Perilous Journey to Freedom

by Marion Kummerow

Two women and a smuggler on the most dangerous journey of their lives.

When Jewish woman Astrid receives a summons from the Gestapo, she knows one if she follows the order, she will die. Her only chance of survival is to flee, yet the path to freedom leads across the snow-covered Alps.
In the remote Montafon valley, she meets Bärbel, a courageous woman also on the run. Together, they embark on the perilous escape.

Their last hope is Felix, a taciturn smuggler who knows every hidden trail in the mountains. He’s done this route many times before, but this time, everything is different.

A sudden shift in the weather turns the mountains into a deadly trap. The Gestapo is closing in. Avalanches threaten. As fear and suspicion grow, trust becomes as fragile as the snow beneath their feet.

A race begins against time, the forces of nature, and their own fear.

Will they reach freedom after all? Or is the price too high to pay?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2025

About the author

Marion Kummerow was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to "discover the world" and lived in various countries. In 1999 she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she's now living with her family.

After dipping her toes with non-fiction books, she finally tackled the project dear to her heart. UNRELENTING is the story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime.

It's a book about resilience, love and the courage to stand up and do the right thing.

Reviews

[Lesa Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to @NetGalley @BookWhisperer for the ARC.

Kummerow sets her story in 1943 Germany with the Nazi party in control. She slowly introduces the main characters - Astrid, a young Jewish woman, Felix, and Austrian smuggler, and Barbel, a medical student who is on the run, hiding with her grandmother.

The story evolves, eventually bringing the three together, along with secondary characters, as they begin preparations for a daring escape to Switzerland. Crossing the treacherous Alps forces them to face significant physical trials to unexpected, deadly weather conditions, and of course, trying to outwit the pursuing Nazis. Kummerow beautifully builds tension into the story as the plot thickens and the characters relentlessly strive towards their goal of crossing into Switzerland safely, eventually outsmarting the Nazis.

There were some things that I struggled with in this book - first, the character development was slow, taking up the first half of the book. Secondly, pieces of the story just did not ring true and felt forced. One of those being that Barbel appeared to be clueless as to how Jews were forced to live under German occupation. Since she had ties to the resistance (which was why she was on the run), she absolutely would have known the depth of the Jews plight. Third was the end of the book - I felt like we were in the middle of the story and it just ended.

All in all, the book is a good read that highlights the human spirit when wrongs are being committed and shows that the price of freedom and standing for the downtrodden is worth everything. I would definitely recommend this book for any fan of historic WWII period literature.

#NetGalley #BookWhisperer #PerilousJourneytoFreedom #Historicalfiction #WWIIfiction #EscapingtheReich

[Bev Walkling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember well watching the Sound of Music where the Von Trapp family were shown mountain climbing to escape the Nazi's. It made for good photography, but wasn't true. In the novel, author Marion Kummerow chose to write about characters who truly had to climb the Alps to escape and save their lives. She was inspired by research about real people, those who escaped, and the guides who made their escapes possible at great risk to themselves. That research contributed to a story that was gripping, heart pounding and difficult to put down. When it was done I wanted more!

The landscape itself could almost be a character. Winter had not yet arrived, but it was close. For those who weren't physically fit, it was a journey that seemed insurmountable. Everything depended on arriving at the border within a certain tight timing as only certain border officials were bribeable. A simple slip or fall could potentially endanger the whole group. Jewish people trying to escape were rarely well fed or dressed in suitable gear. A sudden weather change could signal disaster. Perilous really was a good choice of words for what the reader will experience within the pages of the book. I was mesmerized.

Don't start reading this book at bedtime or you may not get much sleep. There are a few emotionally charged descriptions of Nazi actions. This is a reminder of several things. The Nazi's could be ruthless and cruel. Even those in the resistance did not fully understand just how awful were the conditions faced by the Jewish people, but...there were still good people, willing to do what they could to help.

I would definitely recommend this to history buffs interested in WW2 or those interested in stories of escape. It has enough excitement to please those who like a thriller too. Don't expect romance in this novel, but do expect characters who feel very real.

Many thanks to #NetGalley, #BookWhisperer and author #MarionKummerow for making it possible for me to read an ARC of this novel. All opinions are my own.

[annasbook nookk · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review: Marion has a way of writing that always grips me from the get-go. This book was no different. I couldn’t put this down.

It was packed with tension, emotional and nerve-wracking from beginning to end. This story gripped me from the very first page.

As soon as Astrid got the letter from the enemy being summoned, it made ME anxious. I felt so bad for her and was hoping for her freedom throughout.

When she sets off on her journey, she must pass through the Alps. I was on the edge of my seat and felt like I was in the mountains with her.

Astrid, Barbel, and Felix came together to embark on this journey; fear, tension, and grief were present for them throughout. The things they endured were sometimes heartbreaking.

What really stands out is the fragile, shifting trust between Astrid, Bärbel, and Felix. Each of them carries secrets, grief, and fear, and that emotional tension makes their struggle even more intense.

If you love WWII fiction that’s fast-paced and packed with tension, this one’s for you.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gripping read, particularly considering the second half of the novel. This plot is definitely not as good as the author's previous novels, though. Some parts felt rather as if they had been written in a rush, leaving some elements quite confusing . This considerably lowered the level of the tension in the plot as well as its credibility.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt, Gripping, and Truly Moving

I absolutely loved this book Perilous Journey to Freedom. The characters are so well developed that they felt completely real, and their struggles and resilience pulled me right into the story. The writing has such authenticity that it reads like a true account, yet it’s a work of fiction – and that makes it even more remarkable.
This is a gripping and emotional read that kept me engaged from beginning to end. A powerful story of survival and hope, told in a way that lingers long after the final page. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Heather Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the "Escaping the Reich" series by Marion Kummerow and is book three, but can easily be read as a stand-alone.
It's July 1943 in St Gallenkirch, Montafon and Felix simply wasn't happy to be a farmer but he's happy to be off again in the mountains and is busy getting his boots ready, by massaging the leather grease into the cracks of his now worn boots. There wasn't any new boots to be found anywhere so he spends a long while carefully tending to his own faithful boots. His sister Valentina is in her late thirties and together with her children were living off the sale of restricted goods such as chocolate and coffee that Felix is selling. But also he is travelling across the alps with Jewish people and others to take them to a safe country.
Astrid is twenty three and has her whole.life in front of her and she is one of Felix's travellers, promising her mother that she will send her a postcard when she arrives safely.
Soon there are four travellers, Felix, Astrid, Barcelona and Bruno and the four of them certainly had to endure really bad situations and they all wondered if they were ever to see their friends and families again. Although the route looked pretty with snow capped mountain tops, it was in fact extremely treacherous hiking through them with inadequate clothing and equipment, and even their footprints could so easily give them away to the German patrols in the area. When they encounter an avalanche and have to also crawl through tunnels to reach freedom, they are exhausted beyond belief.
But will the journey go safely for Felix, Astrid, Barbel and Bruno?

This book keeps your attention throughout and makes you hope they're safe in there relentless journey over the snowy, rocky terrain. I found it hard to put down and wanted to find out if they were going to make it and survive the war.
It's very readable and extremely moving and I have given it five stars and I look forward to reading more from Marion Kummerow.

#Netgalley
#MarionKummerow
#BookWhisperer
#PerilousJourneyToFreedom

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been looking forward to reading 'Perilous Journey to Freedom,' knowing that it takes place in the Alps. (No, I'm not a mountain climber, but my first encounter with snow was in the Swiss Alps.) The story is set in 1943 and begins with heavy foreshadowing as we are introduced to the main characters. Astrid, a young Jewish woman living with her family in Munich, is accused by the Gestapo of covering up the yellow star on her coat with her arms. Any contact with the Gestapo is a death sentence for a Jew, so she must run. Felix, an Austrian smuggler of luxury goods from across the border in Switzerland, is required to watch the public execution in his village of two Jewish women who were caught trying to escape. Lastly, we meet Barbel, a medical student with connections to the White Rose resistance group, who has fled to the mountains where her grandmother lives.

The difficulties of trying to escape across the Alps to Switzerland were monumental, from physical issues to unforeseen, deadly weather conditions, and the ever-present Nazis. I particularly admired the elderly Austrians in this mountainous region who didn't hesitate to help those escaping, even knowing the dangers to themselves. I was shocked that Barbel was clueless about how Jews were forced to live in Germany since Hitler came to power in 1933. Reading this series has made my respect for refugees even greater. It's hard to imagine the strength it takes to leave everything behind for an uncertain future. This book shines a spotlight on those who chose to risk their lives by crossing the Alps and those who helped them. For all involved, freedom was worth the price, no matter the cost. We honor them by reading books like Perilous Journey to Freedom, and I highly recommend it.

"This stopped being about politics a long time ago. It's about decency. And human lives."

My thanks to NetGalley and The Book Whisperer for the opportunity to read the ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courage and Determination

I enjoyed the courage shown by the characters in this book. I also enjoyed the fact that the author based them on true events and people that lived during that era. I have read many books about escape across the mountains but not the Alps. That would have to have been a very dangerous journey indeed. Only the most determined and courageous could have made that journey.

I was also suprised that such a small thing as holding your hand over your yellow star could get you arrested. So petty of an offense that could gain such an action. It is interesting that even homes with one aryan parent were searched and the owners beaten. It seems that the aryan married to a Jewish partner was looked down on worse by the Nazi's than the Jewish partner.

It is good to read that people such as Felix and Karl actually existed during the occupation and they risked their lives to help the Jewish people. It is refreshing to read that not all people in a country were against the Jewish people and some were actually motivated to conquer their fear of the Nazi’s enough to offer some help.

It was an interesting fact that most non-Jewish had no idea to the extent of the suffering of the Jewish people. So many just turned a blind eye to the atrocities of the Nazi’s and went on with their lives as if nothing was array.

I enjoy each book in the series. I appreciated the research that goes into writing these books and I applaud the author for the work she does in making sure they are based on actual people and events, that research has to take a lot of time and effort.

Read the book you will be inspired by the courage and determination of the characters.

I was given a copy of the book to read and review, the review is my own.

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant, and at the same time, on the edge of your seat suspenseful, Perilous Journey to Freedom is Marion Kummerow's third (and final?) book in the Escaping the Reich series.

Astrid, a Jewish woman who's mother is Aryan, lives in a constant state of fear. Her mother's lack of Jewishness has so far saved the family from being taken to concentration camps, but its only a matter of time. The Gestapo has targeted them for harassment, has stolen everything they need to live. Astrid needs to flee, and her mother has given her her own paperwork to use to make her escape.

Barbel lives in a small mountain town, and she also needs to flee. The two women hear about a guide who will take then on a "tour" to Spain. But there are unknown collaborators in the small town who are nominally part of the escape chain, who are using it to identify and detain Jews. They don't know whether it's safe, but when they meet Felix, a tour guide, they know that they must take the risk of leaving with him, or they will die. Perilous Journey to Freedom is the story of their hugely dangerous journey to freedom.

As a Marion Kummerow fan I had high expectations for this book (I have also read the previous two in the series) and this book did not disappoint. The characters are compelling, and their path to freedom so suspenseful that I couldn't put the book down, and finished it in 24 hours! It is a very different story from other WW II stories, and super interesting. Don't miss this book!

[Doreen Prentiss Gabriellini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perilous Journey to Freedom: A daring Escape across the Alps by Marion Kummerow is another of her historical World War II novels. This is the third book in the series of Escaping the Reich. This particular story is about three people who are desperate to evade the Gestapo by traveling through the Alps. While this is the third book in the series it can definitely be read as a stand alone.
The three main characters are Astrid (who is Jewish), Barbel (a resistance fighter) and Felix (a smuggler). Felix knows the mountain trails well and is willing to take Astrid and Barbel across to neutral Switzerland. The journey becomes far more dangerous than they ever anticipated. A sudden and severe snowstorm traps them in an area that is prone to avalanches. The Nazi’s are following their trail which is quite easy since they are leaving footprints in the snow.
The heart of the story is the trio’s race for survival against the snow and the Nazi’s. I will say that the story is a quick read and nerve wracking at times. Ms. Kummerow’s setting descriptions are extremely realistic. You can smell the pine, hear the crunch of snow, see the Alps and see Switzerland in the distance. The characters are believable and you can feel their emotions. The courage, the fear and the risk are all palpable. This is definitely a character driven story.

[Rennette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perilous Journey to Freedom is a book title that truly fits the story contained within. Author Marion Kummerow has once again written a compelling novel about people wanting desperately to escape living under the Nazi regime. While this is the third book in a series it definitely can be read as a standalone story. In this Book 3 of Escaping the Reich we're introduced to two women living in Austria - one Jewish and one who's been part of a group actively working against the Nazis - whose only hope for escape after being targeted by the Gestapo is to travel by foot over the Alps into Switzerland. As we learn the background of each woman it leads the reader to be very sympathetic to their circumstances with hopes that all will work out well for them. The writing is so good that it keeps the reader riveted as we see just exactly how "perilous" their journey actually becomes. The secondary characters are also well written with situations that keep us interested in seeing how things work out for them. This is definitely an "unputdownable" book that I strongly recommend for anyone who enjoys historical fiction that takes place in Europe during WWII. I received an ARC thanks to the Book Wisperer via NetGalley but all opinions are my own.

[Judy Odom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perlious Journey to Freedom will grab your attention from the first to the last page

It is WWII and Astrid is fleeing in order not to be arrested by the Nazis, sent to a prison camp or worse her death..

Felix is a German who is not only a smuggler but leads Jewish people across the Alps to into Switzerland.

It is beyon a dangerous journey and there are good people who will help along the way .

This trip he is taking not only Astrid but Bruno and Barbel all of who are fighting for their lives.

Marion Kummerow writes beautifully and I felt I was right there on climbing the Alps with Felix.

Things never go according to plan and the group face storms, Nazis chasing them and out for blood and so much more.

I cant imagine the strength it took for those living their lives behind, for those aiding them escaping in a time of terror.

I hated this book to end.

This is Book 3 in the series but you can certainly read it as a stand alone although you will want to go back and read the first two books in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the privilege of reading and reviewing Perilous Journey to Freedon.

[Charlie Sandino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about the mountain guide Felix and his dangerous journeys in the mountains. It is the adventurous storytelling about several people fleeing, taking refuge throughout the mountains during WWII. There are several characters in the book, Astrid, Börbel, and Bruno each of them have their different reasons and stories as to why they need to escape. One of the main characters Felix, is a man who's used to the mountains, a guide helping others across the border. Felix also gets merchandise to sell from his trips. As the storytelling unravels there is danger ahead, and the people he need to help are having a hard time. During this trip across the mountains to the border from Austria-Switzerland he has to be very careful not to get caught by the German soldiers,Gestapo. He knows the mountains very well and the difficulties that lie ahead. Felix is used to the mountain life, heads out on one very dangerous journey. It will not turn out as anticipated and he finds himself in a situation that could cost him everything. This is a very adventurous story and the book is well put together and kept up the suspense till the end.
Charlotte N

[Marcia Crabtree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading “Perilous Journey to Freedom,” the third book in Marion Kummerow’s World War II series “Escape from the Reich.” I found it far more coherent and satisfying than the previous one in the series, “Dark Shadows Looming Ahead.” I received an advanced reader’s copy of both books from NetGalley prior to their publications and left my review of the Dark Shadows book in July. My current review is voluntary.

The perilous journey in this case involves fleeing Nazi controlled Austria via an arduous climb through the Alps to cross into Switzerland, made more treacherous by inclement weather, inexperienced and unprepared people, and pursuing Nazis. Along the way, several unexpected events occur, delaying the journey and putting the travelers at ever increasing risk. The constant fear and danger each person experiences is palpable, leaping from every page and every word in Ms. Kummerow’s excellent rendering of this tale. It’s based on excellent research and written accounts by various persons of actual events. I highly recommend reading this book.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for this - another one I couldn’t put down! I am loving this author and anxiously awaiting the next in this series, as this one did not even mention Countess Sophie and I’m keen to get back to that part of the group.

I enjoyed meeting all the main characters separately here and then watching their different stories merge together into one, and the dramatic escape across the mountains into Switzerland was so suspenseful, I was on the edge of my seat! Absolutely loved it. I was sad when I got to the end and didn’t have the next book in the series ready to go - as I just read the second and third back to back. I dare say these could probably all be read out of order too as they’re very much self contained stories and while there are a few cross over characters I think everything would make sense. I like that the books are quite short too, they’ve all been easy enough to read in two or three days - if I had the time they could probably be read in one day!

[Firetruckmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Perilous Journey to Freedom" is a WWII historical fiction book by Marion Kummerow. This book is part of the "Escaping the Reich" series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. This book follows three people - Felix, a man who is a procurer of hard to find items during WWII and a smuggler, Astrid, a Jewish woman escaping from a summons from the Nazis, and Barbel, a former medical student. Long story short - Felix agrees to help Astrid and Barbel cross into Switzerland and there are some close encounters with Nazis, some dangerous weather things, and a pretty decent adventure story. Did I learn anything new from this book - no, not really, but the writing was engaging and the story a pretty good one. I thank the publishers and NetGalley for an eARC of this book.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters in the book are well-developed and have a good history to help the reader know what their life and family were facing during WWII and the time prior to that.
It was a detailed story about the smuggler and three people who were looking for someone to help them get to Switzerland where they would not be arrested, imprisoned or likely murdered by the Nazis.
The struggles of Felix, Bruno, Astrid and Barbel were dangerous, injurious and a rough struggle to get out of their country and what their hope for life in Switzerland would give them.
I'll be looking forward to reading the first two books of the series and those that come after this one.

**I read this Advanced Readers' Copy through NetGalley, Release date is October 10, 2025**

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two young women determined to live. One intrepid freedom fighter. Their common enemy the Gestapo slowly extending their hold on this remote corner of Montafon, turning people against each other, those who have lived as neighbors for generations. A question of survival by whatever means.

The story of two women, one with no experience of mountain climbing, one man who perishes, and the determination to succeed the grueling hike over the Alps, hard enough normally, now hit by a freak snowstorm and a avalanche. Beating the odds the two women escape and Felix has to return home to a Gestapo who is looking out for him.

Stories set with the theme of resistance are always brave adventures, so much of risks taken but the need to survive overtakes all. This was no exception. Very well told.

[Su Thor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! I enjoyed reading this story. Once again Marion has written a marvellous story about survival. While the characters we meet are fictional, the story rings true to facts about what happened as smugglers who brought goods over the mountains to sell. When the war came, bringing a steady stream of refugees seeking help many, all along the border with Switzerland, guided people across the mountains to safety.
The characters felt real and the circumstances were factually accurate.

Thank you Marion for writing this story. Thank you to Book Whisperer for publishing and for the advance copy.The views expressed are my own and they are given freely.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perilous Journey to Freedom, the third book in the Escaping the Reich Series, is a powerful, credible read. By Marion Kummerow, the intense desperation that leads these characters to take to the mountains is a read that is heartrending as well as heart inspiring. Astrid’s and Bärbel’s journey is moving as well as the horrible cruelty of the Nazis. The daring escape over the Alps is one that I could see and feel through the excellent narration. Well-developed characters with strong emotional insightfulness, this story will stick with me. I kept thinking what I would do if I was in their place. I highly recommend this historical thrilling book, Perilous Journey to Freedom.

[Maria-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story might make you realize things you did not know before.
As with all her books the author has put in a lot of research to produce this work of fiction. An exciting read which will keep you reading till the end, silently praying that the escape will succeed. The characters may be not real but are based on a combination of people and events during the war. We see how people from completely different backgrounds end up supporting each order. How a good deal of the German population had no clue how bad things were for the Jewish population. Please take the time at end of the story to read the authors notes which will make you appreciate the story even more

[Howard Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
This novel is an exciting depiction of Germans who helped save Jews by smuggling them into Switzerland during World War II. The situations and descriptions of the people are believable and well defined. It is basically the story of survival despite overwhelming odds and includes murder, an avalanche, escaping through a tunnel and, of course, resourcefulness. This novel is recommended and I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perilous Journey to Freedom is the third, and likely the final, book in the Escaping the Reich series. The series is well-written and thoroughly researched, showcasing the bravery of both the leaders and those striving to survive. I do wish the ending had provided more closure about whether the families were reunited and what became of them. However, I did learn some new ways Jews and others managed to escape. 3 ½ stars
I would like to thank the author, Book Whisperer and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#PerilousJourneytoFreedom #NetGalley

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enjoying reading this series as it is completely different from other books in this genre and it gives me an insight to the journey that people had (not the hollywood version of the sound of music).
The book takes a while to get started as it builds on the character development. It could be said that one of the characters is very naive in not knowing the plight of the Jews even though she was in the resistance but I am assuming that at the time the news was only coming out.

I am very pleased found this author.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched me on many levels. First, it reminded me vividly of the all too real horrors of the Nazi regime, especially as experienced by European Jews. Secondly, and related, it addressed the extremes that Jews and other targeted ethnic groups went to in order to escape this oppression. Thirdly, it is a testiment to the human spirit.
I found this book very readable even if emotionally difficult at times. The author held little back in telling this tale. It needs to be read by anyone interested in WWII history, by anyone really.

[Jenni Ogden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marion Kummerow is one of the best writers in this popular genre. This novel is no exception; the plot is page-turning, her characters have depth, and who doesn't like a story of survival despite what seem like unsurvivable circumstances? And of course in WWII there were numerous true stories of people surviving situations that today we can barely imagine. Thankyou to the author and Netgalley for a digital ARC.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are three things the author brings to the reader's attention. First is the purpose for public executions. People of the village are commanded to watch them. There are two purposes for this. One is to cause fear the other is to turn people into snitches. The author also shows that are multiple reasons to need to escape. The way selected in this novel is extremely hazardous. This author creates strong, vivid characters. I received an ARC and am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Nethanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's helped so many people by bringing them to Switzerland but this time it was totally different. An he save them this time or will it go wrong for all of them?
This story is so well written, you just feel the danger and circumstances they have to endure.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this story.

[Carey Mundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the third book in the Escaping the Reich series. 2 women and a smuggler embark on a dangerous escape from Nazi Germany across the Alps. If caught all 3 will face death. Their journey is frought with peril and setbacks, and it constantly leaves you wondering if they will make it. . It’s a book that’s hard to put down.

[Sherralynne Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

I loved this story and while it has some terrifying moments when I was literally holding my breath, the story ends well.

Marion is a wonderful writer and I have enjoyed every one of her stories.

Thanks Marion, I'm looking forward to your next story.

From a fan living in New Zealand.