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FALSE HEROES: Held Hostage by Heritage
'False Heroes: Held Hostage by Heritage' is the true story of Diana, a survivor. It tells of her struggle to free herself from the bondage of her authoritative European heritage and her account of a war-ridden childhood, Germany WWII. Her story compels the reader to examine issues from their own past. It ponders the question, "Can we be held prisoners within our own souls?" This book is about reconciling the past with the present in one's life. A liberating experience, it spans continents and conflicts.
"Diana did not know there was a tomorrow. She said her prayers at night, and did not expect to wake up in the morning. ‘If I should die before I wake…’ She never taught her children this prayer. It gave her the chills ever after."
Diana’s story is meant to inspire the reader to ask questions on their own. It resonates with the strength one can find in the midst of adversity, challenges and despair. It's about forging forward despite all odds, fighting for identity and freedom from a heritage that holds one hostage, as well as the chains within ones soul.
Most of us are descendants from other countries and century old cultures, with scars and stigmas, with imprints of wars and limited choices. This story, which follows Diana for a lifetime, can be a healing experience, and a voice for many that could never speak of their most hurtful secrets. It unmasks sacred convents, religion, the ‘Good’ and the ‘Holy’, abandonment, rape, betrayal, abusive relationships and more.
Despite subject matters that are painful to comprehend and hard to read about, this book effectively captures the readers heart. This book was written with the intention to help the reader find strength and resolve, courage, trust in free choices, and a better tomorrow.
"Diana did not know there was a tomorrow. She said her prayers at night, and did not expect to wake up in the morning. ‘If I should die before I wake…’ She never taught her children this prayer. It gave her the chills ever after."
Diana’s story is meant to inspire the reader to ask questions on their own. It resonates with the strength one can find in the midst of adversity, challenges and despair. It's about forging forward despite all odds, fighting for identity and freedom from a heritage that holds one hostage, as well as the chains within ones soul.
Most of us are descendants from other countries and century old cultures, with scars and stigmas, with imprints of wars and limited choices. This story, which follows Diana for a lifetime, can be a healing experience, and a voice for many that could never speak of their most hurtful secrets. It unmasks sacred convents, religion, the ‘Good’ and the ‘Holy’, abandonment, rape, betrayal, abusive relationships and more.
Despite subject matters that are painful to comprehend and hard to read about, this book effectively captures the readers heart. This book was written with the intention to help the reader find strength and resolve, courage, trust in free choices, and a better tomorrow.
Paperback
Published May 26, 2020
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About the author
Christine Brandon
10 books1 followerChristine Brandon was born in a quaint village in Bavaria, Germany. She grew up during the Depression and World War II. As a young adult, she immigrated to the United States. A teacher, registered nurse, a mother, a glass artist, and an author, she continues to defy the odds.
“The strength to overcome, to fight the inevitable, the impossible, to reach for the stars, it’s there for the taking, in one’s own heart.” Christine Brandon
In her book, False Heroes: Held Hostage by Heritage, the author offers a unique perspective of the WWII times through the eyes of a German child, reluctantly opening the door to her life. Trying to overcome apprehension and fear of being struck down while finding the right words, she painfully articulates the scars and stigmas, the imprints and ghosts of the war. She portrays her life as a relentless struggle, picking up the pieces from the devastating effects and the repressive culture of that time. When all the structures she depended on crumbled around her, and all her heroes let her down, she fought to break free from the chains that held her hostage.
“The strength to overcome, to fight the inevitable, the impossible, to reach for the stars, it’s there for the taking, in one’s own heart.” Christine Brandon
In her book, False Heroes: Held Hostage by Heritage, the author offers a unique perspective of the WWII times through the eyes of a German child, reluctantly opening the door to her life. Trying to overcome apprehension and fear of being struck down while finding the right words, she painfully articulates the scars and stigmas, the imprints and ghosts of the war. She portrays her life as a relentless struggle, picking up the pieces from the devastating effects and the repressive culture of that time. When all the structures she depended on crumbled around her, and all her heroes let her down, she fought to break free from the chains that held her hostage.
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July 9, 2020
I've read thousands of books and only a handful were nonfiction. I generally find non-fiction dry and avoid the genre. This book and brand new author were highly recommended to me. I started this read expecting to be bored, but curious as to why it was brought to my attention with such high praise. I'll never judge non-fiction ever again!
Not only is it eloquently written, it's so easy to read! This novel covers a lifetime of Diana, starting in Germany WWII. The trials and tribulations she endured are heartbreaking, yet inspiring! It amazes me how such heavy subject matters including War, Religion, and Abuse (just to name a few) could translate into encouragement and feelings of hope and accomplishment.
I've been an avid reader my entire life. It's rare a book touches my soul like False Heroes: Held Hostage by Heritage. I recommend it to anyone, really. I can't even narrow down an age group or demographic! I already recommended it already to my teenage nephew, my mom, and my married with small children single mom cousin! It made me think about the past, and gave me confidence that I can make my own future, no matter what!
Not only is it eloquently written, it's so easy to read! This novel covers a lifetime of Diana, starting in Germany WWII. The trials and tribulations she endured are heartbreaking, yet inspiring! It amazes me how such heavy subject matters including War, Religion, and Abuse (just to name a few) could translate into encouragement and feelings of hope and accomplishment.
I've been an avid reader my entire life. It's rare a book touches my soul like False Heroes: Held Hostage by Heritage. I recommend it to anyone, really. I can't even narrow down an age group or demographic! I already recommended it already to my teenage nephew, my mom, and my married with small children single mom cousin! It made me think about the past, and gave me confidence that I can make my own future, no matter what!
Displaying 1 of 1 review