What do you think?
Rate this book
A Forgotten Hero: Folke Bernadotte, the Swedish Humanitarian Who Rescued 30,000 People from the Nazis
The true story of Folke Bernadotte’s heroic rescue of 30,000 prisoners during WWII In one of the most amazing rescues of WWII, the Swedish head of the Red Cross rescued more than 30,000 people from concentration camps in the last three months of the war. Folke Bernadotte did so by negotiating with the enemy ― shaking hands with Heinrich Himmler, the head of the Gestapo. Time was of the essence, as Hitler had ordered the destruction of all camps and everyone in them. A Forgotten Hero chronicles Folke’s life and extraordinary journey, from his family history and early years to saving thousands of lives during WWII and his untimely assassination in 1948. A straightforward and compelling narrative, A Forgotten Hero sheds light on this important and heroic historical figure.
264 pages, Hardcover
Published May 21, 2019
11 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Shelley Emling
5 books40 followersShelley Emling has been a journalist for 20 years. She was born in Missouri. Later she grew up in Dallas, Texas. She went to the University of Texas and started her journalism career at UPI.
Shelley is the author of two books: Your Guide to Retiring in Mexico, and most recently, The Fossil Hunter, published by Macmillan in 2009 about paleontologist Mary Anning, whom Shelley had learned of while on a holiday in England.[1] The Fossil Hunter was criticised by the New York Times for having moved away from the central narrative too often, but the reviewer nevertheless noted the ample footnotes, which put the subject's work "into the scientific and sociological context".[2] Nature, however, felt that Emling's "diligent" work was "more thorough and complete" than Tracy Chevalier's fictional account of Anning's life, Remarkable Creatures, which was released the same year – although the reviewer notes that the freedom of the fictionalised account proved to be more engaging.[3]
Shelley is the author of two books: Your Guide to Retiring in Mexico, and most recently, The Fossil Hunter, published by Macmillan in 2009 about paleontologist Mary Anning, whom Shelley had learned of while on a holiday in England.[1] The Fossil Hunter was criticised by the New York Times for having moved away from the central narrative too often, but the reviewer nevertheless noted the ample footnotes, which put the subject's work "into the scientific and sociological context".[2] Nature, however, felt that Emling's "diligent" work was "more thorough and complete" than Tracy Chevalier's fictional account of Anning's life, Remarkable Creatures, which was released the same year – although the reviewer notes that the freedom of the fictionalised account proved to be more engaging.[3]
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 17, 2020
What is delivered here is a brief, concise biography of Folke Bernadotte (1895-1948). His ancestors and descendants are mentioned. Swedish history, starting in the 1800s, the closing years of the Second World War in Europe and the creation of Israel are covered. In his role as humanitarian, as Vice-Chairman of the Swedish Red Cross, he negotiated with Himmler in an effort to save the lives of Scandinavians in concentration camps at the end of the war. In his role as United Nations mediator, he negotiated between the Arabs and the Jews in the recently formed Jewish state and was here assassinated in 1948. A huge amount of material is covered in a short book!
What is spoken of is clearly presented. Necessary but rudimentary background information is given. However, in-depth analyses are lacking. There is no discussion of whether he collaborated with the Germans, as some claim. There is little discussion of why he focused on saving the lives of Scandinavians and not all Jews and those of other nationalities. In the epilog, it is mentioned for the first time, that he had a child born out of wedlock. Few details are given. Readers are told what Folke did, but little is said about his personal relationships or his personality. One does not come close to Folke as a person.
Julian Elfer narrates the audiobook. He speaks clearly, but rapidly. In a book of non-fiction, chockfull of facts, I prefer a slower narration. His pronunciation of German words is excellent, but not his pronunciation of Swedish words. Of course, there are many, given Folke’s nationality. It is ridiculous to pick a narrator not fluent in Swedish given that the book is about a Swede!
It is up to you to decide if this short biography is adequate having now been informed of what it does and does not include.
What is spoken of is clearly presented. Necessary but rudimentary background information is given. However, in-depth analyses are lacking. There is no discussion of whether he collaborated with the Germans, as some claim. There is little discussion of why he focused on saving the lives of Scandinavians and not all Jews and those of other nationalities. In the epilog, it is mentioned for the first time, that he had a child born out of wedlock. Few details are given. Readers are told what Folke did, but little is said about his personal relationships or his personality. One does not come close to Folke as a person.
Julian Elfer narrates the audiobook. He speaks clearly, but rapidly. In a book of non-fiction, chockfull of facts, I prefer a slower narration. His pronunciation of German words is excellent, but not his pronunciation of Swedish words. Of course, there are many, given Folke’s nationality. It is ridiculous to pick a narrator not fluent in Swedish given that the book is about a Swede!
It is up to you to decide if this short biography is adequate having now been informed of what it does and does not include.
February 16, 2019
Folke Bernadotte. The name wasn't at all familiar. Who was this Swedish humanitarian? Why have we forgotten him?
Readers of the popular historical fiction novel The Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly know about the Polish women interred in Ravensbruck who were used for medical experiments, called 'rabbits' because they were merely lab 'animals.'''
In Kelly's novel, the women are told to board white trucks from the Red Cross, but some doubt their legitimacy. Another noted that "Himmler himself authorized Count Bernadotte of Sweden to take us."
A Forgotten Hero is the story of that Count Bernadotte of Sweden!
Shelly Emling begins the book with the German invasion of Poland and the removal of Poles to concentration camps through the personal story of Manya Moszkowicz. In the last days of the war, the Germans wanted to cover up the atrocities of the concentration camps, evacuating prisoners or killing them. Manya was taken on a forced march to Ravensbruck. And one morning she was in a group taken to the gate and told to board a white truck with red crosses. It didn't seem real. The women were given CARE packages, and that night they slept in real beds, clean and warmly clothed. Manya learned she had been rescued because of Count Folke Bernadotte.
Folke was related to Swedish royalty and made a career in the army. He became a volunteer for the Boy Scouts. He took on the leadership of the International Red Cross. Sweden was neutral during WWII, a choice made to preserve their freedom while Norway fell to the Germans and Finland to the Russians. Folke used this neutrality to gain access to Himmler. He wanted to rescue all the prisoners, but played his hand carefully, first asking to repatriate Swedish nationalists. The Gestapo head Himmler had vowed to remain loyal to Hitler but knew his country was losing the war; over time he allowed Folke access to more prisoners.
Folke's courage and faith were limitless as he bused the women out of the camp, coming under fire by Allied planes. He was able to secret out several thousand Jews, but his rapport with the Nazis and unwillingness to overplay his hand made him suspect by some Jewish groups. After the war, Folke was asked to mediate between the emerging country of Isreal and the dispossessed Palestinians. Radical Jewish group marked him for assassination.
For decades, Folke's legacy was forgotten by a chagrined Israel who buried the incident of his death.
Sixty years after his death Folke has reemerged from the shadows.
I received a free ebook from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased
review.
Readers of the popular historical fiction novel The Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly know about the Polish women interred in Ravensbruck who were used for medical experiments, called 'rabbits' because they were merely lab 'animals.'''
In Kelly's novel, the women are told to board white trucks from the Red Cross, but some doubt their legitimacy. Another noted that "Himmler himself authorized Count Bernadotte of Sweden to take us."
A Forgotten Hero is the story of that Count Bernadotte of Sweden!
Shelly Emling begins the book with the German invasion of Poland and the removal of Poles to concentration camps through the personal story of Manya Moszkowicz. In the last days of the war, the Germans wanted to cover up the atrocities of the concentration camps, evacuating prisoners or killing them. Manya was taken on a forced march to Ravensbruck. And one morning she was in a group taken to the gate and told to board a white truck with red crosses. It didn't seem real. The women were given CARE packages, and that night they slept in real beds, clean and warmly clothed. Manya learned she had been rescued because of Count Folke Bernadotte.
Folke was related to Swedish royalty and made a career in the army. He became a volunteer for the Boy Scouts. He took on the leadership of the International Red Cross. Sweden was neutral during WWII, a choice made to preserve their freedom while Norway fell to the Germans and Finland to the Russians. Folke used this neutrality to gain access to Himmler. He wanted to rescue all the prisoners, but played his hand carefully, first asking to repatriate Swedish nationalists. The Gestapo head Himmler had vowed to remain loyal to Hitler but knew his country was losing the war; over time he allowed Folke access to more prisoners.
Folke's courage and faith were limitless as he bused the women out of the camp, coming under fire by Allied planes. He was able to secret out several thousand Jews, but his rapport with the Nazis and unwillingness to overplay his hand made him suspect by some Jewish groups. After the war, Folke was asked to mediate between the emerging country of Isreal and the dispossessed Palestinians. Radical Jewish group marked him for assassination.
For decades, Folke's legacy was forgotten by a chagrined Israel who buried the incident of his death.
Sixty years after his death Folke has reemerged from the shadows.
I received a free ebook from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased
review.
February 11, 2019
Forgotten Hero tells the story of Folke Bernadotte, Swedish head of The Red Cross, who had orchestrated the rescue of 30,000 Jewish women near the end of the Second World War.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I wouldn’t consider myself a World War II history buff or anything but I’ve read my fair share of books as well as watched several films and documentaries so I’d like to think I have a good understanding of the major events. However, reading about the horrific atrocities that took place during the Holocaust is something I will never become numb to. How could anyone? It is endlessly sickening.
The prologue begins at the end of the story and describes in great detail the “living” conditions for those who had been rescued by Folke’s Red Cross at the Ravensbrück Camp. From there, we’re given a brief outline of Folke’s family history before going into his upbringing and early life. I found this rather dull. I mean no disrespect to the man himself, but I’m not sure as much detail was required to fully build and explain his character.
That being said, there is some interesting information throughout the book that doesn’t necessarily tie to Bernadotte including the origins of Alfred Nobel, a Swedish National and the inventor of dynamite, an invention that had inadvertently led to a revolution in modern warfare. You also get a brief but pretty comprehensive story about what had led to the implementation of the Manhattan Project which would lead to the creation of the nuclear bomb.
Folke’s story about how he managed to work with the German forces was an impressive one. He had worked tirelessly to promote and negotiate a potential armistice between the Third Reich and the Allies – even at one point, without the knowledge of Hitler himself.
Forgotten Hero is the story of a moral man who lived in an immoral age. Shelly Emling’s research is impeccable in its depth delivering a story that many should take it upon themselves to read. In today’s age, we need the lessons of the past more than ever – especially those who chose to try to bring us together rather than to stoke the fires of division.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I wouldn’t consider myself a World War II history buff or anything but I’ve read my fair share of books as well as watched several films and documentaries so I’d like to think I have a good understanding of the major events. However, reading about the horrific atrocities that took place during the Holocaust is something I will never become numb to. How could anyone? It is endlessly sickening.
The prologue begins at the end of the story and describes in great detail the “living” conditions for those who had been rescued by Folke’s Red Cross at the Ravensbrück Camp. From there, we’re given a brief outline of Folke’s family history before going into his upbringing and early life. I found this rather dull. I mean no disrespect to the man himself, but I’m not sure as much detail was required to fully build and explain his character.
That being said, there is some interesting information throughout the book that doesn’t necessarily tie to Bernadotte including the origins of Alfred Nobel, a Swedish National and the inventor of dynamite, an invention that had inadvertently led to a revolution in modern warfare. You also get a brief but pretty comprehensive story about what had led to the implementation of the Manhattan Project which would lead to the creation of the nuclear bomb.
Folke’s story about how he managed to work with the German forces was an impressive one. He had worked tirelessly to promote and negotiate a potential armistice between the Third Reich and the Allies – even at one point, without the knowledge of Hitler himself.
Forgotten Hero is the story of a moral man who lived in an immoral age. Shelly Emling’s research is impeccable in its depth delivering a story that many should take it upon themselves to read. In today’s age, we need the lessons of the past more than ever – especially those who chose to try to bring us together rather than to stoke the fires of division.
March 1, 2019
I enjoyed this book, and discovered a part of the Holocaust that I didn't know about: the role of Count Bernadotte had in rescuing prisoners of concentration camps near the end of WWII. There is plenty of necessary background history to cover before getting to the actual rescue operation, so the reader has to be patient and will be rewarded by the second half of the book. It examines the role the Count played after the war with the Palestinian crisis and his subsequent assassination. As the soldiers and survivors of the war are dwindling, it is good to have stories like this re-examined for future generations.
January 18, 2020
I was very interested in this biography after reading the epigraph and the detailed introduction, which followed a young Jewish woman from her life before the Nazi invasion of Poland to her rescue by Folke Bernadotte's Red Cross evacuations.
However, the rest of the book only outlined, as briefly as possible, what happened without giving a sense of why or how. After reading this book, I felt that I had gotten no sense of the man at all. His "great romance" with his wife is briefly detailed in part of a chapter, and then she is only mentioned in passing for the rest of the book; information about their children (outside of the epilogue) take up seven sentences, which includes detailing the loss of two of four of their children. The effect this has on Bernadotte's life is just stated as "These tragedies shook Folke and Estelle to their core--but also made them even more sympathetic to the challenges other families faces and more determined than ever to work personally for the relief of other people's distress." And then, she moved on to detail, over two pages, his work with the Boy Scouts. Only the picture section and the epilogue mention the actress he had a daughter with prior to his marriage; the details of his youth that Emling gives in the rest of the book was that he didn't really drink or socialize.
Beyond the lack of inquisitiveness into his thoughts or actions, this book also failed in its chaotic organization. Dates were infrequently used as markers and the narrative moved back and forward in time unnecessarily. For instance, when detailing the collapse of the Nazi high command, the narrative starts with Hitler's birthday, then moves back to detailing other birthdays, then forward to months before his birthday, and then to his suicide. It was difficult to situation myself within a specific place and time in the flow of the story.
I look forward to seeking out another biography of Bernadotte, since the bibliography lists a few, to understand the diplomatic prowess of this man.
However, the rest of the book only outlined, as briefly as possible, what happened without giving a sense of why or how. After reading this book, I felt that I had gotten no sense of the man at all. His "great romance" with his wife is briefly detailed in part of a chapter, and then she is only mentioned in passing for the rest of the book; information about their children (outside of the epilogue) take up seven sentences, which includes detailing the loss of two of four of their children. The effect this has on Bernadotte's life is just stated as "These tragedies shook Folke and Estelle to their core--but also made them even more sympathetic to the challenges other families faces and more determined than ever to work personally for the relief of other people's distress." And then, she moved on to detail, over two pages, his work with the Boy Scouts. Only the picture section and the epilogue mention the actress he had a daughter with prior to his marriage; the details of his youth that Emling gives in the rest of the book was that he didn't really drink or socialize.
Beyond the lack of inquisitiveness into his thoughts or actions, this book also failed in its chaotic organization. Dates were infrequently used as markers and the narrative moved back and forward in time unnecessarily. For instance, when detailing the collapse of the Nazi high command, the narrative starts with Hitler's birthday, then moves back to detailing other birthdays, then forward to months before his birthday, and then to his suicide. It was difficult to situation myself within a specific place and time in the flow of the story.
I look forward to seeking out another biography of Bernadotte, since the bibliography lists a few, to understand the diplomatic prowess of this man.
January 2, 2020
Count Folke Bernadotte is largely forgotten today, but his murder in Jerusalem in 1948 made headlines around the world. The first UN peace mediator in the Middle East, he was targeted by members of the Lehi (Freedom Fighters of Israel), better known as the Stern Gang. His crime, in their view, was that he was an enemy of Israel and was close to forcing the newly-formed Israeli government led by David Ben Gurion, into relinquishing control of Jerusalem and more. His murderers were never punished.
Shelley Emling has done a service by revisiting the life of Count Bernadotte, and focusing on his role in the final days of the Second World War when he organised and led a rescue mission to take female prisoners — overwhelmingly Scandinavians — out of Nazi concentration camps and to safety in Sweden.
Emling is extremely sympathetic to Bernadotte and that comes through on every page of the book. But she’s also aware of the controversies that surround him, including allegations that he got rather too chummy with some of the Nazi leaders and that he did little to free Jewish prisoners (she contests this point). Emling quotes at length Bernadotte’s words in which he describes first meeting SS boss Heinrich Himmler — and this does little to warm us to the man, who was at the very least naive.
His murder was obviously a crime, and the culprits should have been punished — not least because the attack is a stain on Israel’s reputation that has never been erased. But the story of Bernadotte’s life and his death is a more complex one than this short book can cover.
Shelley Emling has done a service by revisiting the life of Count Bernadotte, and focusing on his role in the final days of the Second World War when he organised and led a rescue mission to take female prisoners — overwhelmingly Scandinavians — out of Nazi concentration camps and to safety in Sweden.
Emling is extremely sympathetic to Bernadotte and that comes through on every page of the book. But she’s also aware of the controversies that surround him, including allegations that he got rather too chummy with some of the Nazi leaders and that he did little to free Jewish prisoners (she contests this point). Emling quotes at length Bernadotte’s words in which he describes first meeting SS boss Heinrich Himmler — and this does little to warm us to the man, who was at the very least naive.
His murder was obviously a crime, and the culprits should have been punished — not least because the attack is a stain on Israel’s reputation that has never been erased. But the story of Bernadotte’s life and his death is a more complex one than this short book can cover.
August 30, 2025
We forget history all too quickly, it seems to me, and, sadly, villains often remain in mind longer than heroes do.
Swedish Count Folke Bernadotte repeatedly put his life at risk to save more than 30,000 concentration camp victims near death in the last chapter of WWII. Then after the war under UN auspices he waded into the fledgling Palestinian-Israeli quagmire seeking a settlement in a conflict so venomous that IT remains unsettled even now. And what did he receive for this selflessness?
Well, he was criticized for negotiating with Nazi bad guy Heinrich Himmler, though he controlled the concentration camps and had authority to make releases as the Nazi regime collapsed. Bernadotte was demonized because not all those released were Jewish victims, though many were. Then later he was criticized by both Israelis and Arabs for even seeking common ground in that conflict … and was murdered for his efforts.
As the saying goes, no good deed goes unpunished!
This man’s desire for peace, safety and honor for all people cost him his life but in the light of history his efforts and good will stand the test of time. He should be remembered and this book, a very good read, is part of that goal.
Swedish Count Folke Bernadotte repeatedly put his life at risk to save more than 30,000 concentration camp victims near death in the last chapter of WWII. Then after the war under UN auspices he waded into the fledgling Palestinian-Israeli quagmire seeking a settlement in a conflict so venomous that IT remains unsettled even now. And what did he receive for this selflessness?
Well, he was criticized for negotiating with Nazi bad guy Heinrich Himmler, though he controlled the concentration camps and had authority to make releases as the Nazi regime collapsed. Bernadotte was demonized because not all those released were Jewish victims, though many were. Then later he was criticized by both Israelis and Arabs for even seeking common ground in that conflict … and was murdered for his efforts.
As the saying goes, no good deed goes unpunished!
This man’s desire for peace, safety and honor for all people cost him his life but in the light of history his efforts and good will stand the test of time. He should be remembered and this book, a very good read, is part of that goal.
April 19, 2020
The book tells the little-known story of Folke Bernadotte and his negotiations with Heinrich Himmler to save Scandinavian and other prisoners who were enslaved by the Nazis in their diabolical and deadly concentration camps. Driven by a strong commitment to justice and humanity, unselfish and brave Bernadotte had put himself in the lion’s den to negotiate with the devil. His Red Cross white buses saved 30,000 people from the Nazi clutches. This is a remarkable and admirable achievement.
Time and again, Count Folke Bernadotte who could have lived wonderfully comfortable life in Stockholm chose to put himself in harm’s way in his tireless efforts to bring justice, peace and humanity to places where these were scarce or challenged. In his Sisyphean strife to promote these values, Bernadotte paid the highest price a person can pay.
Time and again, Count Folke Bernadotte who could have lived wonderfully comfortable life in Stockholm chose to put himself in harm’s way in his tireless efforts to bring justice, peace and humanity to places where these were scarce or challenged. In his Sisyphean strife to promote these values, Bernadotte paid the highest price a person can pay.
December 8, 2019
A worthy person, but a book that could have used some strict editing. I found it to long and hard to finish. Still, bus loads of people left the concentration camps in an unheard of release. A miracle for those few people involved and their families. Such a rare last minute escape from a terrible fate.
November 5, 2021
A very well written book about the humanitarian efforts of Prince Folke Bernadotte from Sweden during WWII. He help rescue 30,000 people from Nazi concentration camps. This book is well researched and a pleasure to read with a bittersweet ending.
July 6, 2019
Excellent, very well-written and held my attention from the first page. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, ECW press. Thanks so much, I really enjoyed!
March 22, 2020
Compelling story of bravery and leadership. So many technical and repetitive details that turned a fascinating story into a tedious read.
January 4, 2021
An excellent insight into WWII and the founding of Israel.
Read
May 23, 2023I wish there had been a little more about the 30,000 saved. There was a lot of buildup and a lot about Bernadotte's life after. The part that was in the title went by too fast.
July 19, 2023
An easy read. I learned so much about the history of Sweden in the early part of this book.
March 7, 2024
Slow start but oh so good!
April 2, 2024
Excellent.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews