What do you think?
Rate this book
The Right Side of Wrong: Renegades Against the Reich
In a world full of wrong, one family did all they could to survive and stay on the right side of humanity.
Amid the chaos of the first World War, a young German soldier, Adolf “Adi” Dindinger, stationed in Berlin and head of the Kaisergarde, falls in love with Tatjana Wiczewski, a Russian Jew living in Bialowieza. As the Bolsheviks burn Tatjana’s village, Adi and Tatjana flee to Poland, with forged German citizenship papers for Tatjana that disguise her Jewish heritage. Adi and Tatjana make a life in Poland, raising four children, while aware of the dangers for them both as tensions build between Germany and Poland.
When World War II breaks out, the children—now young adults and teenagers—have talents of value to the Reich. The young men are conscripted, the oldest daughter is a proficient chemical engineering student in Berlin, and the youngest daughter is a talented figure skater and pianist. As the war tightens its grip, the Dindingers face impossible choices: protect themselves or protect others; remain silent or risk everything. In a world where morality is distorted by power, even small acts of conscience carry deadly consequences.
Amid the chaos of the first World War, a young German soldier, Adolf “Adi” Dindinger, stationed in Berlin and head of the Kaisergarde, falls in love with Tatjana Wiczewski, a Russian Jew living in Bialowieza. As the Bolsheviks burn Tatjana’s village, Adi and Tatjana flee to Poland, with forged German citizenship papers for Tatjana that disguise her Jewish heritage. Adi and Tatjana make a life in Poland, raising four children, while aware of the dangers for them both as tensions build between Germany and Poland.
When World War II breaks out, the children—now young adults and teenagers—have talents of value to the Reich. The young men are conscripted, the oldest daughter is a proficient chemical engineering student in Berlin, and the youngest daughter is a talented figure skater and pianist. As the war tightens its grip, the Dindingers face impossible choices: protect themselves or protect others; remain silent or risk everything. In a world where morality is distorted by power, even small acts of conscience carry deadly consequences.
- GenresHistory
322 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 24, 2026
The Right Side of Wrong: Renegades Against the Reich is a compelling historical novel that explores the extraordinary moral choices ordinary people are forced to make during one of history's darkest periods. Ruth L. Hillelson combines meticulous historical context with deeply personal storytelling to create a narrative that is both emotionally engaging and profoundly thought-provoking.
At the heart of the novel is the Dindinger family, whose lives are shaped by war, identity, loyalty, and survival. Rather than presenting history solely through sweeping political events, Hillelson focuses on the intimate consequences of conflict, showing how individual acts of courage, compassion, and conscience can become acts of resistance in the face of overwhelming oppression.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its nuanced portrayal of moral complexity. The characters are repeatedly confronted with impossible decisions where every choice carries significant consequences. Their struggles highlight the difficult balance between protecting loved ones, preserving one's humanity, and standing against injustice when silence appears safer than action.
Throughout the novel, themes of family, resilience, identity, sacrifice, resistance, survival, love, moral courage, faith, and the enduring strength of the human spirit are woven seamlessly into an engaging historical narrative. The historical setting enriches the story without overshadowing the emotional journeys of the characters, allowing readers to connect personally with their experiences.
Written with sensitivity and historical care, The Right Side of Wrong is a moving work of historical fiction that reminds readers that even during humanity's darkest chapters, acts of integrity and compassion continue to illuminate the path forward. Ruth L. Hillelson delivers a memorable novel that honors both history and the resilience of those who chose humanity over fear.
At the heart of the novel is the Dindinger family, whose lives are shaped by war, identity, loyalty, and survival. Rather than presenting history solely through sweeping political events, Hillelson focuses on the intimate consequences of conflict, showing how individual acts of courage, compassion, and conscience can become acts of resistance in the face of overwhelming oppression.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its nuanced portrayal of moral complexity. The characters are repeatedly confronted with impossible decisions where every choice carries significant consequences. Their struggles highlight the difficult balance between protecting loved ones, preserving one's humanity, and standing against injustice when silence appears safer than action.
Throughout the novel, themes of family, resilience, identity, sacrifice, resistance, survival, love, moral courage, faith, and the enduring strength of the human spirit are woven seamlessly into an engaging historical narrative. The historical setting enriches the story without overshadowing the emotional journeys of the characters, allowing readers to connect personally with their experiences.
Written with sensitivity and historical care, The Right Side of Wrong is a moving work of historical fiction that reminds readers that even during humanity's darkest chapters, acts of integrity and compassion continue to illuminate the path forward. Ruth L. Hillelson delivers a memorable novel that honors both history and the resilience of those who chose humanity over fear.
September 7, 2026
The Right Side of Wrong: Renegades Against the Reich is a powerful, heartbreaking, inspiring, and deeply moving historical read. Based on Dr. Ruth Hillelson’s own family history, this book brings to life an extraordinary story of love, survival, courage, resistance, and the impossible choices people faced during the rise of the Third Reich.
What stayed with me most was the reminder that even in the darkest circumstances, individual acts of courage and conscience matter. Through letters, documents, and family testimony, Hillelson beautifully preserves the stories of those who refused to simply stand by and the sacrifices that came with choosing humanity over silence.
What stayed with me most was the reminder that even in the darkest circumstances, individual acts of courage and conscience matter. Through letters, documents, and family testimony, Hillelson beautifully preserves the stories of those who refused to simply stand by and the sacrifices that came with choosing humanity over silence.
June 14, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed The Right Side of Wrong. Dr. Ruth Hillelson does an incredible job bringing her family’s story to life while weaving in important historical events. The book is engaging, emotional, and thought-provoking, reminding us that doing the right thing isn’t always easy. If you enjoy history, true stories, and inspiring accounts of courage and resilience, I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews