What do you think?
Rate this book
One Step Ahead: A Mother of Seven Escaping Hitler's Claws
Hitler's attack on Russia in the spring of 1941 and the Nazi eastward blitzkrieg form a dramatic backdrop to this true story. On the first day of Operation Barbarossa, in the midst of battle, Esther Parnes leads her family east, away from the Polish village of Skalat. A step ahead of Hitler's earth-scorching troops, Esther and her children endure hunger, disease, and bloodshed. But Hitler's four-year campaign defeats neither Mother Russia nor Esther Parnes. In an era when women were confined to traditional household roles, at a time when proud men bowed their heads as they stood at the edge of a pit waiting to be shot, this redheaded woman challenged Adolf Hitler. Based on extensive interviews and independent research into the Parnes family's plight and the Nazi war on Russia, this book tells the story of an extraordinary mother's battle to save her seven children.
198 pages, Paperback
First published July 21, 2004
501 people are currently reading
517 people want to read
About the author
Avraham Azrieli
22 books36 followersAvraham Azrieli writes books and screenplays. His first novel was The Masada Complex (a political thriller), followed by the Israeli spy novels The Jerusalem Inception and The Jerusalem Assassin, as well as Christmas for Joshua (an interfaith family drama), The Mormon Candidate (a political thriller), Thump (a courtroom drama featuring sexual harassment and racism), and The Bootstrap Ultimatum (a mystery involving the commercialization of Memorial Day). More recently, he has written a series of novels inspired by the true story of the first woman to lead a nation in human history, starting with Deborah Rising (HarperCollins 2016), which won the 2017 Illumination Book Award for fiction, Deborah Calling (HarperCollins 2017), and continuing with Deborah Slaying and Deborah Striking. A prequel to the Deborah series, The Elixirist, was published in 2020. The Plot to Save America, a mystery set in an authoritarian America, came out in 2022.
Besides fiction, he has also authored Your Lawyer on a Short Leash - A Guide to Dealing with Lawyers and One Step Ahead – A Mother of Seven Escaping Hitler’s Claws, an acclaimed WWII true story, which inspired the musical By Wheel and by Wing.
While growing up in Israel, Avraham received an extensive Talmudic education and performed his mandatory military service in the IDF. After attending law school, he served as a law clerk at the Israeli Supreme Court in Jerusalem. He later earned an advanced law degree from Columbia University in New York City, served as a law clerk at the Federal District Court, and started his legal career with Davis Polk & Wardwell. He has advocated for clients before trial and appellate courts, including the United States Supreme Court. He currently lives near Washington DC. Like Ben Teller, the protagonist in The Mormon Candidate and The Bootstrap Ultimatum, Avraham often rides his motorcycle in the mountainous forests of western Maryland.
To learn more, visit www.AzrieliBooks.com
Avraham Azrieli's Books:
The Jerusalem Inception - "Boldly realistic plotlines and genuine, well-developed characters. Highly recommended!" Yahoo News/Politics. "Protagonist Jerusalem Gerster is the quintessential recruit." NY Daily News.
The Jerusalem Assassin - "Action-packed escapade ... memorable cast of characters ... pages turn as fast as the plot twists and locales shift, taking the reader from Paris to Zurich to Amsterdam to Tel Aviv." Jewish News.
The Masada Complex - "Brims with gritty authenticity ... a genuine treat!" David Liss, author of Conspiracy of Paper, winner of Edgar. "Riveting portrayal of global intrigue!" Stella Pope Duarte, author of If I Die in Juaréz, winner of the 2009 American Book Award.
The Bootstrap Ultimatum - "The real magic here is Azrieli's incredible ability to create well-developed characters as well as his skill in knowing how to draw in his readers." Examiner. “Fast-paced action thriller ... but also full of heart. Sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats." Hollywood Book Reviews. "Riveting. It doesn't get any better than this, folks!!" Sun Francisco Book Review.
The Mormon Candidate - "Plotted like a cinematic thriller, Azrieli has come up with a very powerful novel. At work here is his extraordinary magic in making his readers as eager as his protagonist in uncovering the truth and thus effectively creating pervasive fear and suspense. Sure to keep you up late against your better judgment. Don't say I didn't warn you." Norm Goldman, Examiner.
Thump - "A light-hearted romp through sexual proclivities ... the characters are lovable ... the irreverence is delightful. Thought-provoking. Interesting. Unconventional. Recommended!" U.S. Review of Books.
Christmas for Joshua - "In its own gentle way, the book is as much a page-turner as Azrieli's thrillers - pulling the reader into complex personal and familial conflicts." The Jewish Journal.
Besides fiction, he has also authored Your Lawyer on a Short Leash - A Guide to Dealing with Lawyers and One Step Ahead – A Mother of Seven Escaping Hitler’s Claws, an acclaimed WWII true story, which inspired the musical By Wheel and by Wing.
While growing up in Israel, Avraham received an extensive Talmudic education and performed his mandatory military service in the IDF. After attending law school, he served as a law clerk at the Israeli Supreme Court in Jerusalem. He later earned an advanced law degree from Columbia University in New York City, served as a law clerk at the Federal District Court, and started his legal career with Davis Polk & Wardwell. He has advocated for clients before trial and appellate courts, including the United States Supreme Court. He currently lives near Washington DC. Like Ben Teller, the protagonist in The Mormon Candidate and The Bootstrap Ultimatum, Avraham often rides his motorcycle in the mountainous forests of western Maryland.
To learn more, visit www.AzrieliBooks.com
Avraham Azrieli's Books:
The Jerusalem Inception - "Boldly realistic plotlines and genuine, well-developed characters. Highly recommended!" Yahoo News/Politics. "Protagonist Jerusalem Gerster is the quintessential recruit." NY Daily News.
The Jerusalem Assassin - "Action-packed escapade ... memorable cast of characters ... pages turn as fast as the plot twists and locales shift, taking the reader from Paris to Zurich to Amsterdam to Tel Aviv." Jewish News.
The Masada Complex - "Brims with gritty authenticity ... a genuine treat!" David Liss, author of Conspiracy of Paper, winner of Edgar. "Riveting portrayal of global intrigue!" Stella Pope Duarte, author of If I Die in Juaréz, winner of the 2009 American Book Award.
The Bootstrap Ultimatum - "The real magic here is Azrieli's incredible ability to create well-developed characters as well as his skill in knowing how to draw in his readers." Examiner. “Fast-paced action thriller ... but also full of heart. Sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats." Hollywood Book Reviews. "Riveting. It doesn't get any better than this, folks!!" Sun Francisco Book Review.
The Mormon Candidate - "Plotted like a cinematic thriller, Azrieli has come up with a very powerful novel. At work here is his extraordinary magic in making his readers as eager as his protagonist in uncovering the truth and thus effectively creating pervasive fear and suspense. Sure to keep you up late against your better judgment. Don't say I didn't warn you." Norm Goldman, Examiner.
Thump - "A light-hearted romp through sexual proclivities ... the characters are lovable ... the irreverence is delightful. Thought-provoking. Interesting. Unconventional. Recommended!" U.S. Review of Books.
Christmas for Joshua - "In its own gentle way, the book is as much a page-turner as Azrieli's thrillers - pulling the reader into complex personal and familial conflicts." The Jewish Journal.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 17, 2017
this is an extraordinary story about a family that traveled one step ahead of the Nazis through Europe and Asia. They literally traveled thousands of miles mostly by foot. They were lucky. Even the bad turned out to be good. I'm not sure how to give examples without giving the whole book Away, but I'm really glad that I read this.
September 28, 2016
One Step Ahead: A Mother of Seven Escaping Hitler’s Claws: A True History is by Avraham Azrieli. It is a fascinating story of the efforts of a Jewish Mother in Hungary to keep her family together and alive during the final years of the Holocaust despite weather, bombings, Russian soldiers, and German soldiers. It is told in first person by the Mother.
June 22, 1941 was a joyous day for Esther. Her seven children had all made it through the winter and were all healthy. Her son Moishe was eighteen and although he limped from a misformed foot, he was healthy and very bright. Sally was 15 and into theatre and in love, Izzy was thirteen and spent a lot of time with his father, Clare was ten, Johnny was eight, Tonia was five, and Genia was three. Her first son Buma’leh died at 6 months. Her husband Samuel was a tailor and did very well. She felt God was watching them.
Moishe came in and told her that young men were being taken and he decided to leave. He was going to his aunt’s home with his friend Azeil Bauer, also 18. Azeil was in love with Sally and had been so since she was thirteen. After he had left, Esther found out that Sally had gone with them. Samuel and Esther were very upset and the next morning went after them. Esther could not be separated from her other children so they borrowed a horse and wagon, added a few pillows and blankets to the wagon, and set out with their children. An orphaned nephew Yossel (13) who was inseparable from Izzy, a pregnant niece Toibe and her husband Lionik also came with them. They joined a mass of people leaving Skalat ahead of the Germans. By the time they finally found the three, it was too late to go back. The Germans were too close. They had no choice but to go on.
Where were they going? Right now they were between the Soviets and the Germans. They were constantly being bombed and strafed. It was through sheer luck or God’s intervention that they avoided being killed. Would they ever get back to Skalat and the rest of the family?
This book tells of an event that is not talked of often. That is on the Jews who were fleeing the Germans but were running straight into the Soviets. It is quite an interesting story.
June 22, 1941 was a joyous day for Esther. Her seven children had all made it through the winter and were all healthy. Her son Moishe was eighteen and although he limped from a misformed foot, he was healthy and very bright. Sally was 15 and into theatre and in love, Izzy was thirteen and spent a lot of time with his father, Clare was ten, Johnny was eight, Tonia was five, and Genia was three. Her first son Buma’leh died at 6 months. Her husband Samuel was a tailor and did very well. She felt God was watching them.
Moishe came in and told her that young men were being taken and he decided to leave. He was going to his aunt’s home with his friend Azeil Bauer, also 18. Azeil was in love with Sally and had been so since she was thirteen. After he had left, Esther found out that Sally had gone with them. Samuel and Esther were very upset and the next morning went after them. Esther could not be separated from her other children so they borrowed a horse and wagon, added a few pillows and blankets to the wagon, and set out with their children. An orphaned nephew Yossel (13) who was inseparable from Izzy, a pregnant niece Toibe and her husband Lionik also came with them. They joined a mass of people leaving Skalat ahead of the Germans. By the time they finally found the three, it was too late to go back. The Germans were too close. They had no choice but to go on.
Where were they going? Right now they were between the Soviets and the Germans. They were constantly being bombed and strafed. It was through sheer luck or God’s intervention that they avoided being killed. Would they ever get back to Skalat and the rest of the family?
This book tells of an event that is not talked of often. That is on the Jews who were fleeing the Germans but were running straight into the Soviets. It is quite an interesting story.
December 20, 2017
This book is part memoir, based on interviews with Esther Parnes surviving children, and part history book with alternating sections between chapters detailing the history of the Germans during that time period. Many quotes were included from other books and these were referenced. An additional reading list was included at the end of the book for those interested in learning more.
The book tells the story (supposedly from Esther's viewpoint) of one family's escape from a city in Russian occupied Poland as the Germans are rapidly advancing. The story is quite fascinating as this family struggled to stay together against all odds. I confess I didn't really like what I read about Esther or her husband. The family didn't survive solely because of her strength. But the reader can make up their own mind on this as they read the book.
This book would have been better had it included a map and ideally some family pictures.
The book tells the story (supposedly from Esther's viewpoint) of one family's escape from a city in Russian occupied Poland as the Germans are rapidly advancing. The story is quite fascinating as this family struggled to stay together against all odds. I confess I didn't really like what I read about Esther or her husband. The family didn't survive solely because of her strength. But the reader can make up their own mind on this as they read the book.
This book would have been better had it included a map and ideally some family pictures.
March 21, 2017
One step ahead, the title, is clear in the context of the holocaust perpetrated with full intention during WWII by the nazi regime across all of occupied Europe, and chiefly in the eastern sector.
This is the story of a family that fled across border to east for reasons not then clear to them, but fleeing the advancing German forces that not only had no compunction firing and bombing aimed at fleeing poor civilians in wagons or on foot, women, children, old or sick, but in all probability were ordered to do so too and used not only infantry and artillery but their vastly modern air force too, for this purpose.
This family fled their home and town Skalat, at the then border of Poland and Ukraine, escaping the death that overtook the hundreds on road alongside, often by inches, and survived this and much more. And it took most of the time span of this escape for them to realise they were fortunate to have left, for no one of their families or friends back home had survived!
Priceless reading, even when one is familiar with the general holocaust picture of events that took place.
This is the story of a family that fled across border to east for reasons not then clear to them, but fleeing the advancing German forces that not only had no compunction firing and bombing aimed at fleeing poor civilians in wagons or on foot, women, children, old or sick, but in all probability were ordered to do so too and used not only infantry and artillery but their vastly modern air force too, for this purpose.
This family fled their home and town Skalat, at the then border of Poland and Ukraine, escaping the death that overtook the hundreds on road alongside, often by inches, and survived this and much more. And it took most of the time span of this escape for them to realise they were fortunate to have left, for no one of their families or friends back home had survived!
Priceless reading, even when one is familiar with the general holocaust picture of events that took place.
December 11, 2017
I really enjoyed this story. The true story about a mother trying to keep her 7 children together as they try to stay away from the German invasion into their homeland of Poland. What they went through on a very long journey throughout Russia by foot, wagon, or train. I also liked how the author would put little sections in on what Hitler's thoughts were. The story kept me interested all the wsy.
April 17, 2016
It's not often that I give a true account one star, and what I could glean about this woman's life deserves a full five stars. However, I can't recommend it first because of one completely inappropriate scene and second the writing style.
It's written in first person. It's written as if Esther Parnes is telling us her inmost thoughts and struggles. What she thought of each child and situation is detailed. That would have been fine, if Azrieli had actually met her, or she had kept a diary, but neither one happened. He could only rely on interviews with her children. So really most of it is made up. It would have been better classified as historical fiction.
There was one curse word. That one scene was totally unnecessary to the story line and certainly not handled modestly or delicately.
It's written in first person. It's written as if Esther Parnes is telling us her inmost thoughts and struggles. What she thought of each child and situation is detailed. That would have been fine, if Azrieli had actually met her, or she had kept a diary, but neither one happened. He could only rely on interviews with her children. So really most of it is made up. It would have been better classified as historical fiction.
There was one curse word. That one scene was totally unnecessary to the story line and certainly not handled modestly or delicately.
September 5, 2017
The war time ordeals of a Jewish mother and her 7 children.
This story is an amazing true account of the wartime struggles of a Jewish woman named Ester Parnes, her husband Samuel, and their seven children.
In June 1944 they believe that they are safe from the atrocities of the Nazi concentration camps, as they are living in the small village called Skalat in eastern Poland. After World War I, the land was given to the Soviet Union under the 1939 treaty between Stalin and Germany, and the Soviet people had been friendly, and they, and their relatives are happy, and have a good life. However, they soon discover that Adolph Hitler has no scruples about going back on his word as he instigates Operation Barbarossa. On the very day this happens the family find themselves fleeing the German planes and soldiers, desperate just to survive…
When they join thousands of other Jews and tens of thousands of Polish people crossing the Zebruschk River, and entering the Ukraine, they believe it is only for a short time, and they are sure that they will be safe there until they can return to Skalat. However as the German army ruthlessly advances, slaughtering everyone in their path with Hitler’s “scorched earth” policy, the days and months turn into years. Watching those around them die from starvation, or being murdered by the Germans, the family suffer unimaginable hardships and find themselves doing what they have to, to survive. Driven further and further from their home on a journey which is to take them through the Ukraine, Russia, and into Asia.
I found this story totally absorbing and the very fact that it is written from true accounts given to the author by the Ester Parnes children and grandchildren, makes it even more interesting. Not only did I learn a lot about the plight of these people during World War II, but I also could not help but be amazed at their strong faith and true sense of family, which bound them together, and gave them a reason to survive.
Of course during the war years, despite being on the run from the Germans, their normal family life continued, and like all families disagreements and disputes arose, however, strong in their faith, they still manage, despite everything, to remain united.
Having read modern history at school, this book should, I feel, be part of the curriculum as not only is it a compelling story of one families family’s survival during World War II, but also reveals how Adolph Hitler thought, and explains the timing and reasons behind his policies.
I would highly recommend this book as a fascinating true account of the bravery and fortitude of Ester Parnes, and her family during WWII.
This story is an amazing true account of the wartime struggles of a Jewish woman named Ester Parnes, her husband Samuel, and their seven children.
In June 1944 they believe that they are safe from the atrocities of the Nazi concentration camps, as they are living in the small village called Skalat in eastern Poland. After World War I, the land was given to the Soviet Union under the 1939 treaty between Stalin and Germany, and the Soviet people had been friendly, and they, and their relatives are happy, and have a good life. However, they soon discover that Adolph Hitler has no scruples about going back on his word as he instigates Operation Barbarossa. On the very day this happens the family find themselves fleeing the German planes and soldiers, desperate just to survive…
When they join thousands of other Jews and tens of thousands of Polish people crossing the Zebruschk River, and entering the Ukraine, they believe it is only for a short time, and they are sure that they will be safe there until they can return to Skalat. However as the German army ruthlessly advances, slaughtering everyone in their path with Hitler’s “scorched earth” policy, the days and months turn into years. Watching those around them die from starvation, or being murdered by the Germans, the family suffer unimaginable hardships and find themselves doing what they have to, to survive. Driven further and further from their home on a journey which is to take them through the Ukraine, Russia, and into Asia.
I found this story totally absorbing and the very fact that it is written from true accounts given to the author by the Ester Parnes children and grandchildren, makes it even more interesting. Not only did I learn a lot about the plight of these people during World War II, but I also could not help but be amazed at their strong faith and true sense of family, which bound them together, and gave them a reason to survive.
Of course during the war years, despite being on the run from the Germans, their normal family life continued, and like all families disagreements and disputes arose, however, strong in their faith, they still manage, despite everything, to remain united.
Having read modern history at school, this book should, I feel, be part of the curriculum as not only is it a compelling story of one families family’s survival during World War II, but also reveals how Adolph Hitler thought, and explains the timing and reasons behind his policies.
I would highly recommend this book as a fascinating true account of the bravery and fortitude of Ester Parnes, and her family during WWII.
January 6, 2020
Keep My Family Together At All Costs
This is a true story of a remarkable woman, Esther Parnes, that kept her family of seven children together through the worst of times. When Hitler sent his German Army to Poland with the orders to rid Poland of all Jews, Samuel and Esther Parnes left their home in Poland.
They spent four years traveling at risk of life, hungry, and scared across the Ukraine, Russia and Asia just one step ahead of the Germans. Many times they were in dire danger of capture. Then they spent five more years in displaced person camps until finally migrating to the state of New Jersey in the United States.
This family lived in constant fear and throughout it all they stayed together as a family. Hunger was their largest constant as they kept moving to stay ahead of the German Army which meant death to them should they be caught.
This book is sad, it is tragic, it will make you cry. It also shows love in the family for each other and compassion for others. There were humane people that helped them and there were mean people that did not.
This should never have happened to them, and it should never again happen to another person. No one should ever have to fear for their life because of their race or their religion.
I would recommend this book.
This is a true story of a remarkable woman, Esther Parnes, that kept her family of seven children together through the worst of times. When Hitler sent his German Army to Poland with the orders to rid Poland of all Jews, Samuel and Esther Parnes left their home in Poland.
They spent four years traveling at risk of life, hungry, and scared across the Ukraine, Russia and Asia just one step ahead of the Germans. Many times they were in dire danger of capture. Then they spent five more years in displaced person camps until finally migrating to the state of New Jersey in the United States.
This family lived in constant fear and throughout it all they stayed together as a family. Hunger was their largest constant as they kept moving to stay ahead of the German Army which meant death to them should they be caught.
This book is sad, it is tragic, it will make you cry. It also shows love in the family for each other and compassion for others. There were humane people that helped them and there were mean people that did not.
This should never have happened to them, and it should never again happen to another person. No one should ever have to fear for their life because of their race or their religion.
I would recommend this book.
July 31, 2017
True Story Of Hope And Survival
In my opinion, this book deserves five stars because not only does it offer action-packed suspense, drama and romance, it provides fascinating historical facts about Hitler and the Nazi war machine (I'm fascinated, not impressed. I do not condone Nazism in the very least). The author is a master storyteller, which made for quite an enjoyable read. It's based on a true story, one that needed to be shared with the world. It documents a family's courageous flight to safety during one of the world's worst wars in history. I especially appreciate how it conveys the importance of maintaining loving relationships and embracing hope during times of hardship and persecution.
In my opinion, this book deserves five stars because not only does it offer action-packed suspense, drama and romance, it provides fascinating historical facts about Hitler and the Nazi war machine (I'm fascinated, not impressed. I do not condone Nazism in the very least). The author is a master storyteller, which made for quite an enjoyable read. It's based on a true story, one that needed to be shared with the world. It documents a family's courageous flight to safety during one of the world's worst wars in history. I especially appreciate how it conveys the importance of maintaining loving relationships and embracing hope during times of hardship and persecution.
October 8, 2020
Interesting story, annoying protagonist
This story is one of incredible triumph over tragedy beyond tragedy. It should uplift you but the protagonist tells the story first person. And I’m sorry but she comes across as whiny and elitist. The best character or person in the story she feels is beneath her yet saves her rear end time and time again. And it just gets annoying that she doesn’t get it until Way at the end. I liked the inclusion of actual texts from books about Hitler and World War II and plan to look some up and the details of the story which are true are very interesting. But I gave it three stars because the protagonist was just almost unbearable to “listen to “.
This story is one of incredible triumph over tragedy beyond tragedy. It should uplift you but the protagonist tells the story first person. And I’m sorry but she comes across as whiny and elitist. The best character or person in the story she feels is beneath her yet saves her rear end time and time again. And it just gets annoying that she doesn’t get it until Way at the end. I liked the inclusion of actual texts from books about Hitler and World War II and plan to look some up and the details of the story which are true are very interesting. But I gave it three stars because the protagonist was just almost unbearable to “listen to “.
July 8, 2018
One of the most informative and surreal books I have read. Although such a sad time and so many lives lost , I have become fascinated with halocast books. I cried thru most of it. Every one should read to make us truly appreciate our freedom. Thank you for all the research and time writing thus extrodinary book.
One life best books I have ever read. I could hardly put it down. It was hard to read of all the human suffering but I feel like it needs to be told.
One life best books I have ever read. I could hardly put it down. It was hard to read of all the human suffering but I feel like it needs to be told.
August 4, 2020
A Famliy's Story
I. read this book because it had children in it. and it was about World War II. The book showed whar a real belief in God can accomplish. It told about the strength a family can give each other. But most of all it gave me a TRUE picture of what Hitler. and his puppets did to ordinary people who just happened to be Jews. This book is documented by noie worthy authors.
PATRICIA JAEGER
I. read this book because it had children in it. and it was about World War II. The book showed whar a real belief in God can accomplish. It told about the strength a family can give each other. But most of all it gave me a TRUE picture of what Hitler. and his puppets did to ordinary people who just happened to be Jews. This book is documented by noie worthy authors.
PATRICIA JAEGER
March 2, 2020
Well worth the read!
This book is an excellent account of the hardship endured by the few Jewish people caught in Hitler's crosshairs and lived to tell about it. Those who managed to escape being rounded up and sent to the death camps had just as hard a time trying to survive the ordeal. This book is a perfect example of their suffering. God bless them all.
This book is an excellent account of the hardship endured by the few Jewish people caught in Hitler's crosshairs and lived to tell about it. Those who managed to escape being rounded up and sent to the death camps had just as hard a time trying to survive the ordeal. This book is a perfect example of their suffering. God bless them all.
November 10, 2020
An amazing historical book about survival in the 2nd world war.
Such an amazing beautiful book teling of the courage and suffering of a whole family in that war. So many unbelievable incidents of Gods love and provisions and also much suffering and pain.A beautiful testimony of faith and a great love of family. Excellent and uplifting message.
Such an amazing beautiful book teling of the courage and suffering of a whole family in that war. So many unbelievable incidents of Gods love and provisions and also much suffering and pain.A beautiful testimony of faith and a great love of family. Excellent and uplifting message.
July 2, 2021
An uplifting story of epic proportion
A very moving book describing how this mother of seven protected her children from Hitler and Stalin. How she managed to keep her faith in God, watch over her children and husband is amazing! Definitely a must read for anyone interested in the Holocaust.
A very moving book describing how this mother of seven protected her children from Hitler and Stalin. How she managed to keep her faith in God, watch over her children and husband is amazing! Definitely a must read for anyone interested in the Holocaust.
December 17, 2021
A must read!! You won't want to put it down!
Wow I could not put this book down! I read from start to finish in less than 24 hours! Awesome story of survival and faith and determination! They definitely had a guardian angel looking out for them! A must read if you love this genre (even if you don't!)
Wow I could not put this book down! I read from start to finish in less than 24 hours! Awesome story of survival and faith and determination! They definitely had a guardian angel looking out for them! A must read if you love this genre (even if you don't!)
January 24, 2018
Heartbreaking and inspiring!
I am always encouraged by these stories of Jewish survivors from Hitler's jaw's. They inspire, they strengthen, they encourage those whom need help.
I am so blessed to be one of G-D's holy people - I give thanks to Him -- blessed be He.
I am always encouraged by these stories of Jewish survivors from Hitler's jaw's. They inspire, they strengthen, they encourage those whom need help.
I am so blessed to be one of G-D's holy people - I give thanks to Him -- blessed be He.
January 10, 2021
Amazing story well worth your time
The account is based on interviews of Esther Parnas and her children as well as relevant historical texts. The narrative flows smoothly and is completely compelling. Would be improved by the addition of a map of their journey.
The account is based on interviews of Esther Parnas and her children as well as relevant historical texts. The narrative flows smoothly and is completely compelling. Would be improved by the addition of a map of their journey.
January 13, 2017
Amazing!
Unbelievable story of dedication to family, life, and survival. They truly were guided to escape, by the Divine. It is an amazing story! I loved it!
Unbelievable story of dedication to family, life, and survival. They truly were guided to escape, by the Divine. It is an amazing story! I loved it!
August 3, 2017
A must read!!
Being Jewish my self and family who live through the war I read a lot of books on that time period, but this one of the best.
Being Jewish my self and family who live through the war I read a lot of books on that time period, but this one of the best.
May 5, 2018
A Real Heroine!
This mother of 7 stopped at nothing to keep her children alive and together. She knew what unconditional love was.
This mother of 7 stopped at nothing to keep her children alive and together. She knew what unconditional love was.
June 9, 2018
Recommed this for your library
Fast paced activity in this story had me unable to put this one down. I enjoyed hearing from a mothers point of view.
Fast paced activity in this story had me unable to put this one down. I enjoyed hearing from a mothers point of view.
July 27, 2018
Amazing book
This book is a truly amazing story of family and survival in the face of so much pain. The mother is truly one strong woman who kept her family together.
This book is a truly amazing story of family and survival in the face of so much pain. The mother is truly one strong woman who kept her family together.
January 31, 2020
Very interesting to follow their lives as they travel around Europe fleeing for their lives.
February 10, 2021
Good book
Harrowing true story thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I couldn't put it down
Harrowing true account of a Jewish family in ww2
Harrowing true story thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I couldn't put it down
Harrowing true account of a Jewish family in ww2
April 1, 2021
Fascinating book
I enjoyed reading this book but sometimes I became confused by the historical quotes about Germany and Hitler. I enjoyed it nevertheless
I enjoyed reading this book but sometimes I became confused by the historical quotes about Germany and Hitler. I enjoyed it nevertheless
November 22, 2021
Wonderful
How this family survived is a miracle.I have read many books about the Holocaust ,this one had a happy ending! Unfortunately ,we lost many family members in the concentration camps. thank you for sharing this well written journey!
How this family survived is a miracle.I have read many books about the Holocaust ,this one had a happy ending! Unfortunately ,we lost many family members in the concentration camps. thank you for sharing this well written journey!
April 28, 2024
Unique
I have read many Holocaust books, but this is the first one that has the quotes and declarations of Hitler. Made book very unique and informative.
I have read many Holocaust books, but this is the first one that has the quotes and declarations of Hitler. Made book very unique and informative.
July 11, 2017
Strength of one mother's love
The story reaffirms the struggles to live, which many of us who have a much different life. Refreshing and well written.
The story reaffirms the struggles to live, which many of us who have a much different life. Refreshing and well written.
July 11, 2017
Never Forget. Amazing story of strength and will.
Ratings don't bring the harsh reality of that time to light. The story needs telling, however and should be shared.
Ratings don't bring the harsh reality of that time to light. The story needs telling, however and should be shared.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews