What do you think?
Rate this book
Josie: A Story of Faith and Survival
A True Story that Never Made the History Books. In 1944 Yugoslavia, four-year-old Josie and her twelve-year-old brother, Andreas, breathed a sigh of relief when they hear of Hitler's defeat. It was short-lived. Their family and other loyal Yugoslavian citizens discover the new dictator wants to persecute them for Hitler's horrific crimes because they are of German descent. Susan Lowe, a first generation American, sheds light on this forgotten time in history by sharing JOSIE, her mother's story. " A Story of Faith and Survival --is rife with horror but, through the telling of this tale, the reader is struck by the full expanse of the human spirit and the wondrous ways in which we can draw faith and inspiration from even dire circumstances.--the narrative is tightly woven and compelling, moving at a fast place while still allowing the reader to experience a true depth of characterization as they develop a full appreciation of the events as they take place." -- Writer's Digest "Stories like these need to be told. This book brings to life the woeful experiences of a family in Yugoslavia--in unforgettable vignettes told by the young girl, Josie Trollmann, memories touching in their humanity and at the same time historically significant as a chronicle of man's inhumanity to man. This book deserves a wide readership--more than that--it ought to be filmed. Too little is known about the human tragedies of the State terrorism that struck these innocent victims. Sixty-four years after the Second World War, we must come to grips with these injustices. We must not keep silent about them." -- Alfred de Zayas, JD, PhD, UN Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order since 2012, Professor of International Law at the Geneva School of Diplomacy
136 pages, Paperback
Published December 14, 2015
8 people are currently reading
588 people want to read
About the author
Susan A. Lowe
1 book29 followersSusan Lowe was born in Fresno, CA. Lowe is the author of JOSIE: A Story of Faith and Survival, she is a retired licensed marriage and family therapist with over twenty-nine years’ experience working with clients, many suffering from trauma. Besides maintaining a private practice, she also taught courses at CSU-Fresno, Reedley College, and Madera Community College Center. A first-generation American on her mother's side, Lowe is married and currently lives in Idaho.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 11, 2017
Reading this book, "Josie", I thought if I have ever learn a word, "death", from the World War I or II, then today I realised the new word, "life", from her book.
“Home is where your family is,” she said, a German Oma. This book showed me the light of human being from those good people, German, Serb and more in War. I like the book, “Josie.” And recommend it.
—S.L. Tsao, Author & Art Director, in Oct 2017.
“Home is where your family is,” she said, a German Oma. This book showed me the light of human being from those good people, German, Serb and more in War. I like the book, “Josie.” And recommend it.
—S.L. Tsao, Author & Art Director, in Oct 2017.
September 25, 2017
A beautiful, powerful telling of real suffering. This story so moved me. It’s told powerfully from the view of a young girl Josie, who faces more than most will in their entire lives. She is brave, resilient, and so very easy to connect with. I feel so honored to have read this account and thank the author for sharing.
I would suggest this be offered in classes as well. It gives a side of events that is seldom seen. The hardships didn’t end when the war did and this will be eye-opening for many as it was for me.
I would suggest this be offered in classes as well. It gives a side of events that is seldom seen. The hardships didn’t end when the war did and this will be eye-opening for many as it was for me.
September 24, 2017
Beautifully Written
I usually don't read non fiction but this book caught my eye and was beautifully written about a amazingly brace girl and her family surviving so much just to a genocide. You learn a lot through this story. I find myself emotional at what this girl and her family went through. The cruelty of Tito makes me angry and cry at the same time. This is a story that should be a must read in history classes for sure whether high school or college. Every student should know this story.
I usually don't read non fiction but this book caught my eye and was beautifully written about a amazingly brace girl and her family surviving so much just to a genocide. You learn a lot through this story. I find myself emotional at what this girl and her family went through. The cruelty of Tito makes me angry and cry at the same time. This is a story that should be a must read in history classes for sure whether high school or college. Every student should know this story.
October 20, 2019
A great and informative read.
This is a powerful story which depicts a part of history that I was unaware of. It’s upsetting how cruel people can be to those that they have power over. When cruelty is openly accepted as a means of dealing with those who considered “the other.”
But it’s not all about suffering. The book is mainly about faith and perseverance. About how when you have nothing left, faith can be the engine that pushes you forwards towards a better future. A future where you are free.
(Minor Spoilers)
Honorable mention: I loved how spirited and courageous Andreas was. Perhaps it was the naivety of youth but he never gave up and his actions play a major role in reuniting everyone.
This is a powerful story which depicts a part of history that I was unaware of. It’s upsetting how cruel people can be to those that they have power over. When cruelty is openly accepted as a means of dealing with those who considered “the other.”
But it’s not all about suffering. The book is mainly about faith and perseverance. About how when you have nothing left, faith can be the engine that pushes you forwards towards a better future. A future where you are free.
(Minor Spoilers)
Honorable mention: I loved how spirited and courageous Andreas was. Perhaps it was the naivety of youth but he never gave up and his actions play a major role in reuniting everyone.
April 15, 2020
Josie by Susan Lowe is the true story of Josie, a young German girl, who went through horrors of war after her family’s expulsion from their home in Glogon during the second World War.
Told in Josie’s young voice, the narrative is simple and accessible; it sheds light on terrors of the war without overdramatizing Josie and her family’s sufferings. The bloodshed and violence is minimal. The author’s prose is crisp, the characterization solid, and the pacing smooth. Josie’s character is endearing with her resilience and courage.
The book will appeal greatly to anyone over 12.
This poignant, movingly told story of endurance and faith is a must read.
Told in Josie’s young voice, the narrative is simple and accessible; it sheds light on terrors of the war without overdramatizing Josie and her family’s sufferings. The bloodshed and violence is minimal. The author’s prose is crisp, the characterization solid, and the pacing smooth. Josie’s character is endearing with her resilience and courage.
The book will appeal greatly to anyone over 12.
This poignant, movingly told story of endurance and faith is a must read.
May 26, 2018
Hope Through Despairing Times
Reading such personal accounts of the atrocities of WWII such as those found in Josie is something I wish we could say never happened, yet we must learn from the mistakes of the past to create a better future. The story does a good job of noting the horrors without giving too much detail, which makes this book entirely appropriate for teenaged readers. I appreciated the summary of the people’s lives at the end so we could follow them all the way through their lives, knowing their ending was much better than where they had come from.
Reading such personal accounts of the atrocities of WWII such as those found in Josie is something I wish we could say never happened, yet we must learn from the mistakes of the past to create a better future. The story does a good job of noting the horrors without giving too much detail, which makes this book entirely appropriate for teenaged readers. I appreciated the summary of the people’s lives at the end so we could follow them all the way through their lives, knowing their ending was much better than where they had come from.
October 24, 2017
The book is penetrating raw human emotions. A mother having her child taken away creates primal fear's. I found myself eager to turn the next page my feelings were filled with anticipation. The author is a great storyteller you can feel the love of family. So grateful to have this new perspective of history that I was denied . The bottom line is about humanity not governments.
Sherri Lewis
Sherri Lewis
November 2, 2017
Beautifully written story. I found it very interesting and eye opening to learn about the aftermath of World War II from the point of view of Germans who were not pro-Nazi. My heart particularly ached reading about the atrocities that Josie and her family faced. Their story of faith and survival was truly inspiring and profound.
October 7, 2017
What a gut wrenching short but great read!
Faith is often underestimated, but a strong will even more. However, Josie, will move you in ways that will bring you to tears.
A must read!!!
Faith is often underestimated, but a strong will even more. However, Josie, will move you in ways that will bring you to tears.
A must read!!!
October 18, 2017
Josie
It is remarkable what the human body can endure but all this hurt could have been avoided if hate,greed and the love of power fueled these cruel inhuman practices. Sad very sad.
It is remarkable what the human body can endure but all this hurt could have been avoided if hate,greed and the love of power fueled these cruel inhuman practices. Sad very sad.
September 1, 2017
There are books that touch your heart, books that once read and put away stay with you. Josie is that kind of book. Her story is just one of the many that were a result of WWII and the cruelties that happened during and after the war. The atrocities against and gassing of the Jewish people have long been documented, but stories like Josie's must be told as well. If not, the story of the horror that is war is incomplete. Reminiscent of The Diary of Anne Frank, Josie reveals other innocent victims who suffered yet survived. Beautifully written, the additional factual information included creates a connection to the reader one a deeper level.
November 19, 2017
I was so glad to finally finish reading this book. Not many times I have read other stories of the lives affected by the war. I have read many books relating to the Holocaust. Sometimes, we never know of situations that people or their ancestors are thrust into against their will and they are good people too.
This story of survival is worth reading.
This story of survival is worth reading.
December 31, 2017
Some stories stay with you long after you finish and I'm sure Josie isn't one I'll be soon to forget.
I've read true accounts of the German people after WWII before and I'm always astounded, horrified, and angered by the ruthless and degrading actions one people can perpetrate against another. Such atrocity should never be allowed to happen, but more importantly, it should never be forgotten.
Josie is a small child when the events begin to unfold after the war. She's forced into impossible situations, her survival a daily struggle, and she endures such savage and brutal loss of her humanity and loved ones that it's a heartbreaking and emotional read to follow along with her story. Josie's faith and endurance help her survive through the endless torment, starvation, stress, and unlivable conditions she experiences.
It's a story that should be SHARED and READ as often as possible. As a society we can't let these atrocities happen again. We must learn that while some people are capable of violence and horror, not everyone believes and acts the same, stepping up and standing firm against such behavior is critical in preventing the mistakes of the past.
A story of faith and survival that will touch your heart.
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Word Building: 5/5
Story Flow: 5/5
Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE: 5/5
February 6, 2018
This story is as much about human resilience as it is about faith. It is disturbing to put myself in the same position and imagine caring for my family in a time of such atrocity. This evoked many emotions and portrayed the era effectively. I gained a deeper appreciation for the human perspective from that timeframe and admire the technical expertise of the storytelling. Excellent work.
I do have one complaint though, and it is a petty one.
I really, really wish the cover artist had chosen something other than Papyrus for the cover font. The picture is very artistic and seeing that font detracts. If I had a suggestion, I would choose a delicate Serif.
I do have one complaint though, and it is a petty one.
I really, really wish the cover artist had chosen something other than Papyrus for the cover font. The picture is very artistic and seeing that font detracts. If I had a suggestion, I would choose a delicate Serif.
March 18, 2018
You know that weird place of you are glad about something, but sad at the same time?
That was me with this book. I was glad that the story was told, but I was and continue to be so sad at each one that must be shared. There are certain tragedies in history that I just wish never happened. That I feel should have never happened. The fact of the matter is, they did.
This book is a tear jerker for sure. This isn't the author just telling the story of her mother and countless others that endured a time where anyone of German descent was considered disposable, this is an opportunity to put another name to the devastation during the reign of Hitler.
Susan isn't just relaying a story, you can tell she did her research. I love the fact that just as important Susan't time was shown in her writing, I also felt like she considered the time of those reading.
I invite you to read this book and to get to know not only Josie, Andreas, and the others as Susan shares what I can only deem as pieces of her heart in this amazing story!
That was me with this book. I was glad that the story was told, but I was and continue to be so sad at each one that must be shared. There are certain tragedies in history that I just wish never happened. That I feel should have never happened. The fact of the matter is, they did.
This book is a tear jerker for sure. This isn't the author just telling the story of her mother and countless others that endured a time where anyone of German descent was considered disposable, this is an opportunity to put another name to the devastation during the reign of Hitler.
Susan isn't just relaying a story, you can tell she did her research. I love the fact that just as important Susan't time was shown in her writing, I also felt like she considered the time of those reading.
I invite you to read this book and to get to know not only Josie, Andreas, and the others as Susan shares what I can only deem as pieces of her heart in this amazing story!
March 2, 2020
Wow! Every once in a while a story touches your heart and you know you won't soon forget it. Josie is that story. This amazing little girl endures so much on her journey. To think of a four-year-old girl being ripped away from her parents and grandparents and then finding herself alone in a death camp, it makes my eyes well up. Each time you think things will be okay, that safety and security Josie grasps for only moments is ripped away from her. Yet, she prays and prays and focuses on her survival and her desire to see her family again. Through mistreatment and undernourishment and illness, Josie prays for God to get home safely.
This inspiring story is written by Josie's daughter and niece. What a touching tribute to a person I am so glad I got a chance to meet through the pages of this story. The Epilogue provides additional information about Josie and her family, which draws the reader even closer to them.
Josie by Susan Lowe and Diane Iverson is a must read for history lovers and those who enjoy incredible stories of faith and courage.
This inspiring story is written by Josie's daughter and niece. What a touching tribute to a person I am so glad I got a chance to meet through the pages of this story. The Epilogue provides additional information about Josie and her family, which draws the reader even closer to them.
Josie by Susan Lowe and Diane Iverson is a must read for history lovers and those who enjoy incredible stories of faith and courage.
July 30, 2019
A thought kept running through my mind as I read this story: Two wrongs don't make a right. This story demonstrated so well how people often view the same type of situation differently depending on whether they are the giver or the receiver of the action. And they will reverse their beliefs when the situation reverses. Instead of believing it was wrong for you to do that to me, and it would be wrong for me to do it to you in return, they go for the an-eye-for-an-eye approach.
This story is sad, especially being viewed through the eyes of a young girl, who doesn't understand why all these bad things are happening to her family. The fact that it's based on true events makes it even more heartbreaking. But the wise old Oma helps the little girl hold onto her belief that things will get better. It's a good story for young people to learn that hate doesn't solve problems. And a good story to remind adults the same thing.
This story is sad, especially being viewed through the eyes of a young girl, who doesn't understand why all these bad things are happening to her family. The fact that it's based on true events makes it even more heartbreaking. But the wise old Oma helps the little girl hold onto her belief that things will get better. It's a good story for young people to learn that hate doesn't solve problems. And a good story to remind adults the same thing.
October 26, 2018
A 101 page true story of faith and survival.
Marshal Tito and his resistance forces provided what some refer to as the greatest resistance movement against Hitler’s Nazi’s and the Axis forces, eventually clearing them from Yugoslavia. However, any of the Yugoslavian citizens that were of German decent payed the price. Despite having nothing to do with the war, men, women and children were rounded up and put into labor and death camps.
This is the story of one of those ethnic Germans. Josefa (Josie) Trollman was 5 years old when her life was torn apart.
A powerful and riveting depiction of the trauma she and her family went through in their attempts to get free of the persecution and abuse and reunite as a family.
A truly heart wrenching story of the torment a little girl went through simply because of her ethnicity. Well written and an outstanding story.
Marshal Tito and his resistance forces provided what some refer to as the greatest resistance movement against Hitler’s Nazi’s and the Axis forces, eventually clearing them from Yugoslavia. However, any of the Yugoslavian citizens that were of German decent payed the price. Despite having nothing to do with the war, men, women and children were rounded up and put into labor and death camps.
This is the story of one of those ethnic Germans. Josefa (Josie) Trollman was 5 years old when her life was torn apart.
A powerful and riveting depiction of the trauma she and her family went through in their attempts to get free of the persecution and abuse and reunite as a family.
A truly heart wrenching story of the torment a little girl went through simply because of her ethnicity. Well written and an outstanding story.
March 25, 2019
Josie A Story of Faith and Survival is a moving story that tugged at my heart. Lowe and Iverson planned this book just right. Starting with an extensive background information section, continuing with a powerful narrative that painted vivid pictures as this terrible saga unfolds and ending with an epilogue of the main characters. As I read how Tito imprisoned Josie and her family and took their homes, land, and all that they had worked so hard to accomplished, tears came to my eyes. Josie and Andreas were brave young people. Children should not have to live in holding camps, cattle cars and animal stalls because of political views and hatred for a race of people. Josie and Andreas did not forget to pray. They had to fight to survive during this terrible period in history. I highly recommend this book to middle schoolers learning about World History.
March 3, 2020
A Powerful and Comprehensive True Story
Hate is not the answer, it leads to suffering. Josie is a powerful, well written story, that offers a different and highly relevant view when society places labels on each other, isolating and creating havoc to any one particular group of people. When we lump an entire race of people together and place blame on all of them for sins committed by a handful in that group all that we are doing is creating more hate and resentment where hate and resentment should not be.
Although the book centers around that implications and consequences of hate, in the end this is a story of faith and perseverance, beautifully written and captivating from beginning to end. Yes you will experience profound emotions, but that is what great storytelling is for.
Hate is not the answer, it leads to suffering. Josie is a powerful, well written story, that offers a different and highly relevant view when society places labels on each other, isolating and creating havoc to any one particular group of people. When we lump an entire race of people together and place blame on all of them for sins committed by a handful in that group all that we are doing is creating more hate and resentment where hate and resentment should not be.
Although the book centers around that implications and consequences of hate, in the end this is a story of faith and perseverance, beautifully written and captivating from beginning to end. Yes you will experience profound emotions, but that is what great storytelling is for.
Read
February 28, 2023Josie: A Story of Faith and Survival is my premiere book. After Hitler and His Nazis were forced out of Josie's home village, she and her brother believe their family is safe, but soon discovered the new dictator had ordered one of their grandfathers murdered with most of the town’s men. Life unravels. Overnight, they find themselves alone in a concentration camp miles from their mother. Who will protect them from the guards? How will they survive? Is escape possible? JOSIE is the authentic account of my mother’s survival of Marshal Tito’s attempt to eliminate all citizens with a German heritage from the country of Yugoslavia.
August 15, 2018
A Beautifully Written Story Of Faith And Survival
Josie is a beautifully written story of a brave little girl fighting for survival with her loving family. I prayed along with this family as they experienced things I can't even imagine. The fear and heartbreak to live through and to never lose their faith, knowing God would see them through this terrible time. I loved the relationship between Josie and her big brother, at times Josie was just an annoying little sister and other times they fought to survive together. A must read and a book you will find hard to put down.
Josie is a beautifully written story of a brave little girl fighting for survival with her loving family. I prayed along with this family as they experienced things I can't even imagine. The fear and heartbreak to live through and to never lose their faith, knowing God would see them through this terrible time. I loved the relationship between Josie and her big brother, at times Josie was just an annoying little sister and other times they fought to survive together. A must read and a book you will find hard to put down.
May 3, 2018
What a delightful read by Susan Lowe. As an educator for over 40 years I would recommend this story for high school students, especially those who are not inclined to read. This story they will read because it will make them feel emotions filled with fear and uncertainty. The characters are genuine examples of family members many young adults can identify with. This story is also one that I can see made into a film. It's that good.
Five stars for Ms. Lowe.
Five stars for Ms. Lowe.
May 24, 2019
This is a true, heart-wrenching, yet hopeful and uplifting story of the author's mother. A little girl's faith keeps her going after she's wrenched from her family and put in a Yugoslavian labor camp. She endures starvation, freezing cold, fleas and lice and of course fear and loneliness. This is a wonderful example of courage to endure and survive. A good history lesson too. I recommend this book to both young and old readers.
June 14, 2016
Incredibly Moving Story
I have always enjoyed true stories and this story did not disappoint. It is amazing what people have endured and the faith that has sustained them during almost impossible ,unimaginable circumstances. This is a truly inspiring book and I would recommend it.
I have always enjoyed true stories and this story did not disappoint. It is amazing what people have endured and the faith that has sustained them during almost impossible ,unimaginable circumstances. This is a truly inspiring book and I would recommend it.
February 11, 2021
A heartbreaking account of what happened to some after the end of WWII. There were places where I had to stop and reflect for a moment. A book that I recommend to anyone interested in that time. It hit a chord as my own grandfather changed his name when WWII broke out from the German version to the Americanized form.
May 2, 2016
Thought provoking, informative and touching
I chose this rating because of the intimate portrait of this family during WWII. The courage this family demonstrated during this very difficult time was inspiring. They never lost their faith in family or God.
I chose this rating because of the intimate portrait of this family during WWII. The courage this family demonstrated during this very difficult time was inspiring. They never lost their faith in family or God.
February 6, 2018
A story that needs to be heard
This book is a testament to those who suffered but have been ignored by history. This dramatic story shows that. My favorite line is, “We observe that when the underdog becomes the top dog, he behaves as every top dog does.” True to life.
This book is a testament to those who suffered but have been ignored by history. This dramatic story shows that. My favorite line is, “We observe that when the underdog becomes the top dog, he behaves as every top dog does.” True to life.
November 19, 2020
Josie: A Story of Faith and Survival is such a good book, it's very well written. Susan Lowe does a wonderful job telling the sad and true story of how four-year-old Josie and her twelve-year-old brother, Andreas are treated as ethnic Germans in 1944 Yugoslavia.
October 29, 2017
A truly wonderful book. Beautifully written - easy to read and not too long. Full of emotive drama, history and real life stories, this book is a great read that pulls deeply at the heart strings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews