Escape to Liechtenstein

The Young Refugees #1

by Ed Dunlop

Hans and Gretchen discover a young Jewish boy hiding from Nazi troops and decide to assist him in his escape attempt. Theme: salvation, forgiving others

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Middle Grade, Christian, Childrens, Young Adult, Juvenile

152 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Bo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, geared to middle schoolers, that takes place during WWII. The whole scenario might be a bit unrealistic (two young people helping a young Jewish lad escape from Austria), but on the other hand, it lays the care and protection of God as to the source of their success, and that is good, in my opinion. You might say the ending is predictable, as in their succeeding, but there are still a lot of unexpected twists and turns, along with uncertainties, along the way.

I really appreciated the emphasis upon trust in God, as well as not letting hatred and bitterness rule in your life, but rather forgiveness - both forgiveness from God to us, and forgiveness to others on our part.

I would give this book 4 1/2 stars, if I could. I'm looking forward to reading the other two books in the series.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book written for older children. It was a bit unbelievable in parts, but I really liked the story's emphasis on trusting God. The Gospel was clearly presented and Jacob got saved. A few parts were a bit intense for a younger child. But, overall it was a good book.

[Jenny Hartfelder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the first of a trilogy which has been sitting unread on my shelves for years. In my recent evaluation efforts, I discovered a gem! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it myself, but more importantly, it's perfect for middle-school boys of which I have two.

Set in Austria during WWII, a brother and sister discover a Jewish boy who they determine to help escape. It turns out that this boy is very much wanted by the German government, and their escape is a difficult one. While the reality is that they never should have made it, in God's Providence, they do.

[Ellie Hollows · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping tale in German occupied Austia during WWII. It kept me on my toes, wondering if they would ever make it through. It had to take a tremendous amount of faith to trust anyone.

Oh, how hard it would be to also love your enemies during that time, but it's was so true that if we hate, we become exactly like them. I was so happy how Gretchen grew in her faith in this area.

[Priscilla Krahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like to describe this series with the word 'Intense'. I highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys World War II fiction.

[Bambi Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. The sentences are too short and choppy and the storyline is predictable.

[Peggy House · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating plot with plenty of rising action.

[Sydney Smile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome! I really love all the characters and setting. That area of Europe has always interested me, as well as WWs and history. The plot is interesting--Two kids are minding their own buisness--their mother is dead, and their father, well...they know he's helping in the milatary, but they don't know WHERE. Then they find a young hiding from the Natzis. (Dunno if I spelled that right lol sorry) Anyway, they decide to help him and they go through lots of difficulties. Awesome book, would classify as a historic fiction so if you like that kind of book, totally read this one!

[Karina (Karina's Christian Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Number of pages: 148

Genre: Historical Fiction

Series: The Young Refugees #1

Age recommendation: 9-13

Summary: After the death of their mother at the hand of the Nazis, and the conscription of their father into the German army, Hans and Gretchen are on their own. When they find a Jewish boy, Jacob, hiding in their barn, they know they have to do something to help him. He is on his way to neutral Switzerland in order to escape the persecution of the Nazis. Soon, Hans and Gretchen join him on a perilous journey to protect his life, and those of many Allied spies!

My thoughts: Obviously this is a war book so I just want to start off by saying that it may not be the best for all children; there are some scenes that could be scary for a little kid. the kids are locked in rooms with the threat of the Gestapo on the way to catch them. They are shot at, and a soldier steps on a mine and is blown up; that’s all I remember.

I think the premise of this book is kind of ridiculous, but when I was like 9 and read it, I just thought that it was a cool story. I mean, come on. A random kid shows up at your house and since you’re two kids living alone anyway you decide to risk your life to help this boy get to Liechtenstein. Realistic? No. Interesting? Absolutely. I like how close the kids sometimes get to being caught; it keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering if they’ll be caught this time. I also like the small details that are added to show what it would have been like to live in a Nazi-occupied country. For example, Lars teaches them to go on a first name basis only because the less people know, the less they had to hide and the less they could give away if they got caught.

I love the Christian content in the book; from page one God is there. Hans is always praying for Gretchen to get over her hatred and for Jacob to come to know his Messiah. He’s not ashamed to ask God for help when he finds himself in a tough situation. And then there’s Jacob’s Jewish heritage that teaches that Jesus was the biggest traitor ever, and praying to Him or in His name is blasphemy. He becomes a Christian partway through the book.

It’s really interesting how these very different people have to work together to survive. The ending is contrived the kids get caught by Nazi soldiers and taken to a man who just happens to be the double agent they are looking for. He takes them to Liechtenstein where Hans and Gretchen’s father just happens to be on duty (he was conscripted to the Third Reich) and they are reunited as they drive into the safety of neutral Liechtenstein.

My personal rating: 4/5 stars.

Link to blog: https://karinaschristianreads.wordpre...

[Hannah Patten · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would not recommend this book. I love this author and his books, but this is one of the first ones he wrote and it's kinda annoying. But definely read his others.