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The Officer of Dachau
She made a courageous choice in times of unparalleled turmoil. Could her family survive its consequences?
New York, 1963. Ever since he was a young boy, struggling to survive among the rubble of bombarded Berlin, Manny Heimann knew he wanted to be a doctor. Having barely managed to escape the terrible fate of Mischling German children, Manny is adamant about dedicating his life to helping all those in need… Until a familiar face enters his clinic one fateful afternoon, threatening to uproot everything he believed about human kindness – and cruelty.
Berlin, 1929. Twenty-year-old nurse Ilse Heine spends most of her time dutifully tending to the sick and injured people of the city when she meets the striking Johan Kirche. At first, Ilse is captivated. But as their courtship ensues, Johan’s words become harsher, and Ilse begins to see something change behind his once beautiful blue eyes…
When she discovers Johan is not only a member of the Nazi party but a brutal SS officer, Ilse ends their relationship. But as the Nazi party sweeps through Germany, and Jews and their families start to disappear, Ilse’s past comes knocking on her family’s door – and their future will be forever changed.
Fans of Schindler’s List and Roberta Kagan will feel right at home in this heart-wrenching, surprising, powerful story about resilience, love, and kinship set in the darkest days of World War Two.
New York, 1963. Ever since he was a young boy, struggling to survive among the rubble of bombarded Berlin, Manny Heimann knew he wanted to be a doctor. Having barely managed to escape the terrible fate of Mischling German children, Manny is adamant about dedicating his life to helping all those in need… Until a familiar face enters his clinic one fateful afternoon, threatening to uproot everything he believed about human kindness – and cruelty.
Berlin, 1929. Twenty-year-old nurse Ilse Heine spends most of her time dutifully tending to the sick and injured people of the city when she meets the striking Johan Kirche. At first, Ilse is captivated. But as their courtship ensues, Johan’s words become harsher, and Ilse begins to see something change behind his once beautiful blue eyes…
When she discovers Johan is not only a member of the Nazi party but a brutal SS officer, Ilse ends their relationship. But as the Nazi party sweeps through Germany, and Jews and their families start to disappear, Ilse’s past comes knocking on her family’s door – and their future will be forever changed.
Fans of Schindler’s List and Roberta Kagan will feel right at home in this heart-wrenching, surprising, powerful story about resilience, love, and kinship set in the darkest days of World War Two.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
399 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 22, 2026
The last book of March, I’m reading is called “The Officer of Dachau” by Dorit Journo. This is her first historical novel and the story is fiction, but the atrocities are real during the Second World War 2. Journo writes a masterpiece narrative story where the storyline and characters make it hard to put down into the heart-wrenching struggles of resilience, love, and familiar bonds during the days of WW2. This book gives us insight about a high ranking officer, a ruthless man who is seen as a jealously and revenge, Johan, what he was unpredictable slowly brainwashed with the Nazi ideology who took over Germany. I must say the story was fast paced, chilling and very intriguing. It is a dual story between, Johan, Ilse, and Manny. You will live the story of one family that tells the story. What had happened as a result who had survived? You can decide.
October 10, 2025
Totally enthralling
What an excellent book.
It tells the story of a handsome German who becomes part of the SS.
He falls in love with Ilse . Due to his evil tendencies she rejects him and ultimately marries Jewish doctor.
The paths of these characters keeps crossing as Johan becomes totally obsessed with Ilse. He sets about to destroy her family as part of his revenge.
However Johan finds that revenge ultimately catches up with him.
What an excellent book.
It tells the story of a handsome German who becomes part of the SS.
He falls in love with Ilse . Due to his evil tendencies she rejects him and ultimately marries Jewish doctor.
The paths of these characters keeps crossing as Johan becomes totally obsessed with Ilse. He sets about to destroy her family as part of his revenge.
However Johan finds that revenge ultimately catches up with him.
May 1, 2026
Several surprises
gyl1958@yahoo.com I enjoyed this book , although between the title and the beginning I was able to figure out a good approximation of the end. There were several surprises throughout the book that I didn't expect and didn't like but while reading them understood that they were inevitable considering it was Nazi Germany during World War 2. I do have to say that the character most affected by the main protagonist did exactly what I had hoped he would.
gyl1958@yahoo.com I enjoyed this book , although between the title and the beginning I was able to figure out a good approximation of the end. There were several surprises throughout the book that I didn't expect and didn't like but while reading them understood that they were inevitable considering it was Nazi Germany during World War 2. I do have to say that the character most affected by the main protagonist did exactly what I had hoped he would.
October 5, 2025
Terrific
This was just an amazing book and although it started out slow in the beginning, once it got going it never stopped. The characters were very well written and you come to feel for them as I believe the author wants you to. You will feel very strong emotions while reading this so without spoilers just be forewarned. I loved it!
This was just an amazing book and although it started out slow in the beginning, once it got going it never stopped. The characters were very well written and you come to feel for them as I believe the author wants you to. You will feel very strong emotions while reading this so without spoilers just be forewarned. I loved it!
November 10, 2025
loved everything but the ending
Great read, would have given 5 stars but felt there was no closure at the end. Would love to read more!
Great read, would have given 5 stars but felt there was no closure at the end. Would love to read more!
August 5, 2026
Excellent Historical Novel
Couldn't put it down. Started to read in morning, finished at 11:00 pm. Will read more of b her books.
Couldn't put it down. Started to read in morning, finished at 11:00 pm. Will read more of b her books.
July 13, 2026
in the end, justice prevails!
Even the Holocaust camps aren’t the end! There will always be evil in the world, but good will always prevail.
Even the Holocaust camps aren’t the end! There will always be evil in the world, but good will always prevail.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews