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We Escaped: A Family's Flight from Holland during World War Two
We Escaped is frightening and captivating--frightening for the terror of war that engulfs an otherwise ordinary family; captivating for the day-to-day antics of children loved by parents who protect them. Anyone who picks up this book will laugh with Jan, Alex, and their two little sisters, at their exuberance, imagination, and fondness for one another even as war explodes around them. They will applaud the two parents who undertook a perilous journey behind enemy lines to save themselves and their children. And they may wonder if they would have dared to take such risks, if they would have had the will and grit to survive.
292 pages, Paperback
First published January 3, 2017
196 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 11, 2020
I have had this book on my kindle for some time and decided to read We Escaped: A Family's Flight from Holland During World War Two written by Alexander H. ter Weele because the title fulfilled the Bingo square -"a country" in a GoodReads group.
This memoir is the song and dance of The Sound of Music seasoned with the terror of guns and blood. It is told from the points of view of the father, Lieutenant Carl ter Weele, a Dutch reservist called up to defend the Grebbeberg; his wife Margery, an American citizen; their oldest child six-year-old Jan; and two-year old Alex. Sometimes this does not work, but it did in this memoir-biography and I appreciated seeing the various situations from the children's point of view in addition to Carl's and Margery's.
We see the ter Weele family as they live in the peaceful nation of the Netherlands and then follow their escapades as they escape from Nazi-occupied Holland and deal with the war years. In the midst of danger and stress the author shows us the joy and love his family shared.
"I couldn't understand how they could forgo the thrill of a new day, the excitement of being there as the world awoke....How would anyone want to stay in bed? If there wasn't anything to watch, there was a good book to read books about war or football or sailing or whatever."
4.5 stars
This memoir is the song and dance of The Sound of Music seasoned with the terror of guns and blood. It is told from the points of view of the father, Lieutenant Carl ter Weele, a Dutch reservist called up to defend the Grebbeberg; his wife Margery, an American citizen; their oldest child six-year-old Jan; and two-year old Alex. Sometimes this does not work, but it did in this memoir-biography and I appreciated seeing the various situations from the children's point of view in addition to Carl's and Margery's.
We see the ter Weele family as they live in the peaceful nation of the Netherlands and then follow their escapades as they escape from Nazi-occupied Holland and deal with the war years. In the midst of danger and stress the author shows us the joy and love his family shared.
"I couldn't understand how they could forgo the thrill of a new day, the excitement of being there as the world awoke....How would anyone want to stay in bed? If there wasn't anything to watch, there was a good book to read books about war or football or sailing or whatever."
4.5 stars
November 1, 2018
Well written account of one family’s struggle
I’m newly struck by how many stories there could be from the nazi horror that befell the world in the 1940s. This author’s account of his family’s tale was well written and kept my interest throughout. I’m glad they made it when so many didn’t. I have so much respect for those who fought for what was right and horror for what happened then and could all too easily happen again. Thank you for sharing your story with the world.
I’m newly struck by how many stories there could be from the nazi horror that befell the world in the 1940s. This author’s account of his family’s tale was well written and kept my interest throughout. I’m glad they made it when so many didn’t. I have so much respect for those who fought for what was right and horror for what happened then and could all too easily happen again. Thank you for sharing your story with the world.
January 23, 2019
I loved it!
Just a quick review! I've read many Holocaust memoirs, but this is different in that this is a Dutch family running from Hitler's goons. The vivid descriptions of life in the various places the family lives until they finally settle, is captivating. The children are so smart and get in numerous capers. I read the book straight through. I loved it and think anyone will, especially fans of WWII era historical fiction. I would have loved to know more about the family and to find out for sure if this was a true story or based on their experiences. I feel that the latter is more likely the case. Great book.
Just a quick review! I've read many Holocaust memoirs, but this is different in that this is a Dutch family running from Hitler's goons. The vivid descriptions of life in the various places the family lives until they finally settle, is captivating. The children are so smart and get in numerous capers. I read the book straight through. I loved it and think anyone will, especially fans of WWII era historical fiction. I would have loved to know more about the family and to find out for sure if this was a true story or based on their experiences. I feel that the latter is more likely the case. Great book.
May 16, 2024
This was a fascinating read, although, I found the different PoV's in each chapter a little confusing. There was no indication at the beginning of each new chapter as to who's PoV we were entering, and I often had the wrong character in mind. Something else I struggled with was the unrealistic vocabulary and historical knowledge that the two-year old and six-year old had at the start of the book. No two-year old I've ever met has had that range of vocab, or been able to string long, elaborate sentences like that. Other than that, I really enjoyed the book.
January 26, 2019
Cool Story Structure
I found it interesting how the story was told from all the family's perspective. Children were quite amusing. Fresh and unique. Although it a few paragraphs, at times, to determine who was now telling their story.
Also found the message near the end quite engaging and emotionally evoking.
I found it interesting how the story was told from all the family's perspective. Children were quite amusing. Fresh and unique. Although it a few paragraphs, at times, to determine who was now telling their story.
Also found the message near the end quite engaging and emotionally evoking.
January 31, 2019
An interesting read that follows a family's flight from Holland in WWII and their lives for the remained of the war. The perspective shifts from one family member to another and allows you a glimpse into their harrowing flight from newly occupied Nazi Holland. The daring choices that were made, the terror that was felt, the confusion of the children.
March 28, 2023
I enjoyed this book. It is historical fiction which is a genre that I like. The only thing I wish this book would have is the name of the person at the beginning of each chapter. Each chapter is told from a different family members perspective. I would prefer to know whose perspective at the beginning of each chapter because at times it took a bit to figure out.
October 19, 2018
Escaped indeed.
An amazing story. Loved the start of each chapter listing what was going on in the war around them. The flight was not only from Holland, but everywhere this family went.
Nicely told in each chapter by different members of the family. Top notch writing!
An amazing story. Loved the start of each chapter listing what was going on in the war around them. The flight was not only from Holland, but everywhere this family went.
Nicely told in each chapter by different members of the family. Top notch writing!
May 20, 2019
Interesting read
I enjoyed this account of a family's escape from Holland as the Nazis took over their country. A harrowing journey as a mother and father escape with their three young children in tow was a new perspective of war torn Europe.
I enjoyed this account of a family's escape from Holland as the Nazis took over their country. A harrowing journey as a mother and father escape with their three young children in tow was a new perspective of war torn Europe.
April 18, 2022
An enjoyable read
I enjoyed reading this book, having spent much of my own childhood in Holland and educated in Dutch I like the odd Dutch words. I wish I had spoken Dutch to my own children when they where young.
I enjoyed reading this book, having spent much of my own childhood in Holland and educated in Dutch I like the odd Dutch words. I wish I had spoken Dutch to my own children when they where young.
May 7, 2020
We escaped
This was a disappointing book, only about a quarter of the story was about the escape the rest very boring, I normally enjoy a good escape story.
This was a disappointing book, only about a quarter of the story was about the escape the rest very boring, I normally enjoy a good escape story.
June 5, 2020
We escaped
A great review of hill and and the war in Curacao.
A very brave and intelligent man who thought things through
A great review of hill and and the war in Curacao.
A very brave and intelligent man who thought things through
November 15, 2023
Amazing look into the lives of the Ter Weele family and their escape from Nazi occupied Europe - definitely a read for history lovers
July 7, 2020
A great non-fiction!
I live reading WWII stories, and this one did not disappoint!
Told from the perspectives of different family; the hallowing story of a family living in Holland during Hitler’s reign.
Escaping, only to be forced to relocate as the military needed him, Carl & Margie are at the mercy of the war. Their two older sons pass the time playing at being soldiers, as do their two younger sisters when they become old enough.
I wish to thank Goodreads for the opportunity to read and review this book. WWII fans will like following this family through these turbulent years.
I live reading WWII stories, and this one did not disappoint!
Told from the perspectives of different family; the hallowing story of a family living in Holland during Hitler’s reign.
Escaping, only to be forced to relocate as the military needed him, Carl & Margie are at the mercy of the war. Their two older sons pass the time playing at being soldiers, as do their two younger sisters when they become old enough.
I wish to thank Goodreads for the opportunity to read and review this book. WWII fans will like following this family through these turbulent years.
August 2, 2023
I read this book cover-to-cover in just a few days four years ago but didn't think to post a review here until now. We Escaped is a fast-moving, significant book that exposes the jaw-clenching danger and fears the author (as a little boy) and his family faced escaping Nazi Germany.
The author's father, a military officer perceived as a threat by the Nazis, had little time to organize their escape as a family, and their trip was difficult and hazardous. Childhood observations, family love, resourcefulness, courage, and great acts of kindness brighten the story and endear the characters to us.
We Escaped is very readable, very well written and the characters are highly relatable. It's a jolting true-life reminder of how much freedom people give up under a totalitarian government.
I highly recommend this book, not just for history enthusiasts, but for people enthusiasts, too.
The author's father, a military officer perceived as a threat by the Nazis, had little time to organize their escape as a family, and their trip was difficult and hazardous. Childhood observations, family love, resourcefulness, courage, and great acts of kindness brighten the story and endear the characters to us.
We Escaped is very readable, very well written and the characters are highly relatable. It's a jolting true-life reminder of how much freedom people give up under a totalitarian government.
I highly recommend this book, not just for history enthusiasts, but for people enthusiasts, too.
July 26, 2024
A thoroughly engaging book told through the eyes of an entire family. At times a bit difficult, in the beginning of the chapters, to ascertain from whose view point the story is being narrated.
On the whole an exciting & riveting book. Loved the antics of the young boys & their love for one another, their sisters & the family.
A highly recommend read.
On the whole an exciting & riveting book. Loved the antics of the young boys & their love for one another, their sisters & the family.
A highly recommend read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews