The Escape: The Adventures of Three Huguenot Children Fleeing Persecution

by A. Van Der Jagt, Jaap Kramer (Illustrator)

In seventeenth-century France, a young Huguenot boy, his little sister, and a friend decide to escape to Holland where they can be free of religious persecution.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Huguenots

182 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1993

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in an afternoon. It begins with a Huguenot family being required to return to the Roman Catholic church. On their refusal, the father is sentenced to the galleys for life. Shortly thereafter, the young daughter is taken from her mother, supposedly to be educated in a Catholic home. The mother dies within two years of this, and the story revolves around the son, John. He is 16 years of age, and his negligence of the Mass is about to have him sent to a monastery for re-education. He escapes, determined to find his sister and find refuge in Holland. John encounters adventure as he tries to avoid detection and remain true to Christ. The story never lags for interest, and children and adults will enjoy it.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author of this book is a member of my church! He is from Holland originally and suffered greatly during World War 2. The story is interesting but the English is a bit awkward. I don't know the history of the book but I suspect that it was written in Dutch and subsequently translated to English. It is factually correct and makes a good history lesson for children and adults on a portion of reformed Christian history that is not well known.

[Noelani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud with Sweet P wrapping up the Middle Ages portion of our History studies. Based on historical accounts of three Huegunot children escaping religious persecution by the Roman Catholic Church. Determination, grit and their unyielding Christian faith eventually brought them to freedom.

[Richard Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Loved seeing how firm they were in their beliefs. Really liked the Camille and John friendship story.

[Kristin Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a read aloud for us as we learned that my husbands family were descendents of Huguenots in France. My kids, ages 10, 12, 13, all loved this and I thought it was worth reading for sure.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids, ages 11 & 7 loved this book, and learned some new (old) vocabulary, since this is a historical fictional book. Now they know what Huguenots were, and they understand more about persecution plus geography, since the book character had to flee to another country to avoid being forced to become a Monk.

They found out on their own that there are more books in this series and asked me if we could read them. I'd say that's reading success.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book found in the library at the mission house in Togo. One that is geared towards young teenagers. Interesting, though.