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Saving My Assassin: A Memoir
"I should be dead. Buried in an unmarked grave in Romania. Obviously, I am not. God had other plans."
At just under five feet tall, Virginia Prodan was no match for the towering 6' 10" gun-wielding assassin the Romanian government sent to her office to take her life. It was not the first time her life had been threatened--nor would it be the last.
As a young attorney under Nicolae Ceausescu's brutal communist regime, Virginia had spent her entire life searching for the truth. When she finally found it in the pages of the most forbidden book in all of Romania, Virginia accepted the divine call to defend fellow followers of Christ against unjust persecution in an otherwise ungodly land.
For this act of treason, she was kidnapped, beaten, tortured, placed under house arrest, and came within seconds of being executed under the orders of Ceausescu himself. How Virginia not only managed to elude her enemies time and again, but how she also helped expose the appalling secret that would ultimately lead to the demise of Ceausescu's evil empire is one of the most extraordinary stories ever told.
A must-read for all generations, Saving My Assassin is the unforgettable account of one woman's search for truth, her defiance in the face of evil, and a surprise encounter that proves without a shadow of a doubt that nothing is impossible with God.
At just under five feet tall, Virginia Prodan was no match for the towering 6' 10" gun-wielding assassin the Romanian government sent to her office to take her life. It was not the first time her life had been threatened--nor would it be the last.
As a young attorney under Nicolae Ceausescu's brutal communist regime, Virginia had spent her entire life searching for the truth. When she finally found it in the pages of the most forbidden book in all of Romania, Virginia accepted the divine call to defend fellow followers of Christ against unjust persecution in an otherwise ungodly land.
For this act of treason, she was kidnapped, beaten, tortured, placed under house arrest, and came within seconds of being executed under the orders of Ceausescu himself. How Virginia not only managed to elude her enemies time and again, but how she also helped expose the appalling secret that would ultimately lead to the demise of Ceausescu's evil empire is one of the most extraordinary stories ever told.
A must-read for all generations, Saving My Assassin is the unforgettable account of one woman's search for truth, her defiance in the face of evil, and a surprise encounter that proves without a shadow of a doubt that nothing is impossible with God.
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2016
250 people are currently reading
4816 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Prodan
1 book102 followersVirginia Prodan is an international human rights attorney, an Allied Attorney with the Alliance Defending Freedom, and a sought-after speaker. Exiled from Romania since 1988, Virginia currently resides in Dallas, TX. She has two daughters, Anca and Andreea, and a son, Emanuel. Visit her on twitter @virginiaprodan, Facebook and on LinkedIn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 700 reviews
September 12, 2025
I listened to Saving My Assassin: A Memoir on audiobook. Memoir is my favorite genre, and this one felt like a bumpy ride.
Virginia Prodan grew up feeling like she didn't belong in her family. Her appearance was very different from her siblings, and she felt that her parents treated her differently. While studying for her law school entrance exams, she goes to live with her Aunt Cassandra who looks very similar to Virginia. There is quite a bit of the story dedicated to this issue that never gets resolved and questions aren't asked to try to get a resolution. This part of the memoir felt almost like a YA book.
After law school, Prodan, a Christian, becomes an attorney focused on religious persecution cases in Communist Romania. She is repeatedly successful in her defenses of Christianity based on Romanian law because Nicolae Ceausescu's regime wanted the West to view Romania as tolerant of other religions. Prodan is threatened, captured, beaten, and tortured. Her actions and cases were noticed by the US, UK, and other countries.
Prodan's grit, determination, courage, and faith are inspirational.
Virginia Prodan grew up feeling like she didn't belong in her family. Her appearance was very different from her siblings, and she felt that her parents treated her differently. While studying for her law school entrance exams, she goes to live with her Aunt Cassandra who looks very similar to Virginia. There is quite a bit of the story dedicated to this issue that never gets resolved and questions aren't asked to try to get a resolution. This part of the memoir felt almost like a YA book.
After law school, Prodan, a Christian, becomes an attorney focused on religious persecution cases in Communist Romania. She is repeatedly successful in her defenses of Christianity based on Romanian law because Nicolae Ceausescu's regime wanted the West to view Romania as tolerant of other religions. Prodan is threatened, captured, beaten, and tortured. Her actions and cases were noticed by the US, UK, and other countries.
Prodan's grit, determination, courage, and faith are inspirational.
March 21, 2017
Wow. This book was SO powerful. To see God at work through an ordinary woman in extraordinary circumstances. To see that people under Communist rule really do live like they are in the book 1984. With God, she stood up to and fought for the truth.
I honestly can't say anything. This book says it all. This should be required reading, for everyone. See what America stood for in the 80s, what it could turn into if we don't fight for freedom and justice. Five stars. All the way. EVERYone needs to read this, all over the world. This woman is my new hero. I want to be like her, full of love for others, even when they are persecuting you. Full of confidence in the Lord and following Him. Read this book, seriously. It's eye opening.
My thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
I honestly can't say anything. This book says it all. This should be required reading, for everyone. See what America stood for in the 80s, what it could turn into if we don't fight for freedom and justice. Five stars. All the way. EVERYone needs to read this, all over the world. This woman is my new hero. I want to be like her, full of love for others, even when they are persecuting you. Full of confidence in the Lord and following Him. Read this book, seriously. It's eye opening.
My thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
May 29, 2016
"I should be dead. Buried in an unmarked grave in Romania. Obviously, I am not. God had other plans."
'Saving My Assassin' is one of my favourite Non-Fiction reads of 2016. It begins in the mid-1980's in Romania. It is a story of one woman's fight for freedom. One woman's fight to believe as she chooses. The road to finding that freedom is plagued by interrogation, her life threatened and the lives of her husband and children threatened, torture, and standing face to face with the person sent to kill you.
Virginia Prodan is a lawyer married to a lawyer with children during the mid-1980's in Romania. Virginia and her family are also bible-believing Christians, which was dangerous. Romania, a communist country where the most prohibited book is the Bible. In Romania you could be imprisoned or killed for being a Christian. Virginia risked her life for her own faith and for standing up to the Romanian government in defense of Christianity. She could have renounced her beliefs as the government wanted, making all of this go away, but she didn't. She stood her ground.
This is a book everybody needs to read.
May 16, 2022
Fascinating story! This memoir is written in a fast, matter-of-fact style that is easy to engage with and follow. I absolutely loved seeing how Ms. Prodan strove to show the love of Christ to the very people who were hounding her and how that attitude, coupled with the amazing power of God, paid off in astounding ways. I often wonder what I would do in such situations, and I also loved how this book demonstrated that the author didn’t know ahead of time what she would do, either. God just gave her what she needed when she needed it. It was really interesting to see what communism looked like in her country and what Christianity looked like in response.
There were parts of the story (such as the failure of the author’s marriage or her approach to some things) that were sad or that I didn’t agree with, but that’s the nature of an honest memoir about a flawed person who nonetheless did her best to serve the Lord. There were a few questions left unanswered at the end of the book but resolved in the interview at the end; I would have preferred that those answers just be written into the book, but I was glad that they were at least resolved in some way. The afterword was the perfect closing touch. A friend recommended this book to me, and I’m happy to recommend it to others who want a fascinating, unputdownable look at the courage of a female attorney defending churches against tyranny and doing her best to share the truth that changed her life.
There were parts of the story (such as the failure of the author’s marriage or her approach to some things) that were sad or that I didn’t agree with, but that’s the nature of an honest memoir about a flawed person who nonetheless did her best to serve the Lord. There were a few questions left unanswered at the end of the book but resolved in the interview at the end; I would have preferred that those answers just be written into the book, but I was glad that they were at least resolved in some way. The afterword was the perfect closing touch. A friend recommended this book to me, and I’m happy to recommend it to others who want a fascinating, unputdownable look at the courage of a female attorney defending churches against tyranny and doing her best to share the truth that changed her life.
April 16, 2020
This memoir was fascinating, frightening and faith filled. What an amazing and courageous life Virginia has led. Highly recommended.
September 17, 2024
Eight years ago, I read this book for the first time. Its power and hope haven't weakened a jot in those years. The love of Christ for lost, lonely sinners, and His suffering church are just as eloquently evident. I would recommend everyone re-read it or at least read it.
(First review)
What an encouragement this book has been to me! It’s a wonderful testimony to the grace and love of Jesus Christ.
She was so open about the struggles in her life. Her reliance on the Lord and His Word was very refreshing. She never makes light of the cost of following the Lord, but she never lets you lose sight of the joy either. The ways that the Lord honored her service are quite amazing. The best thing about this book is that she shared the Gospel in all its power.
It was very well and humbly written. It reads as if she were talking straight to you, not giving a lecture. Please let me recommend this book to you. I believe it will be a blessing to you. Perhaps the best way to sum up this book would be with a quote, “…who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
Thanks to Tyndale and Netgalley for a chance to read this book for free and review it.
(First review)
What an encouragement this book has been to me! It’s a wonderful testimony to the grace and love of Jesus Christ.
She was so open about the struggles in her life. Her reliance on the Lord and His Word was very refreshing. She never makes light of the cost of following the Lord, but she never lets you lose sight of the joy either. The ways that the Lord honored her service are quite amazing. The best thing about this book is that she shared the Gospel in all its power.
It was very well and humbly written. It reads as if she were talking straight to you, not giving a lecture. Please let me recommend this book to you. I believe it will be a blessing to you. Perhaps the best way to sum up this book would be with a quote, “…who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
Thanks to Tyndale and Netgalley for a chance to read this book for free and review it.
January 14, 2022
This story must be read. It is a powerful memoir, a modern day David and Goliath that testifies to the existence of a powerful, loving, omnipresent God who is just as active today as yesterday and tomorrow. Working with, through and beside the least among us to accomplish the greatest of feats of rescuing and delivering his children. This story may not be new to many as it occurred in the 80s. But it is new to me and suspect I am not alone.
One lowly, humble, insignificant, woman who grew up in Romania during Nicolae Ceausescu's brutal communist regime became an attorney and then a Christian and ultimately a warrior. With just a sling and a rock and a mighty God she faced down her communist enemies and won — not with hate but with love.
One lowly, humble, insignificant, woman who grew up in Romania during Nicolae Ceausescu's brutal communist regime became an attorney and then a Christian and ultimately a warrior. With just a sling and a rock and a mighty God she faced down her communist enemies and won — not with hate but with love.
September 12, 2022
Wow!
Prodan opens her story in 1984 in Bucharest, Romania where she is visited by a Securitate agent who has been ordered to kill her. The narrative then travels back to her childhood, where she candidly shares the horrible treatment she faced from her parents. Despite her circumstances, Prodan was able to create a wonderful life for herself by studying hard to become an accomplished lawyer. Her intelligence only helped her to represent those who were the frequent targets of Nicolae Ceaușescu's Communist regime- those who were outspoken Christians. After her own salvation experience, Prodan made it her mission to fight for religious freedom and to share the gospel in her own life.
Eventually, the narrative comes back to the opening chapter, where the events unfold unexpectedly. Prodan's faith in Christ, willingness to trust Him, and boldness in Him continue to shine throughout the remainder of what she faces while living in Romania. Her story is a testimony to an Almighty God Who is always at work in the lives of those who follow Him. I was in awe of her courage and determination when most people likely would have caved to the pressures of the oppressive dictatorship in Romania during this era. This is true faith and surrender to God in all.
If you enjoyed this book, you will also enjoy: Tortured for Christ, Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents, and I Must Betray You
Prodan opens her story in 1984 in Bucharest, Romania where she is visited by a Securitate agent who has been ordered to kill her. The narrative then travels back to her childhood, where she candidly shares the horrible treatment she faced from her parents. Despite her circumstances, Prodan was able to create a wonderful life for herself by studying hard to become an accomplished lawyer. Her intelligence only helped her to represent those who were the frequent targets of Nicolae Ceaușescu's Communist regime- those who were outspoken Christians. After her own salvation experience, Prodan made it her mission to fight for religious freedom and to share the gospel in her own life.
Eventually, the narrative comes back to the opening chapter, where the events unfold unexpectedly. Prodan's faith in Christ, willingness to trust Him, and boldness in Him continue to shine throughout the remainder of what she faces while living in Romania. Her story is a testimony to an Almighty God Who is always at work in the lives of those who follow Him. I was in awe of her courage and determination when most people likely would have caved to the pressures of the oppressive dictatorship in Romania during this era. This is true faith and surrender to God in all.
If you enjoyed this book, you will also enjoy: Tortured for Christ, Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents, and I Must Betray You
June 6, 2024
This was such an accessible yet powerful read! This memoir details the life of Virginia Prodan, a Romanian woman living in under Nicolae Ceausescu’s communist rule.
From childhood, Virginia is noticeably different from her family. Due to family secrets and situational circumstances, she becomes an attorney and eventually becomes a Christian. Her life of following Christ is a difficult one, as she navigates fear, governmental opposition, and an trial of her faith.
I always feel weird rating memoirs. This one is no exception. This story inspires courage and I absolutely loved the use of scripture. I was amazed at how God provided for Virginia as well as the other believers surrounding her. I honestly wondered how my faith would hold up in a circumstance like that.
Sometimes it felt as though there were threads in the story that weren’t wrapped up, but I’ve since learned that there are editions that include an interview with Virginia where she answers frequent questions.
Anyway, I HIGHLY recommend this one!
From childhood, Virginia is noticeably different from her family. Due to family secrets and situational circumstances, she becomes an attorney and eventually becomes a Christian. Her life of following Christ is a difficult one, as she navigates fear, governmental opposition, and an trial of her faith.
I always feel weird rating memoirs. This one is no exception. This story inspires courage and I absolutely loved the use of scripture. I was amazed at how God provided for Virginia as well as the other believers surrounding her. I honestly wondered how my faith would hold up in a circumstance like that.
Sometimes it felt as though there were threads in the story that weren’t wrapped up, but I’ve since learned that there are editions that include an interview with Virginia where she answers frequent questions.
Anyway, I HIGHLY recommend this one!
January 10, 2022
Very interesting! Powerful story! I thought it was chilling that Communism’s promise was equality and justice for all, but then only as long as you agreed and supported the government. People disappeared for the most minor infractions, and no one could do anything about it. 😳😒
March 18, 2023
The story is amazing and inspiring for any Christian. It's also deeply unsatisfying at one major plot point, namely the identity of Virginia's mother and the reason for her stepmother's hatred of her.
March 23, 2023
The comprehensive autobiographical life story of someone who lived out “I have decided to follow Jesus; no turning back, no turning back”.
It was inspiring to read of her utter abandon for Jesus, her true love for her enemies & persecutors, and her memorization of scripture to be able to recall at key moments. She told her story, giving all the glory to God, and taking none for herself.
Her story also gives great perspective on the incredible privilege it is to live in America- a place where we are free to think & believe how we want. May we never willingly relinquish that or take it for granted.
It was inspiring to read of her utter abandon for Jesus, her true love for her enemies & persecutors, and her memorization of scripture to be able to recall at key moments. She told her story, giving all the glory to God, and taking none for herself.
Her story also gives great perspective on the incredible privilege it is to live in America- a place where we are free to think & believe how we want. May we never willingly relinquish that or take it for granted.
June 25, 2024
First of all, do not go into this expecting some kind of thriller. I was very surprised to find out that it was not a tense story about an assassin. Once I got over that, I did in fact enjoy the story of a Christian attorney in Romania. Having read I Must Betray You I did have an understanding of the communism in Romania, but I enjoyed a glimpse at it from a Christian perspective.
The conversion of the assassin was quite remarkable.
I did not love the parts where she "heard from God," or her refusal (and acknowledgment of said refusal) to save her marriage.
The conversion of the assassin was quite remarkable.
I did not love the parts where she "heard from God," or her refusal (and acknowledgment of said refusal) to save her marriage.
June 8, 2016
Saving My Assassin is an extraordinary memoir filled with courtroom drama, political intrigue, persecution, suspense and danger. Set in Romania during the brutal communist regime of President Nicolae Ceausescu, Virginia Prodan's story is both frightening and inspirational.
It's hard to believe much of this story took place less than three short decades ago. In America we take freedom for granted but once you read this book you may have a hard time taking anything for granted again. It all seems so frighteningly possible in the political and social climate we've been living the past few years.
Virginia's conversion to Christianity as a young lawyer turned her world upside down. Freedom in Christ was a wonderful new reality and she was infused with a strength and boldness she never knew before. But it was not without danger. In the early 1980s, Romanian Christians were arrested, beaten, and imprisoned for owning a Bible or going to church. Church buildings were even bull-dozed and their land confiscated. Freedom of religion did not exist. President Nicolae Ceausescu set himself up as a god and expected Romanians to worship him alone. Those who refused were punished and oftentimes murdered.
Virginia was arrested multiple times, beaten and threatened. She was told over and over that her life was in their hands and they would kill her. But knowing for a certainty that her life was actually in God's hands, she refused to live in fear of what men could do to her.
"I should be dead. Buried in an unmarked grave in Romania. Obviously, I am not. God had other plans." Virginia Prodan
Saving My Assassin is a wonderful story of the redeeming love of Christ. It's also a timely reminder that freedom is a precious commodity and so easily lost when people forget why truth matters and are willing to let go of certain unalienable rights in favor of empty promises.
*I received a complimentary copy of Saving My Assassin from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
It's hard to believe much of this story took place less than three short decades ago. In America we take freedom for granted but once you read this book you may have a hard time taking anything for granted again. It all seems so frighteningly possible in the political and social climate we've been living the past few years.
Virginia's conversion to Christianity as a young lawyer turned her world upside down. Freedom in Christ was a wonderful new reality and she was infused with a strength and boldness she never knew before. But it was not without danger. In the early 1980s, Romanian Christians were arrested, beaten, and imprisoned for owning a Bible or going to church. Church buildings were even bull-dozed and their land confiscated. Freedom of religion did not exist. President Nicolae Ceausescu set himself up as a god and expected Romanians to worship him alone. Those who refused were punished and oftentimes murdered.
Virginia was arrested multiple times, beaten and threatened. She was told over and over that her life was in their hands and they would kill her. But knowing for a certainty that her life was actually in God's hands, she refused to live in fear of what men could do to her.
"I should be dead. Buried in an unmarked grave in Romania. Obviously, I am not. God had other plans." Virginia Prodan
Saving My Assassin is a wonderful story of the redeeming love of Christ. It's also a timely reminder that freedom is a precious commodity and so easily lost when people forget why truth matters and are willing to let go of certain unalienable rights in favor of empty promises.
*I received a complimentary copy of Saving My Assassin from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
September 16, 2025
It was a great autobiography, and the title is very fitting she led her assassin to Christ.
December 7, 2022
The first quarter of the book was surprisingly good. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop all the way through(and it did, eventually, but when I reached the half), but for a quarter of it, I could just marvel at pretty good non-fiction—for a memoir.
But, once she finds religion, Jesus, my lord, save us all. The book goes sideways from there. This woman sacrificed her job, put her children in danger, and the life of her loved ones for religion—I despise such acts of self-proclaimed “martyrdom”. Yes, it was wrong that the freedom of religion was restricted during that regime, but the lengths to which she went to stand by religion….This woman needed therapy after a very traumatic childhood, and instead, she got a misogynistic belief system that made her act like she had swollen too many pills and smoked grass.
November 18, 2020
Hard to put down!! Amazing story!
December 9, 2020
Wow! This book really challenged my Christian life. We don't value our Christian liberty as we should. This was a very powerful book about a lady, Virginia, who grew up in communist Romania.
Romania has always been dear to my heart even though I have yet to visit there. This book further gave my insight into the history of Romania and deeper burden for this country.
I was inspired by Virginia's life and her stand for Christ despite prosecution. Defending Christians as a lawyer came with many risks to her life and to her family. Many times she was told that if she would just renounce her faith they (the government) would leave her alone. But she would not. She stood for Jesus.
"I should be dead. Buried in an unmarked grave in Romania. Obviously, I am not. God had other plans." ~ Virginia Prodan
I recommend this book as a must read for all. This book will strengthen and challenge your life for Christ.
Romania has always been dear to my heart even though I have yet to visit there. This book further gave my insight into the history of Romania and deeper burden for this country.
I was inspired by Virginia's life and her stand for Christ despite prosecution. Defending Christians as a lawyer came with many risks to her life and to her family. Many times she was told that if she would just renounce her faith they (the government) would leave her alone. But she would not. She stood for Jesus.
"I should be dead. Buried in an unmarked grave in Romania. Obviously, I am not. God had other plans." ~ Virginia Prodan
I recommend this book as a must read for all. This book will strengthen and challenge your life for Christ.
June 12, 2019
I've never quite gotten used to memoirs. The stories are so different from carefully planned fictional plots. Real life isn't a novel, I understand that, but I love the artistic ebb and flow of fiction. If I could temporarily turn off fiction mode when reading memoirs that would be awesome. As it is my inner critic points out all the "problems" with the plot and pacing.
As a memoir, this book is wonderful: inspiring and encouraging and gripping and TRUE. It also reminds me to be grateful for my freedom, and my life. I should be dead too.
P. S. Is it okay that my favorite part of this book is the epigraphs? Epigraphs done right make me happy.
As a memoir, this book is wonderful: inspiring and encouraging and gripping and TRUE. It also reminds me to be grateful for my freedom, and my life. I should be dead too.
P. S. Is it okay that my favorite part of this book is the epigraphs? Epigraphs done right make me happy.
July 2, 2025
This book was THE most incredible book I have ever read. It made me realize how much we can take our freedom in America for granted. It was so incredible and shocking on how Virginia's faith could be so strong even through desperate times. Her faith in the Lord was amazing for she truly trusted only in him even when her life was threatened and her children in danger. Her story was a powerful memoir on the life of someone who defended the persecuted and even when persecuted herself she still had faith and even loved the terrible men who persecuted her. This book deserves the max more then 5 stars!
June 27, 2020
4.5🌟
What a testimony of God's goodness, grace, sovereignty and protection this lady is! From a miserable childhood, to putting herself through law school, searching for truth, finding God, and standing up for truth and God in Communist Romania she had a gripping story! She was often "interrogated",arrested, beaten and threatened. She never backed down and God took care of her in amazing ways. I was convicted about how for granted I take my freedoms and how much better I could be doing memorizing and sharing God's Word.
What a testimony of God's goodness, grace, sovereignty and protection this lady is! From a miserable childhood, to putting herself through law school, searching for truth, finding God, and standing up for truth and God in Communist Romania she had a gripping story! She was often "interrogated",arrested, beaten and threatened. She never backed down and God took care of her in amazing ways. I was convicted about how for granted I take my freedoms and how much better I could be doing memorizing and sharing God's Word.
June 12, 2025
This book was insanely amazing. It’s hard to put in to words how much I enjoyed it.
Virginia Prodan’s story is up there with those of Corrie ten Boom and Brother Andrew. It is a thrilling spy novel and intriguing courtroom drama, with a strong redemptive arch displaying God’s sovereignty. I was inspired by Virginia’s ability to quote scripture to herself and others even during the most terrifying situations, even as a relatively new Christian. The ending was shocking in the most amazing way. So glad I found this book!
Virginia Prodan’s story is up there with those of Corrie ten Boom and Brother Andrew. It is a thrilling spy novel and intriguing courtroom drama, with a strong redemptive arch displaying God’s sovereignty. I was inspired by Virginia’s ability to quote scripture to herself and others even during the most terrifying situations, even as a relatively new Christian. The ending was shocking in the most amazing way. So glad I found this book!
January 31, 2022
Wow. Just wow. Prodan is a modern day Corrie ten Boom, and this is a wonderful true story about the power of the gospel in dark places. Can't recommend it enough. Read a short summary of her story here https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/... but I encourage you to read the whole book, you won't regret it.
April 23, 2019
This book was so suspenseful from the very beginning! I didn't realize so much persecution went on in Romania during the communist regime. Virginia's story and testimony is simply amazing - her faith and courage in the midst of the persecution is to be commended. I'm so glad I read this book!
January 1, 2025
Reason read: LHBC read. This is a memoir of a Romanian Lawyer and her work of defending pastors and Christians in Romania and herr bravery in facing the man who had come to assassinate her.
July 4, 2025
This book sat on my shelf for a year because the cover wasn’t very interesting to me. But boy was that a mistake because this book was fantastic! Finished in less than 24 hour.
April 6, 2025
An incredible true story about God doing things we sometimes forget He is perfectly capable of accomplishing. This amazing lady, living under a horrific Communist government, was captured multiple times by the “Gestapo” (as I kept thinking of them - they were called Securitate) and they would come close to killing her and then an unexplained phone call from an unexplained person would set her free. When she discovered Bibles were being turned into toilet paper for the Communist president to use, she reported it to the American embassy and her information made it to President Reagan’s desk and the global news that same day. And the most insane thing of all…the assassin sent to kill her finding himself listening to the gospel and accepting Christ as his Savior. Then becoming a pastor and having a granddaughter named after the very Christian attorney he was sent to annihilate.
I also found her patriotism interesting. She loved her country and wept when she had to leave it. I think some people think of patriotism as a blind craze toward an idea or government, but I think Virginia’s tears for her homeland showed a genuine sense of love for her country and its heart, not the ideals of its government. It was reminiscent to me of Captain von Trapp leaving Austria during WWII. He was not sad to leave the Nazis. He was sad to leave his country.
A few things that stuck out to me:
I am yet again surprised by the impact of the Jesus movie. It consistently pops up in books I read about individuals from foreign countries learning about Christ.
These two quotes from Virginia: “Americans were easy to spot. They were healthy looking, smiling, and friendly. Is that what freedom and liberty look like?” and
(after a month of house arrest and death threats:) “All this time I thought we had been forgotten when in actuality the outside world was working feverishly to help us. Even President Reagan…I could answer it with a single word - God.”
And the points she sums up her experiences with:
• Freedom is precious to those who don’t have it.
• If the truth lives within me, lies cannot overpower me.
• If my soul is free, no power on earth can enslave me.
• If God gives me the victory, defeat is impossible.
I also found her patriotism interesting. She loved her country and wept when she had to leave it. I think some people think of patriotism as a blind craze toward an idea or government, but I think Virginia’s tears for her homeland showed a genuine sense of love for her country and its heart, not the ideals of its government. It was reminiscent to me of Captain von Trapp leaving Austria during WWII. He was not sad to leave the Nazis. He was sad to leave his country.
A few things that stuck out to me:
I am yet again surprised by the impact of the Jesus movie. It consistently pops up in books I read about individuals from foreign countries learning about Christ.
These two quotes from Virginia: “Americans were easy to spot. They were healthy looking, smiling, and friendly. Is that what freedom and liberty look like?” and
(after a month of house arrest and death threats:) “All this time I thought we had been forgotten when in actuality the outside world was working feverishly to help us. Even President Reagan…I could answer it with a single word - God.”
And the points she sums up her experiences with:
• Freedom is precious to those who don’t have it.
• If the truth lives within me, lies cannot overpower me.
• If my soul is free, no power on earth can enslave me.
• If God gives me the victory, defeat is impossible.
July 13, 2021
I'd place this in the top 10 books I've read. Such a fascinating, unexpected story! The main thing that I was annoyed with was that she never found out the relationship between herself and her "Aunt Cassandra." You can guess from the scenario, but it is never confirmed. Besides that, I loved listening to her biography (which isn't flowery or overly artistically written, but comes from a truthful, straightforward lawyer's point of view) Highly recommend!
February 24, 2024
“Saving My Assassin” by Virginia Prodan is a memoir written more like a novel, which works well for this inspiring, God-ordained story. I’m not sure an “afterword” has ever been my favorite part of a book, but this time it is — a perfect cumulation of what God did in Virginia’s life and is possible for our lives as well.
October 16, 2021
Such a powerful story. Scary and encouraging all at once, Virginia Prodan makes her life's story come to life, but most glorious of all, God's faithfulness, love and peace shine through her life. Definitely recommend picking up this book in the near future!
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