2019
Roxi Harms has turned her interviews with an aging World War II veteran into a fascinating, hard-to-put down novel of a young man with ambition and more than a little mischief in him. Her account is particularly fascinating since her subject, Adam Baumann, served in the most notorious arm of the German military, the SS. But here's the thing: he became a soldier only at the end of the war, when he was 15. That was the point in the war when boys, some of them as young as eight, were being scooped up to serve as fodder for enemy guns. Fifteen-year-olds were thoroughly indoctrinated in Nazi ideology, but Baumann does not come as a True Believer. Rather, he appears to have been bright and driven as well as something of a rascal. His post-war career eventually took him to Peru, where he was tasked with setting up mining operations for one of the many foreign-capitalist companies who saw Peru's mineral deposits as ripe for the taking.
Throughout the book, Baumann comes across as a successful guy, willing to put in the hard work it takes to make things happen. Two things that have rattled much of the world, Nazism and foreign takeover of resources in developing countries, permeate the book yet remain almost in the background while the hero of the tale navigates his life.
That's part of what makes the book so fascinating. Years ago, when I was at the International Children's Library in Munich, doing research for a book on World War II, I met a lovely woman who was probably in her sixties. She was unsettled by my choice of topics (how the war had been portrayed for young readers) and one day said to me, "We were National Socialists, but we were not Nazis." Though, in fact, that's what Nazis were, National Socialists, I understood what she was saying. Her family joined the movement, but she wanted to assure me they were not part of those who killed Jews or rained violence on so many. They were just law-abiding citizens trying to get along.
Roxie Harms's book is like a door into that family's thinking. Baumann, through Harms's account, tells us little of the political and cultural context of his life. He doesn't seem to have reflected much on it. Rather, he just got on with work and his goals and his family, creating a life he can look back on with pleasure. Harms does credit to that and has published a darned good novel. It leaves me with a niggle of discomfort, but it also expands my understanding of ordinary Germans in extraordinary times.
Throughout the book, Baumann comes across as a successful guy, willing to put in the hard work it takes to make things happen. Two things that have rattled much of the world, Nazism and foreign takeover of resources in developing countries, permeate the book yet remain almost in the background while the hero of the tale navigates his life.
That's part of what makes the book so fascinating. Years ago, when I was at the International Children's Library in Munich, doing research for a book on World War II, I met a lovely woman who was probably in her sixties. She was unsettled by my choice of topics (how the war had been portrayed for young readers) and one day said to me, "We were National Socialists, but we were not Nazis." Though, in fact, that's what Nazis were, National Socialists, I understood what she was saying. Her family joined the movement, but she wanted to assure me they were not part of those who killed Jews or rained violence on so many. They were just law-abiding citizens trying to get along.
Roxie Harms's book is like a door into that family's thinking. Baumann, through Harms's account, tells us little of the political and cultural context of his life. He doesn't seem to have reflected much on it. Rather, he just got on with work and his goals and his family, creating a life he can look back on with pleasure. Harms does credit to that and has published a darned good novel. It leaves me with a niggle of discomfort, but it also expands my understanding of ordinary Germans in extraordinary times.
June 4, 2019
“The Upside of Hunger: A True Tale” by Roxi Harms. ISBN: 978-0-9975670-8-3
“The Up Side of Hunger:” A work crammed with historical detail. Vivid and colourful I read it at light speed. I simply could not help myself.
The tale opens in Eastern Hungary, 1941 with an introduction to Adam Baumann: a twelve year old runaway. Adam is Hungarian born but of German descent. He is the son of a dirt poor tenant farmer but that is not what he wants to become. This is why he’s on the run.
Adam has aspirations and determination. But he also has a love of family. Thus, when found and taken home he feels relief. He wasn’t missing the farm, no way, but he was missing family.
The tale ends in the present, in Canada of which country Adam has become a citizen. He is married to Jean, a lovely lady of Canadian birth. They have children, all doing well, thus Adam’s love of family is carried from one generation to the next. Adam is retired and wealthy having proved himself a successful business man.
But the journey from the rags of Hungary to the riches of Canada is packed with high adventure. I will not enter into detail. But just to give the reader a taste of the treats within: 1944 through to 1945 and Adam playing for the wrong team on the Eastern front. Appalling losses and Adam grievously wounded. As for the aftermath when the French and Russians start to extract revenge; that Adam survives is little short of miraculous... I will say no more other than that the follow on action in further adventures is of equal calibre.
I will also say that the book makes easy reading. In part this is due to the absorbing content. But there’s also the style. The author employs plain English. One could say it is text book stuff which, in a work of less eventful content, might be criticised as prosaic. But with Adam’s forceful presence and action following on action the plain language allows easy generation of imagery and tension.
In summation I can thoroughly recommend “The Upside of Hunger” to all who enjoy adventure and East European pre war and war time history.
D. A. Barker: author of “Killing for Christmas,” “What am I?” and, in preparation: “Suzanne.”
April 4, 2020
This was definitely a very interesting read. I had not read anything about this book prior to starting and I only knew that it had to do with World War II and it was a true story.
When I started this book I almost gave up within the first few chapters, I was confused about the jumping so quickly through time (I honestly missed it though because I tend to not read the bolded chapter headings). Once I figured out the time jumping was intentional the whole book just clicked. The writing was amazing, Ms. Harms does a wonderful job of writing fluidly and while this is a true story she creatively makes this world come to life and makes you feel like you are stepping into a story. She made Adam (the main character) come alive and made you feel and understand his world without making it boring and just spitting out facts that she had gotten from interviews with him.
Now to the main story itself, I was pleasantly surprised by how engrossed I was in the book and how unexpected it was. As a teacher I have read a lot of WWII books and taught some of them. Without knowing too much about the book besides it showing Adam growing up in a war torn Hungary I thought I was going to be seeing a lot more about his time during WWII and the repercussions of his part during it, I absolutely loved that this was not the case! It was so eye opening to see a different view of the war, to see how the war affected Adam's whole family, how it shaped his life choices, how it was a life line at one point to escape his hard life at home as a child, to how he overcame every struggle and to see the amazing life he had created for himself afterwards.
This book is definitely something I would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, WWII, or true story books.
When I started this book I almost gave up within the first few chapters, I was confused about the jumping so quickly through time (I honestly missed it though because I tend to not read the bolded chapter headings). Once I figured out the time jumping was intentional the whole book just clicked. The writing was amazing, Ms. Harms does a wonderful job of writing fluidly and while this is a true story she creatively makes this world come to life and makes you feel like you are stepping into a story. She made Adam (the main character) come alive and made you feel and understand his world without making it boring and just spitting out facts that she had gotten from interviews with him.
Now to the main story itself, I was pleasantly surprised by how engrossed I was in the book and how unexpected it was. As a teacher I have read a lot of WWII books and taught some of them. Without knowing too much about the book besides it showing Adam growing up in a war torn Hungary I thought I was going to be seeing a lot more about his time during WWII and the repercussions of his part during it, I absolutely loved that this was not the case! It was so eye opening to see a different view of the war, to see how the war affected Adam's whole family, how it shaped his life choices, how it was a life line at one point to escape his hard life at home as a child, to how he overcame every struggle and to see the amazing life he had created for himself afterwards.
This book is definitely something I would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, WWII, or true story books.
April 17, 2020
Historical fiction is probably my favorite genre, and the WWII era has always interested me. I even took a one-on-one class with a history professor in grad school to study Nazi Germany. The professor had me start with "The first casualty," which is a book that tells you that the first casualty of war is truth.
With this book, the author gathers so much truth that it's painful! It's hard to imagine the conditions Adam lived in, and the risks he took just to survive. It's incredibly impressive what he was willing to do to thrive in his adopted Canada. So many times he could have given up, but his persistence is a tribute to all who do more than just survive the horrors of war and its aftermath.
Rarely do we see a book of this era written from the perspective of a German from Hungary. What an educational opportunity for all of us--even those of us familiar with the time period--to learn how much we just don't know! When I look at today's world, particularly the kind of society I am privileged enough to enjoy, I am struck by how much has changed, and how much still needs to. The communication ability of today is light years away from what was going on in Adam's youth, yet so much of the distrust, hatred, and abuse is still with us.
Read this book to see a side of WWII and the years that followed that may surprise you. It should horrify us all that these conditions existed, and people were treated the way Adam was. The fact that he made such a success of his life is a reminder to us all to never give up.
The author is to be commended for making the connection with Adam, and for finding a way to beautifully craft his story.
With this book, the author gathers so much truth that it's painful! It's hard to imagine the conditions Adam lived in, and the risks he took just to survive. It's incredibly impressive what he was willing to do to thrive in his adopted Canada. So many times he could have given up, but his persistence is a tribute to all who do more than just survive the horrors of war and its aftermath.
Rarely do we see a book of this era written from the perspective of a German from Hungary. What an educational opportunity for all of us--even those of us familiar with the time period--to learn how much we just don't know! When I look at today's world, particularly the kind of society I am privileged enough to enjoy, I am struck by how much has changed, and how much still needs to. The communication ability of today is light years away from what was going on in Adam's youth, yet so much of the distrust, hatred, and abuse is still with us.
Read this book to see a side of WWII and the years that followed that may surprise you. It should horrify us all that these conditions existed, and people were treated the way Adam was. The fact that he made such a success of his life is a reminder to us all to never give up.
The author is to be commended for making the connection with Adam, and for finding a way to beautifully craft his story.
July 26, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I finished this book a couple of days ago and needed to get my thoughts together because I was blown away by this book. This is definitely the best book I have read this year! It is extremely hard to put down.
This book tells the story about Adam Baumann's life. Growing up in Hungary between the great wars. From being locked up for stealing when he is 9 years old, to fighting on the Eastern Front at 15 and ultimately immigrating to Canada. It has both heart warming and heart wrenching moments.
We get a unique perspective on WW2 as I have never read a book about a german soldier and I didn't know about all the challenges everyone went through even after the war was over.
Adam's story is fascinating and I recommend everyone pick up a copy especially if you enjoy history. All profits from the sales of this book are donated to The Upside of Hunger Scholarship Fund which benefits high school students who need financial assistance to pursue post-secondary education.
This book tells the story about Adam Baumann's life. Growing up in Hungary between the great wars. From being locked up for stealing when he is 9 years old, to fighting on the Eastern Front at 15 and ultimately immigrating to Canada. It has both heart warming and heart wrenching moments.
We get a unique perspective on WW2 as I have never read a book about a german soldier and I didn't know about all the challenges everyone went through even after the war was over.
Adam's story is fascinating and I recommend everyone pick up a copy especially if you enjoy history. All profits from the sales of this book are donated to The Upside of Hunger Scholarship Fund which benefits high school students who need financial assistance to pursue post-secondary education.
August 25, 2021
If you love reading true-life stories, you will find this one a riveting page-turner. You won't be able to put this book down. This novel is a powerful tale about the strength of the human spirit.
My family hails from Europe, and my ancestors fought and died in both world wars. Historical books like this are important, so we never forget what families, ordinary people like you and me, endured during World War II. It's an eye-opening account of what the Hungarians lived through—a different perspective to what we typically read in books or see on the big screen. This book grabbed my heart. I felt Adam's fear and pain as he suffered the consequences of being a young Nazi soldier, yet his love and commitment to family, bravery, and resilience inspired me. I was right there with him on the rollercoaster of the many life-changing moments in his youth. And his persistence, perseverance, and significant accomplishments after immigrating to Canada are impressive—what an extraordinary man. This beautifully told story is a must-read, especially for our younger generation.
My family hails from Europe, and my ancestors fought and died in both world wars. Historical books like this are important, so we never forget what families, ordinary people like you and me, endured during World War II. It's an eye-opening account of what the Hungarians lived through—a different perspective to what we typically read in books or see on the big screen. This book grabbed my heart. I felt Adam's fear and pain as he suffered the consequences of being a young Nazi soldier, yet his love and commitment to family, bravery, and resilience inspired me. I was right there with him on the rollercoaster of the many life-changing moments in his youth. And his persistence, perseverance, and significant accomplishments after immigrating to Canada are impressive—what an extraordinary man. This beautifully told story is a must-read, especially for our younger generation.
January 21, 2020
Although this is billed as a novel, it's not. It's a biography — and an excellent one. (As a novel, it doesn't work because it tells a story, with background information when necessary, rather than showing what happens to Adam. It would be poor novel, just as a fork — however excellent as a fork — would be a poor dinner plate. But as a biography, The Upside of Hunger is an excellent page-turner.)
Adam's story is gripping and it gives insight into what it was like to be persuaded by Nazi propaganda into thinking that war was exciting and glorious — for a 15 year old boy. Adam experienced so much horror and at times was also incredibly brave. I was glad to learn about the political situation between Hungary and Germany before, during, and after the war. I also found it valuable to see a little of what it was like for poor post-war immigrants to Canada. Adam has certainly lived his life 100% fully!
An emotional, exciting story, which I can see being turned into a movie.
Adam's story is gripping and it gives insight into what it was like to be persuaded by Nazi propaganda into thinking that war was exciting and glorious — for a 15 year old boy. Adam experienced so much horror and at times was also incredibly brave. I was glad to learn about the political situation between Hungary and Germany before, during, and after the war. I also found it valuable to see a little of what it was like for poor post-war immigrants to Canada. Adam has certainly lived his life 100% fully!
An emotional, exciting story, which I can see being turned into a movie.
April 5, 2020
This book is told in 3 parts
Part one is about a young boy growing up in a smalll Hungarian town just before and during WWII
Part 2 is about Adam’s experience as a German soldier at the young age of 15, and the years following the war as he and his family are relocated to Germany
Part 3 is about his immigration to Canada, building a very successful business and a family.
This historical fiction novel is really something in between a novel and a memoir, as it is based on the conversations and interviews the author had with Adam , to tell his story, and it is an amazing story and one definitely worth reading to hear a little bit of different perspective on The war .
Also note, all proceeds from the sale of this novel are donated to The Upside of Hunger Scholarship Fund which assists high school students from financially strapped households with first year of college tuition
3.5 ⭐️
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