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The Boys in the Light: An Extraordinary World War II Story of Survival, Faith, and Brotherhood
An epic story of the triumph of good over evil.
The soldiers of D Company could not believe their eyes as they came face-to-face with the human cost of Hitler’s evil: two teenage boys—survivors of Auschwitz and Buchenwald—who had escaped.
The Boys in the Light follows the parallel journeys of Company D and Eddie Willner, the author’s father, as they are caught up on two sides of World War II.
At sixteen, Eddie Willner was among the millions of European Jews rounded up by Hitler’s Nazis. He was forced into slave labor alongside his father and his best friend, Mike, and spent the next three years of his life surviving the death camps, including Auschwitz. Meanwhile, in the United States, boys only a few years older than Eddie were joining the army and heading toward their own precarious futures. Once farmers, factory workers, and coal miners, they were suddenly untested soldiers, thrust into the brutal conflicts of WWII.
A company of 3rd Armored Division tankers, led by 23-year-old Elmer Hovland, quickly became battle-hardened and weary, constantly questioning whether the war was worth it. They got their answer when two emaciated boys stepped out of the woods with their tattooed arms raised.
The Boys in the Light is a testament to survival against all odds, the strength of the bonds forged during war and the resilience of the human spirit. This extraordinary true story is a must-read for fans of Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown, and Erik Larson’s The Splendid and the Vile.
The soldiers of D Company could not believe their eyes as they came face-to-face with the human cost of Hitler’s evil: two teenage boys—survivors of Auschwitz and Buchenwald—who had escaped.
The Boys in the Light follows the parallel journeys of Company D and Eddie Willner, the author’s father, as they are caught up on two sides of World War II.
At sixteen, Eddie Willner was among the millions of European Jews rounded up by Hitler’s Nazis. He was forced into slave labor alongside his father and his best friend, Mike, and spent the next three years of his life surviving the death camps, including Auschwitz. Meanwhile, in the United States, boys only a few years older than Eddie were joining the army and heading toward their own precarious futures. Once farmers, factory workers, and coal miners, they were suddenly untested soldiers, thrust into the brutal conflicts of WWII.
A company of 3rd Armored Division tankers, led by 23-year-old Elmer Hovland, quickly became battle-hardened and weary, constantly questioning whether the war was worth it. They got their answer when two emaciated boys stepped out of the woods with their tattooed arms raised.
The Boys in the Light is a testament to survival against all odds, the strength of the bonds forged during war and the resilience of the human spirit. This extraordinary true story is a must-read for fans of Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown, and Erik Larson’s The Splendid and the Vile.
363 pages, Hardcover
Published July 22, 2025
213 people are currently reading
12902 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews
August 4, 2025
For me this book was a story of boys from two different parts of the world and their coming of age in very different ways. The one part is about Eddie and Mike, two Jewish boys surviving the horrors of the Holocaust, the other is of the boys from D Company, 3rd Armored Division and their baptism of fire on the western front and them surviving combat. Eventually their paths crossed and they helped each other heal after all they endured.
It is a story of faith and courage, and how powerful the human spirit can be against great odds. This is a beautifully written book, with lots of good background information. A must read and reminds me of Adam Makos' books in a way.
It is a story of faith and courage, and how powerful the human spirit can be against great odds. This is a beautifully written book, with lots of good background information. A must read and reminds me of Adam Makos' books in a way.
May 10, 2025
There is a danger in over-familiarity in subject matter. When I had finished The Boys in the Light by Nina Willner, I was both satisfied with the central narrative but very let down about other aspects. Let's start with the very good.
Willner is telling the story of three men in World War II. One of them is actually her father and the other two American G.I.s. I won't spoil too much about each of their journeys, but Willner hits all the notes you want from this type of narrative. It is harrowing and emotional with proper payoffs for all involved. It is also very straightforward, so if you haven't tried a book like this before then I highly recommend it.
The bad is mostly Willner's handling of the greater societal stories around World War II, specifically on the American front. Willner tries to condense a lot into a small amount of pages and falls into the trap of both oversimplification and outright errors. Her summation of FDR, the New Deal, and Charles Lindbergh made me cringe. (Side note: If you read the book and don't see the problems, please read America First by H.W. Brands.)
However, when I looked at the book overall, I still felt that Willner did an excellent job with the story she was trying to tell. While I wish these other aspects were as insightful as the rest, most people will not notice and it doesn't directly affect the main story. In summary, World War II nerds may scratch their heads a few times, but there is still a lot to love about this book.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by NetGalley and Dutton Books.)
Willner is telling the story of three men in World War II. One of them is actually her father and the other two American G.I.s. I won't spoil too much about each of their journeys, but Willner hits all the notes you want from this type of narrative. It is harrowing and emotional with proper payoffs for all involved. It is also very straightforward, so if you haven't tried a book like this before then I highly recommend it.
The bad is mostly Willner's handling of the greater societal stories around World War II, specifically on the American front. Willner tries to condense a lot into a small amount of pages and falls into the trap of both oversimplification and outright errors. Her summation of FDR, the New Deal, and Charles Lindbergh made me cringe. (Side note: If you read the book and don't see the problems, please read America First by H.W. Brands.)
However, when I looked at the book overall, I still felt that Willner did an excellent job with the story she was trying to tell. While I wish these other aspects were as insightful as the rest, most people will not notice and it doesn't directly affect the main story. In summary, World War II nerds may scratch their heads a few times, but there is still a lot to love about this book.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by NetGalley and Dutton Books.)
July 14, 2025
I haven't read Nina Willner's previous book, but after reading this one, Forty Autumns: A Family's Story of Courage and Survival on Both Sides of the Berlin Wall is moving up to the top of my TBR!!
This is a WWII story unlike any other I've read in the sweetest way. Nina has written this book chronicling her father's story from pre-Holocaust, through his experiences at several camps, to his escape and rescue. The thing that makes this one stand out for me is Eddie (Nina's father) and his best friend Mike's integration into D Company of the US Army after they're picked up. I've read many stories of Holocaust survivors and WWII veterans, but none of them go quite like this!! The brotherhood that was formed was so incredibly special and a true joy to witness through the text.
Eddie and Mike are European Jews. They met at Auschwitz and became inseparable. Eventually, they make their escape and after 5 days of wandering, they come face to face with a group of American soldiers--D Company, led by young Elmer Hovland. This unit takes the two boys into their midst and the rest, as they say, is history.
This is a must read for anyone interested in WWII/the Holocaust and is incredibly readable. I'm so excited for it to hit the shelves in bookstores next week so others have a chance to learn about these incredible men and read their stories!! Thanks to NetGalley and Dutton Books for the eARC!
This is a WWII story unlike any other I've read in the sweetest way. Nina has written this book chronicling her father's story from pre-Holocaust, through his experiences at several camps, to his escape and rescue. The thing that makes this one stand out for me is Eddie (Nina's father) and his best friend Mike's integration into D Company of the US Army after they're picked up. I've read many stories of Holocaust survivors and WWII veterans, but none of them go quite like this!! The brotherhood that was formed was so incredibly special and a true joy to witness through the text.
Eddie and Mike are European Jews. They met at Auschwitz and became inseparable. Eventually, they make their escape and after 5 days of wandering, they come face to face with a group of American soldiers--D Company, led by young Elmer Hovland. This unit takes the two boys into their midst and the rest, as they say, is history.
This is a must read for anyone interested in WWII/the Holocaust and is incredibly readable. I'm so excited for it to hit the shelves in bookstores next week so others have a chance to learn about these incredible men and read their stories!! Thanks to NetGalley and Dutton Books for the eARC!
July 23, 2025
Thank you to @duttonbooks and @netgalley for the advance copy of this incredible book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I read Forty Autumns in September of 2023. It was one of the best books I have ever read. So when I heard Nina Willner was writing another book about her father I just knew I needed to read it!
This book gives a parallel account of Eddie Willner and Company D. During WWII Eddie and his family attempted to escape into Switzerland but were caught before they could escape. They were shipped off to Auschwitz where they endured 3 years of some of the worst evils known to man.
Ultimately while on the Death March Eddie and his best friend, Mike, were able to escape. They fled for their lives through the woods living on whatever they could find to eat.
Then one day they stepped from the darkness into the light where they came face to face with Elmer Hovland and Company D, a company of the 3rd Armored Division tankers.
I appreciated the background context the author gave into each person’s life. She gave us a glimpse into their lives and the life events that shaped their character. The writing style was a bit different from Forty Autumns. The Boys in the Light reads more like a history book but in a way that keeps you interested.
I don’t want to give away any important details so I will just say the end of the book had me in tears, but happy tears. After reading of so much heart ache, loss, and just plain evil the happy ending was needed.
Nina Willner’s family history is so very unique. If you read Forty Autumns you really need to read The Boys in the Light to know the full story.
⚠️Content warning: due to the nature of the topic there is mention of torture, death, bombings, and war. There were about 11 uses of curse words and they were in direct quotes.
I read Forty Autumns in September of 2023. It was one of the best books I have ever read. So when I heard Nina Willner was writing another book about her father I just knew I needed to read it!
This book gives a parallel account of Eddie Willner and Company D. During WWII Eddie and his family attempted to escape into Switzerland but were caught before they could escape. They were shipped off to Auschwitz where they endured 3 years of some of the worst evils known to man.
Ultimately while on the Death March Eddie and his best friend, Mike, were able to escape. They fled for their lives through the woods living on whatever they could find to eat.
Then one day they stepped from the darkness into the light where they came face to face with Elmer Hovland and Company D, a company of the 3rd Armored Division tankers.
I appreciated the background context the author gave into each person’s life. She gave us a glimpse into their lives and the life events that shaped their character. The writing style was a bit different from Forty Autumns. The Boys in the Light reads more like a history book but in a way that keeps you interested.
I don’t want to give away any important details so I will just say the end of the book had me in tears, but happy tears. After reading of so much heart ache, loss, and just plain evil the happy ending was needed.
Nina Willner’s family history is so very unique. If you read Forty Autumns you really need to read The Boys in the Light to know the full story.
⚠️Content warning: due to the nature of the topic there is mention of torture, death, bombings, and war. There were about 11 uses of curse words and they were in direct quotes.
August 24, 2025
The Boys in the Light is one of the most moving World War II books I’ve read (and I’ve read some incredible ones like Spearhead, Unbroken, and Beneath the Scarlet Sky). From the start, it pulls you in emotionally.
What struck me most was how vividly the author shows Germany’s slow descent—how Hitler managed to turn ordinary Germans against their Jewish neighbors step by step, almost without them realizing it. That creeping indoctrination is chilling and makes the story feel painfully relevant today.
The middle chapters are gut-wrenching, with raw depictions of what Eddie, his father, and his friend Mike endured in labor and concentration camps. It’s not easy to read, but it’s powerful and necessary.
On the American side, you watch young men shaped by the Great Depression rally after Pearl Harbor to fight for their country. My father-in-law fought at both D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge, so those chapters hit especially close to home.
What stays with me most is the brotherhood. Decades later, through reunions and letters, those bonds endured. That mix of resilience, friendship, and light in the darkest times is what makes this book unforgettable. Not just a history lesson—this is a story about humanity at its best and worst.
What struck me most was how vividly the author shows Germany’s slow descent—how Hitler managed to turn ordinary Germans against their Jewish neighbors step by step, almost without them realizing it. That creeping indoctrination is chilling and makes the story feel painfully relevant today.
The middle chapters are gut-wrenching, with raw depictions of what Eddie, his father, and his friend Mike endured in labor and concentration camps. It’s not easy to read, but it’s powerful and necessary.
On the American side, you watch young men shaped by the Great Depression rally after Pearl Harbor to fight for their country. My father-in-law fought at both D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge, so those chapters hit especially close to home.
What stays with me most is the brotherhood. Decades later, through reunions and letters, those bonds endured. That mix of resilience, friendship, and light in the darkest times is what makes this book unforgettable. Not just a history lesson—this is a story about humanity at its best and worst.
July 25, 2025
Not me ugly crying at my desk. This book is a gut punch but an important telling.
July 30, 2025
Amazing biography of World War 2 and the Holocaust
December 20, 2025
This book is my favorite of the year. The extraordinary courage and resilience and faith of these young men truly awed me as I read of their trials and unfathomable experiences. This book is a must read.
August 24, 2025
The is an incredible true story of two young Jewish boys who survive all the Third Reicht could throw at them from starvation, intimidation, and violence to end up as part of an American company of soldiers as the end of the war approaches. It is full of heart with characters that typify the unsung heroes of WWII. The narrative style of this author gives the reader a rich tapestry of events showing the perseverance, spirit and courage of this select group of men.
September 20, 2025
A remarkable story told rather simplistically, seemingly aimed at Americans whose historical knowledge of WWII is elementary and who need frequent reassurance of their country's supremacy. I appreciated the contrasts drawn, whether intentional or not, between the values that drove American leaders to fight fascism in the 40s and the total absence of a moral compass or compassion within our current government.
August 29, 2025
Adding this book to my top-5 favorites of WW2. What a beautiful story of brotherhood, resilience, and faith. I was excited to see that the author wrote another book about her mother’s story, and it turns out I already read it and gave it 5 stars also.
August 24, 2025
An absolute must read for every American and those around the world. I am sharing my copy with anyone who will read it. May it land in the hands and minds of all.
December 30, 2025
Great. Googly. Moogly.
WHAT A STORY!!
I have read a lot of books about World War 2 and have been amazed over and over, but this book wins them all ; what a story this is.
Told from two POV’s; a young Jewish man who escapes Nazi Germany with his parent’s and several young American men who are part of a tank brigade and how they all survive the war and how their paths merge.
It is a story that reads like a novel, filled with anguish, terror, family, family that we make, survival, love and love and love - for family, for country, for each other - it is a story that you will never ever forget and one that should be shared widely.
I loved this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Nina Willner, and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton/Dutton for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
WHAT A STORY!!
I have read a lot of books about World War 2 and have been amazed over and over, but this book wins them all ; what a story this is.
Told from two POV’s; a young Jewish man who escapes Nazi Germany with his parent’s and several young American men who are part of a tank brigade and how they all survive the war and how their paths merge.
It is a story that reads like a novel, filled with anguish, terror, family, family that we make, survival, love and love and love - for family, for country, for each other - it is a story that you will never ever forget and one that should be shared widely.
I loved this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Nina Willner, and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton/Dutton for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2025
A Dazzling Triumph of Courage and Humanity!!
The Boys in the Light is more than a book — it’s a beacon. In this extraordinary work of narrative nonfiction, Nina Willner brings to life one of the most powerful and unsung stories of World War II: the daring rescue of two escaped Jewish teenagers by a handful of young American soldiers deep inside Nazi Germany. With the pacing of a thriller and the emotional force of a requiem, Willner blends impeccable research with luminous storytelling to deliver a tale that is both harrowing and uplifting.
The D Company soldiers aren’t just names in a history book — under Willner’s masterful pen, they become fully realized young men: raw, flawed, brave beyond comprehension. And the teenagers they save? Their story will leave you breathless. This isn’t just a war story; it’s a love letter to decency, to risk, and to what it means to choose humanity in the face of evil.
Willner writes with the authority of a historian and the soul of a novelist. Every page pulses with urgency, empathy, and purpose. This is history at its most intimate and alive.
The Boys in the Light is Nina Willner’s gift to the world — a reminder that light exists even in the darkest of places, and that the actions of a few can change the fate of many. I will be pressing this book into the hands of everyone I know. It belongs on every shelf — and in every heart.
The Boys in the Light is more than a book — it’s a beacon. In this extraordinary work of narrative nonfiction, Nina Willner brings to life one of the most powerful and unsung stories of World War II: the daring rescue of two escaped Jewish teenagers by a handful of young American soldiers deep inside Nazi Germany. With the pacing of a thriller and the emotional force of a requiem, Willner blends impeccable research with luminous storytelling to deliver a tale that is both harrowing and uplifting.
The D Company soldiers aren’t just names in a history book — under Willner’s masterful pen, they become fully realized young men: raw, flawed, brave beyond comprehension. And the teenagers they save? Their story will leave you breathless. This isn’t just a war story; it’s a love letter to decency, to risk, and to what it means to choose humanity in the face of evil.
Willner writes with the authority of a historian and the soul of a novelist. Every page pulses with urgency, empathy, and purpose. This is history at its most intimate and alive.
The Boys in the Light is Nina Willner’s gift to the world — a reminder that light exists even in the darkest of places, and that the actions of a few can change the fate of many. I will be pressing this book into the hands of everyone I know. It belongs on every shelf — and in every heart.
January 4, 2026
What a cool story. I learned some new stuff about WWII and even more stuff about how crappy Hitler was. This is such beautiful, true story. I have now read both books that this author wrote about her parents and I am just shocked and awed by them and their resilience. The author is so kind to bless us with these stories.
December 18, 2025
This book is stunning. Possibly my top book this year. I felt it almost read like a documentary, following D company into the war and 2 Jewish boys from Germany. written by one of their daughters, just an amazing story.
December 27, 2025
I’ve read a number of books about WWII, fiction and nonfiction, but this book does an incredible job of capturing the real life experience of young Americans who enlisted and fought the war in Europe and Jewish teenagers who survived the worst camps in Poland and Germany and how fate brings them together, impacting their lives forever. It is probably the best book I’ve read on WWII.
November 1, 2025
It is truly amazing what the human body and spirit can endure. It would have been nice to have some time devoted to the story of how her father ended up in the US.
December 11, 2025
A compelling story with undeniable merit, yet its delivery often felt overly simplistic; almost as if tailored for an audience with limited historical depth, capable only of digesting bite-sized narratives. While I genuinely enjoyed the nuanced character studies of a few central figures, they sometimes felt one-dimensional. The setting details, too, were frequently glossed over, leaving me wanting more depth and texture. Furthermore, the repeated affirmations of America’s greatness struck me as an overly convenient resolution to complex historical dilemmas. I get that the book wasn’t meant to be a deep historical dive (there are plenty of excellent books for that), but I think it could have struck a better balance. Instead, it often boiled down to two simple answers: A) America is the best, or B) God is great.
August 18, 2025
This is one of the best books I've read in a very long time. What a moving story of how these GI's found these two starving boys that escaped from a concentration camp. It sometimes brought tears to my eyes. Nina Willner is an excellent writer. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in World War Two history.
September 19, 2025
So many incredible stories of courage, resilience and faith from WWII, but this book is unlike any I have read before. This is the true story of two teenage Holocaust survivors and their connection to Company D. Their story touched my heart and unlike many books I read, this story will be remembered.
September 19, 2025
If you have an interest in WWII and can stomach reading about the rise of Hitler, this is an extraordinary book. It tells the story of an Allied tank company and three Jewish concentration camp victims, intermingled. It is powerful and moving. It will damage your faith in humanity, then build it right back up. I learned a lot and feel honored to know about Eddie, Mike, Elmer, Pepsi...
September 9, 2025
Seriously a must read. Stories I’ve never heard about nazi’s - description of hitler that shadows our current presents ego - and racism - please read or listen - this is what my dad fought for in WWII
September 4, 2025
There are a lot of WW2 stories to be told. This is one worth reading.
One interesting thing that set this story apart was that two different narratives were given. You see the 1930s and 1940s through two lenses in alternating chapters. An American lens, and a German lens is presented. This allowed me to compare things that I previously knew, in a way I had not considered prior.
This story is at times very dark and bleak and I honestly had to take breaks while reading it, because I was so emotionally engrossed in the story. I don’t know that I will read this one again, but I am glad to have read it.
Definite recommendation for those who loved Boys in the Boat and Unbroken.
Propelling pace.
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to preview this book.
One interesting thing that set this story apart was that two different narratives were given. You see the 1930s and 1940s through two lenses in alternating chapters. An American lens, and a German lens is presented. This allowed me to compare things that I previously knew, in a way I had not considered prior.
This story is at times very dark and bleak and I honestly had to take breaks while reading it, because I was so emotionally engrossed in the story. I don’t know that I will read this one again, but I am glad to have read it.
Definite recommendation for those who loved Boys in the Boat and Unbroken.
Propelling pace.
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to preview this book.
December 7, 2025
Get an entire box of Kleenex when you pick up this book! Wow!!! Now I will say it starts slow as it lays out some of the World War II history and the ground work for our main characters. But after the first 1/3 of the book it really takes off. The faith of Elmer, the heart of “Pepsi”, the fighting spirits of Eddie and Mike - I feel like I am a better person just by getting a glimpse into their lives! In a saturated genre, this book stands out as one of the top nonfiction WWII books I have read.
January 1, 2026
Audiobook well read. What a story of darkness to light! True story told based on research done by the main figures daughter. An amazing story of survival during WW2. When reading stories like this I ask myself if faced with those kind of atrocities would I fold or find grit like these 2 hero’s to live. Amazing read. Thanks for the recommendation pal!
November 27, 2025
An incredible story of 4 boys during WWII. Two came from the Midwest United States and joined the army. Two were caught in Hitler's concentration camps. This is a story of faith and survival and the brotherhood lasting forever.
November 27, 2025
Amazing story told in an easy to read and understand. I was captivated before I finished the first chapter. The men whose stories are told are truly amazing. I didnt realize when I started reading that one of them (Eddie) was the author's father! Highly recommend.
December 3, 2025
This was a great story and the ending brought me to tears. The book provides a personal perspective on a horrific part of history. I highly recommend reading the book to get to know the boys of Company D and Eddie and Mike. Thank you to all that serve.
January 7, 2026
This book was written by one of the survivor’s of the holocaust’s daughters. Well written, very informative about the lives of US soldiers who served during WW II and two Jewish boys who survived 5 years in a concentration camp(s) and how they met the American soldiers. Starts with their early childhood, their time in the war and follows through with their lives after the war.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews