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Caught Between Two Devils
Caught Between Two Devils is based on the real-life experiences of Antanas Paskevicius, his wife Jadwyga, and his sister Maria. In April of 1944, their lives were forever altered when they were sent to a work camp in northeast Germany where they struggled for ten months. Despite the risk of betrayal, torture, and death, they stole a Wehrmacht truck in February 1945 and, along with other prisoners, fled and headed for Bavaria. The struggles of Antanas, Jadwyga and Maria are not unique; there were six million foreign prisoners compelled to work for the Third Reich.
263 pages, Paperback
Published September 4, 2019
3 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 28, 2020
This is a touching story about a Polish woman and a Lithuanian man caught in the dangers of WWII. The story follows a couple who are forbidden to marry by Nazi rules, but take the take the risk and marry in secret. The couple then work in a Nazi slave camp and make plans to escape. They endure a post-war holding facility until they are finally allow to emigrate to Canada.
The story is touching and uplifting. The pace is good, the writing is clear, each character has their own struggles, and the setting is real. There are dozens of small details that drive the reader to the real situation of being caught in Nazi camps.
It's an excellent book for those who want to know more about WWII from a Polish-Lithuanian perspective. It's a fantastic book for those who want to know how one couple endured hardship, work camps, and made their way to Canada.
The story is touching and uplifting. The pace is good, the writing is clear, each character has their own struggles, and the setting is real. There are dozens of small details that drive the reader to the real situation of being caught in Nazi camps.
It's an excellent book for those who want to know more about WWII from a Polish-Lithuanian perspective. It's a fantastic book for those who want to know how one couple endured hardship, work camps, and made their way to Canada.
March 19, 2020
Mark Creedon's Caught Between Two Devils gives an intimate and honest picture of the lives a family sent to German work camps during World War II, their daring escape, their flight, and their time as Displaced Persons awaiting passage to Canada. His respect and affection for them is evident and he takes time to make them real. We are invested in their journey and the drama of their adventures makes for a gripping read.
March 21, 2020
This book describes the actual wartime journey of Antanas Paskevicius, his wife Jadwyga, and his sister, Maria. It is at the same time a loving testament by Mark Creedon to his in-laws – a recognition of their strength, ingenuity, faith and optimism. As the narrative unfolds, it reveals the struggles of these three young Eastern European citizens during a time of great upheaval and danger, as they serve in German labour camps. The setting moves through Lithuania, Poland, Germany and finally Canada during the late 1930’s until 1949.
Mark Creedon has effectively inserted dates, place names and short descriptions of then-current political events at the beginnings of many chapters. This provides ongoing context for the actions of the three individuals and helps us understand their characters and motives. As well, he has given us their conversations, projected thoughts and emotions. We feel as though we have been placed into their lives for a time. It was especially gratifying to read how the two women each used their own cleverness and resourcefulness to survive these difficult times. Antanas was obviously an intelligent young man - a skilled mechanic who could also read people quite well and manage outcomes of seemingly impossible situations. But Jadwyga and Maria each used their own particular strengths as well, all within their camp roles as seamstress and cleaner. The dangerous incidents which they each managed to come through required courage, intelligence and leadership skills. They formed a strong team.
Thanks to Mark Creedon, we can better appreciate the survival stories of the generation that preceded ours. These stories are especially important at this time, when so many of our parents and grandparents are passing on.
Mark Creedon has effectively inserted dates, place names and short descriptions of then-current political events at the beginnings of many chapters. This provides ongoing context for the actions of the three individuals and helps us understand their characters and motives. As well, he has given us their conversations, projected thoughts and emotions. We feel as though we have been placed into their lives for a time. It was especially gratifying to read how the two women each used their own cleverness and resourcefulness to survive these difficult times. Antanas was obviously an intelligent young man - a skilled mechanic who could also read people quite well and manage outcomes of seemingly impossible situations. But Jadwyga and Maria each used their own particular strengths as well, all within their camp roles as seamstress and cleaner. The dangerous incidents which they each managed to come through required courage, intelligence and leadership skills. They formed a strong team.
Thanks to Mark Creedon, we can better appreciate the survival stories of the generation that preceded ours. These stories are especially important at this time, when so many of our parents and grandparents are passing on.
April 11, 2020
"I have just completed reading your book. First I must say it felt like a dramatic script, episodic and surreal. You were able to carve out the travails of a family against the background of a global and dangerous catastrophe. Admirably you paint a portrait of family love and loyalty reflecting a certain amount of tenderness and stoicism in overcoming adversity. It's amazing how inventive you have been in capturing their angst, fears and joys.The linguistic differences of the main characters and protagonists may have been a challenge in replicating, but you manage to skilfully and successfully use the English medium in the discourse of the characters. (However the film will need subtitles).
War environments create strange bedfellows. Generosity and kindness are well represented in your presentation. One of the unique features of your book is the social and political contexts of the protagonists of war and those caught in between.Both friend and foe has had to compromise in order to enhance and prolong their existence. Humanity manifests itself even in dire circumstances and religiosity is a strength.
There is fluidity in the story as told .Moreover the book is uniquely structured in a way that keeps the reader engrossed. Belonging to the immigrant community, this book provides insight into the psyche and lived experience of many who came from disparate places and under varying circumstances. You have been able to capture the unique character of these extraordinary people whose ancestors can be ever so proud of their resilience."
Bravo!
War environments create strange bedfellows. Generosity and kindness are well represented in your presentation. One of the unique features of your book is the social and political contexts of the protagonists of war and those caught in between.Both friend and foe has had to compromise in order to enhance and prolong their existence. Humanity manifests itself even in dire circumstances and religiosity is a strength.
There is fluidity in the story as told .Moreover the book is uniquely structured in a way that keeps the reader engrossed. Belonging to the immigrant community, this book provides insight into the psyche and lived experience of many who came from disparate places and under varying circumstances. You have been able to capture the unique character of these extraordinary people whose ancestors can be ever so proud of their resilience."
Bravo!
February 23, 2020
Caught Between Two Devils is a very compelling story of inter-generational family love, courage and resiliency set in the context of the Eastern front during the Second World War. The reader is quickly engrossed in the work camp dilemmas faced by Antanas, Jadwyga and Maria, followed by their incredible journey in 1945 across the Germany line to freedom. Indeed, I felt like I was sitting in a jump seat behind them in the cab of their truck driving along treacherous winter back roads evading German soldiers while ever searching for opportunities to siphon diesel fuel. The plot – which would make a great movie or short series - moves along very quickly as the reader shares the roller coaster of emotions of the protagonists pivoting from abject fear to elation to prolonged stretches of fatigue. In reading this book I also learned much about the horrendous impact of Hitler and Stalin (the Two Devils) on millions of civilians and soldiers. This history of oppression and genocide did not get much notice in North America and Great Britain. Thus, I commend Mark Creedon for his dedication in bringing this tragedy to light, while inspiring us all by the courage of Antanas, Jadwyga and Maria in their personal journey to freedom in 1945. I highly recommend reading this enthralling book.
February 28, 2020
A true story of courage and ingenuity
There have been many stories written about WWII, but “Caught between Two Devils” gives us the unique perspective of a displaced Lithuanian / Polish “family”. Struggling to just stay alive in the face of work camps, food shortages, freezing weather not to mention the battling armies around them, Antanas, Maria and Jadwyga have little going for them but ingenuity, guts, a lot of luck and occasionally assistance from some surprising sources. But with the Russian Red Army rapidly pushing back the Germans and the danger of friendly fire from the American / British bombers, staying put is not an option. Their journey to escape is breath-taking. And to realize that it is based on the real experiences of the author’s family makes it even more poignant.
There have been many stories written about WWII, but “Caught between Two Devils” gives us the unique perspective of a displaced Lithuanian / Polish “family”. Struggling to just stay alive in the face of work camps, food shortages, freezing weather not to mention the battling armies around them, Antanas, Maria and Jadwyga have little going for them but ingenuity, guts, a lot of luck and occasionally assistance from some surprising sources. But with the Russian Red Army rapidly pushing back the Germans and the danger of friendly fire from the American / British bombers, staying put is not an option. Their journey to escape is breath-taking. And to realize that it is based on the real experiences of the author’s family makes it even more poignant.
April 30, 2020
A historical novel based on real life events of a Lithuanian family .
On the Eastern front during the 2nd WW the family of 3 (Antanas,Jadwyga & Maria) struggle to stay alive in work camps, with food shortages, and in freezing weather.
It is a story of family love, loyalty, and ingenuity fighting to survive against all odds.
They travel through Lithuania,Poland,and Germany with fighting going on between two armies.
Their final escape from a Nazi work camp in a stolen truck was a gutsy plan with perfect execution.
Then the incredible journey along back roads struggling for petrol, food,and shelter required constant challenges to be overcome and great stamina and endurance for ultimate survival.
A true thrilling adventure that keeps you going from start to the finish.
On the Eastern front during the 2nd WW the family of 3 (Antanas,Jadwyga & Maria) struggle to stay alive in work camps, with food shortages, and in freezing weather.
It is a story of family love, loyalty, and ingenuity fighting to survive against all odds.
They travel through Lithuania,Poland,and Germany with fighting going on between two armies.
Their final escape from a Nazi work camp in a stolen truck was a gutsy plan with perfect execution.
Then the incredible journey along back roads struggling for petrol, food,and shelter required constant challenges to be overcome and great stamina and endurance for ultimate survival.
A true thrilling adventure that keeps you going from start to the finish.
March 3, 2020
I am not a big reader of novels. However, I am an avid reader of history (have a BA in American History) and non-fiction. This is an historical novel based on real life events during WW II. It is particularly exciting and captivating when it relates the daring escape of the three main antagonists from a Nazi work camp. It also contains within it the budding romance of the two main characters that develops before the war started. each chapter has a brief introduction to the events occurring outside the work camp, providing the historical context in which the action takes place. The story moves along quite briskly, it is easy to follow and you end up rooting for the characters all the way.
March 20, 2020
The main character, Antanas Paskevicius, in my opinion, was in the top 5% of the general population that should and would make things happen. He possessed deep intelligence with abundant moxie as well as guts to add to his skill set. To survive all that he went through in Lithuania, Poland and Germany in WWII and to be able to safely chaperone his sister as well as his new bride during this ordeal is nothing short of astounding. Bravo to the author for collecting all the snippets of memories from the main characters in their advanced years, as recently as 2011 and to present all this coherently, in a non-stop, riveting reading experience.
February 23, 2020
As a child of an English War Bride and a RCAF pilot, I was well aware of the stories of WWII on the Western Front. This book tells a tale of heroic survival that took place on the Eastern Front...a much less understood aspect of the war. The plot line moves along at a good pace and each chapter is contextualized with a brief summary of the progress of the war. This really helps the reader put the story into the larger context. You'll find yourself rooting for this three-some, whose love and support of each other helped them endure in very difficult circumstances.
Susan
Susan
January 10, 2023
I've always been an avid follower of politics and history. Our world seems to conveniently erase history especially that which killed and imprisoned so many. This book takes us on a journey through a deadly time of persecution by the Nazis. The insight, emotion and sensitivity that the authour shares with the reader about his in laws escaping to save their lives and have a peaceful family are captivating. We can't move forward by ignoring our past and Mark helps us remember where many of our families began. I would recommend this book without reservation
March 27, 2020
Some people may not like their in-laws but that is not the case with this author. He was in awe of his wife’s parents. This book is the manifestation of his awe. What a beautiful way to honour their memory. He so admired their daring escape from the Nazis and the Russian Communists, that he wanted to immortalize their courage and resolve. This book was a work of love for the first time author. I congratulate him to my utmost.
April 6, 2020
Caught Between Two Devils is an inspiring story that showcases the resilience and strength of the human spirit. The author captures your attention by taking you on the journey of the three main characters in the midst of World War II. I found myself holding my breath and then cheering them on as they managed through some difficult situations. The historical information was well described at the beginning of each chapter which provided the context to the plot. Great read!
July 16, 2020
What a great book about the challenges and traumas of navigating though war, and the inspiring strength of the human condition. I really enjoyed the story of struggle, hope and success after surviving the horror and trauma and war. I felt the pain of the main characters as they travelled through Europe to survive, with such determination, hope and strength of spirit. And of course the love that kept everyone moving forward. A lovely story that I recommend for all age categories.
March 30, 2025
My late father-in-law's family were hours away from suffering the same fate, however, gentler angels came to their rescue.
In reading my friend Mark's account of his in-laws' plight, I realize that a simple twist of fate during a very turbulent time in history alters one's life for better or for worse.
Caught Between Two Devils is a harrowing tale of survival, love, lost innocence and a strong desire to live free.
It's a terrific read and I highly recommend the book.
In reading my friend Mark's account of his in-laws' plight, I realize that a simple twist of fate during a very turbulent time in history alters one's life for better or for worse.
Caught Between Two Devils is a harrowing tale of survival, love, lost innocence and a strong desire to live free.
It's a terrific read and I highly recommend the book.
Read
February 3, 2020I enjoyed this book from the moment I picked it up and started reading. This is a fantastic book for anyone interested in a love story and what happens to a beautiful couple who are held by the Germans during the Second war. Their intelligence and bravery save them. Their escape is a very exciting read.
I strongly recommend buying this book.
I strongly recommend buying this book.
February 27, 2020
Caught Between Two Devils is an expertly written book about a family’s incredible journey of survival that takes place on the Eastern front during the Second World War. It moved me to tears many times and I also appreciated the messages of resilience, hope, courage and love. It is a true page turner and I would highly recommend it.
Devika Rooney
May 13, 2021
This story typifies the experience of many Europeans during and after World War II. Caught between two superpowers, Antanas, Jadwyga and Maria survive Soviet occupation, forced servitude in support of the Reich and life as refugees in post-war Germany. It’s a beautiful tale of survival under difficult circumstances.
February 21, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. It is an amazing love story that highlights an important untold part of world War Two History.
Its exactly the kind of book I like to read; historical fiction about real people with tons of courage. Well written and well worth reading
Marjie
Its exactly the kind of book I like to read; historical fiction about real people with tons of courage. Well written and well worth reading
Marjie
June 15, 2020
A captivating novel! The title of the book suits this intriguing story of fleeing hardships, on a quest for freedom with an unrelenting will to achieve a ‘better life’ and to escape oppression through courage, steadfast faith and love. Thoroughly enjoyed reading...Well done Mark!
February 20, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. It was a wonderful intertwining of narratives, with perfect balance and suspense. Is it history or a message about the human condition? I would like to read more from this author. DP
November 23, 2023
An excellent story, written effectively by the son-in-law of victims of aggression during the Second World War, "Caught Between Two Devils" captured my interest and gripped it tightly until the final pages.
August 1, 2023
As of now, Caught Between Two Devils “ is in the following public libraries : Madawaska Valley, Burlington, Newmarket, Runnymede, Eatonville, Toronto Central and two other Toronto Branches. It has sold over 380 copies so far and I am striving to sell another 120 which would make an even 500. My plan is to do in person readings in the fall at Probus Clubs, Knights of Columbus Councils, churches and book stores. With Russia having invaded Ukraine this historical novel has never been more relevant. It gives inspiration and hope and who does not need those gifts today? If you want a copy you can purchase it on Amazon.ca books.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews