Trust To A Degree: Growing Up Under the Third Reich: Book 3

by Horst Christian

A World War Two Historical Fiction Novel Based On A True Story On May 3, 1945, Karl Veth is kicked awake by Soviet soldiers and put under arrest. He and his friend, Harold, had narrowly escaped death during the fall of Berlin by taking refuge in the subway tunnels under the city. As members of the Hitler Jugend (Hitler Youth), the two 14-year-old boys had been ordered to fight to the death; however, they defied Hitler’s orders and chose to live. Hearing the announcement the day before that Berlin had surrendered, they left their subway shelter to seek out friends where they thought they would be safe. Somehow, the Soviets had found them. But what did they want with them? After being transported to an interrogation center and brought before a Russian political Kommissar, Karl soon finds the answers to his questions. Once again, he is going to be used by a high-ranking official due to his unique knowledge of the Berlin subway system. He must agree to help the Kommissar or risk being shipped off to the Russian labor camps along with the rest of the German prisoners. When Karl learns that Harold has also been arrested and given the same choice, the two agree to assist the Kommissar. The boys work with the Kommissar and when the last mission is completed, Karl hopes to be released so he can search for his family. Unfortunately, the final mission ends with a twist and Karl is once again forced to make a life or death decision. This time, however, the life hanging in the balance is not his own, but that of someone very close to him. To save the life of the person he holds dear, Karl must decide whether or not he will follow orders and do the one thing he has never done before - take the life of another. Books In The Children To A Degree Loyal To A Degree Trust To A Degree Partners To A Degree

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2013

About the author

I was born in Berlin, Germany in 1930. My father taught me to read and write before the age of 5 and by the time I was 10 years old, I discovered my love for writing. I wrote vacation reports and several articles for a German school periodical.

When I was 10, I entered the “Jungvolk,” a subdivision of the Hitler Youth, which was mandatory in the Berlin school system. I then entered the Hitler Youth at the age of 14, also mandatory, and continued writing for the Hitler Youth periodicals.

I was drafted to help defend Berlin against the Soviets at the age of 14 because of my unique knowledge of the subway system and I served as a guide for various SS demolition commandos.

My books are based on my own experiences as a young boy in Germany during World War II and the days leading up to and after the fall of Berlin. There have been many books written about the war, but none from the perspective of a 14 year old boy who was forced to fight for a cause he did not understand.

I immigrated to the United States in the early 1950s and became a citizen. My wife, Jennifer, and I live in Northern California on a small ranch, where we have been for the last 30 years.

Reviews

[Gretchen Fatouros · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really needed an editor! Otherwise, wonderful book. Love Alex. Great comic relief. The window - oh the window & then the pipes...

I hate how each book ends where you need to continue onto the next...

Definitely read in order. This is noon 3...

BTW - no idea what I really thought it was like when Berlin fell to the Russians. I really didn’t have even a clue. I can’t imagine how terrible it would have been to be a civilian stuck in Berlin. Especially a woman.

[Melissa K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whow written from the perspective of a 14 year old...

This book is well written but its uncomfortable to read about rape, ww2 atrocities as it should be. All from the perspective of a 14 year old surviving day to day. Everyone should read this and be glad it's not them. And speak up when it happens again...

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the best writing in the world. Also seemed over the top with his adventures

[Alex Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling read

After completing three of the four books in this series, I have been given a new insight into the hardships of children in war zones. It also give me a heart warming appreciation for an Army Captain that was my aircraft commander during my tour in Vietnam

[Lisa Moschkau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Told of a part of WWII that I hadn't known. A lot of violence in this section, which is hard for me.