Ultimul tren spre Londra

by Meg Waite Clayton

The New York Times bestselling author of Beautiful Exiles conjures her best novel yet, a pre-World War II-era story with the emotional resonance of Orphan Train and The Nightingale, centering on the Kindertransports that carried thousands of children out of Nazi-occupied Europe—and one brave woman who helped them escape to safety.

In 1936, the Nazi are little more than loud, brutish bores to fifteen-year old Stephan Neuman, the son of a wealthy and influential Jewish family and budding playwright whose playground extends from Vienna’s streets to its intricate underground tunnels. Stephan’s best friend and companion is the brilliant Žofie-Helene, a Christian girl whose mother edits a progressive, anti-Nazi newspaper. But the two adolescents’ carefree innocence is shattered when the Nazis’ take control.

There is hope in the darkness, though. Truus Wijsmuller, a member of the Dutch resistance, risks her life smuggling Jewish children out of Nazi Germany to the nations that will take them. It is a mission that becomes even more dangerous after the Anschluss—Hitler’s annexation of Austria—as, across Europe, countries close their borders to the growing number of refugees desperate to escape.

Tante Truus, as she is known, is determined to save as many children as she can. After Britain passes a measure to take in at-risk child refugees from the German Reich, she dares to approach Adolf Eichmann, the man who would later help devise the “Final Solution to the Jewish Question,” in a race against time to bring children like Stephan, his young brother Walter, and Žofie-Helene on a perilous journey to an uncertain future abroad.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Historical, Holocaust, War, Audiobook

480 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 2019

About the author

Meg Waite Clayton is a New York Times and internationally bestselling author of 9 novels, including the forthcoming TYPEWRITER BEACH (Harper, July 1) — on Publishers Weekly’s list of 12 fiction “Hot Books of Summer,” which they call, in a starred review, “irresistible… Readers will be riveted.”

Her THE POSTMISTRESS OF PARIS was a Good Morning America Buzz pick, New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, Costco Book Club pick, People Magazine, IndieNext booksellers, LoanStars librarians, USA Today, Book of the Month Club and Amazon Editors’ pick and Publishers Weekly notable book the San Francisco Chronicle calls "gripping … an evocative love story layered with heroism and intrigue — the film ‘Casablanca’ if Rick had an artsy bent … powerful.”

Her National Jewish Book Award finalist THE LAST TRAIN TO LONDON was praised by Kristin Hannah as “An absolutely fascinating, beautifully rendered story of love, loss, and heroism … A glowing portrait of women rising up against impossible odds.”

Prior novels include the #1 Amazon fiction bestseller BEAUTIFUL EXILES, the Langum-Prize honored national bestseller THE RACE FOR PARIS- and THE WEDNESDAY SISTERS, one of Entertainment Weekly's "25 Essential Best Friend Novels" of all time. Her THE LANGUAGE OF LIGHT was a finalist for the Bellwether Prize (now PEN/Bellwether Prize).

Her novels have been published in 24 languages throughout the world.

She has also written more than 100 pieces for major newspapers, magazines, and public radio. She has participated in the Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman sponsored The Writers Lab for screenwriting, mentors in the OpEd Project, and is a member of the National Book Critics Circle and the California bar. megwaiteclayton.com

Reviews

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is based on the organization and implementation of the real Vienna Kindertransport that was led by Geertruida Wijsmuller. This fictional story occurs prior to 1940, and primarily happens during 1938.

We see a Dutch couple, Truus (Geertruida) and her husband Joop Wijsmuller, who are childless. Truus is a brave and outspoken woman who risks her life countless time to seek refuge for helpless children. We also see the rich Jewish family of Stephan, who is stripped of everything once the Germans invade Austria. There is the family of Zophie (Stephan’s best friend), whose mother is a journalist reporting the true crimes of the Nazi’s and eventually is on the run. And, there is also Adolf Eichmann, the Nazi in charge of ridding Germany of its Jewish population through emigration.

Beginning in 1936, we see the pre-invasion environment of Austria through the eyes of Stephan and Zophie. The “re-culturing” that Hitler aimed to achieve is a common topic of discussion in Stephan’s household among his parents and family members who are strong admirers of art. Soon after the Nazi’s have began assaulting their culture, German soldiers in their brown shirts with swastikas march in while Stephan and Zophie rehearsing a play. How will Zophie, an Aryan, react when Stephan is treated with brutality by Nazi’s? Meanwhile, after invasion, Truus plans to transport a large number of children in danger to London.

It was hard for me to get invested in this story. There were too many characters in motion for me to get attached and emotional. With the chapters being so short, it also took a long time to get to know them. There was too much dialogue between Truus and Joop that was about everyday things which overcrowded their character. It felt like too much information was included about the planning process and mundane arbitrary paperwork that went into Truus’ operations rather than focusing on her “in action”. While the information was appreciated since lending to authenticity, it took away from the story and the characters. At times, they felt so far away from me because I felt clustered and weighed down in intentions, ideas, and procedures. I wanted to be in my feelings, but it didn’t happen.
The story was at a dull but tolerant trot until 65% (on a Kindle) in which the plot starts to build and the story starts to take flight…but it’s almost over at that point.

During the pre-invasion, there are details in this novel about degenerate art and artists. For more information regarding this topic, I would highly recommend the nonfiction book Hitler's Last Hostages: Looted Art and the Soul of the Third Reich by Mary M. Lane.
Many thanks to HarperCollins, Edelweiss, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Geertruida Wijsmuller:


Adolf Eichmann:

[Meg Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited that The Last Train to London: A Novel--which is now a national bestseller in the U.S., Canada, and Europe as well as a National Jewish Book Award finalist!--in now out in paperback!

Nightingale author Kristin Hannah calls it, "An absolutely fascinating, beautifully rendered story of love, loss, and heroism," and Tattooist of Auschwitz author Heather Morris calls it "Brilliant," Booklist, “⭐️Enlightening, meticulously researched … compelling,” Bookpage "glimmers with hope," and Library Journal, “⭐️ well-developed characters and race-against-the-clock plot ... fantastic novel”!

It was an instant international bestseller in hardcover, and is published or forthcoming in 19 languages.

• International Bestseller
• National Bestseller in the U.S., Canada, the Netherlands, and Norway
• National Jewish Book Award finalist
• Screenplay selected for the Meryl Streep- and Nicole Kidman-sponsored The Writer’s Lab
• Indie Next Great Read -- bookstores recommend it!
• Historical Novel Society Editor’s Choice
• ⭐ Starred reviews in Booklist and Library Journal
• BBC Top 10 Reads
• Cosmopolitan 10 new good books to read
• American Library Association/Booklist “Best New Books”
• New York Post list of the books everyone is talking about
• Publishers Weekly’s Book Deal of the Week
• Publisher’s Marketplace Buzz Book
• Library Journal most anticipated Historical Fiction titles
• BookExpo’s hottest galleys

***

The book that would become Last Train to London began for me a decade ago when my usually chatty 15-year-old son arrived home troublingly silent. Nick had just come from our local children’s theater where, as research for a play, he’d interviewed someone separated from her family when she was only nine.

Three years in to reading about the transports while publishing other books, I discovered Geertruida Wijsmuller—a Dutch Christian with no children of her own, who rescued thousands. Truus was elusive, though, largely forgotten. I found only a few spare facts and, after much searching, a review of a biography written in Dutch and 50 years out of print. My older son’s college on the other side of the U.S. held one of the three copies here but, thanks to copyright laws and my own wisdom about the importance of integrity quoted back to me, he could copy only a few pages. I Google-translated the table of contents and guessed which might cover the kindertransport.

The short passage Chris sent included an amazing paragraph about how Truus faced down the Nazi then in charge of Vienna—a young and ambitious, not yet infamous, Adolf Eichmann, who would later be a major organizer of the Holocaust.

I got a friend to find a copy of the book in Holland then and photocopy it for me—which is legal in Holland—and I Google-translated page by page a truly heroic story I now HAD to tell. 


I’m humbled and proud to share that The Last Train to London sold in heated auctions here and in Israel, and is being translated into fifteen languages. It’s Truus’s story, and that of the children and their families. As I wrote it, I held in my heart the silence of my own son in that moment before he first told me of the Kindertransports. I hope it does them justice, and that Truus will inspire readers as much as she has inspired me.

U.S.:

Books Inc: bit.ly/LastTBooks
Indiebound: bit.ly/LT2LIndie
Amazon: amzn.to/2JeODDD
Apple Books: bit.ly/LastTrainAB
Barnes & Noble: bit.ly/LastTrainBNNN
HarperCollins: bit.ly/LastTrainHC
Kobo: bit.ly/LT2LKobo

CANADA:

Indigo: bit.ly/LastTrainIndigo
Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Last-Train-Lond...

And out or coming in 22 editions in 19 languages.

THANK YOU for your interest!

Warmly,
Meg

[Lindsay L · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars.

This is the story of “Tante” Truus - a real life Dutch WWII hero involved in the Kindertransport rescue. Unable to bear children herself, she felt her calling to work tirelessly to smuggle hundreds of children to safety. Over the years of Nazi occupation, this became increasingly more difficult as countries closed their borders to refugees, but Truus remained strong and determined to continue her efforts of saving the children.

I really enjoyed learning about Truus and this time in our history. Truus truly was a wartime hero. The extreme personal risks she took to save children was astounding. I appreciate how much research went into this book and applaud the author for bringing light to this very important piece of history.

While I always love learning about a time in our history that I knew little (or nothing) about, I found the storyline choppy and drawn out. I failed to connect to the writing which was disappointing. The multiple storylines didn’t flow for me and seemed to change abruptly which kept me at a distance from the characters.

Overall, this was more of an informative, educational read, rather than a character driven storyline which I prefer. It lacked the emotional connection I crave with historical fiction novels.

Thank you to Edelweiss for my review copy!

[Mª Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5⭐

Una historia dura y bien contada.

Los hechos se desarrollan en Austria desde 1936 hasta el estallido de la Segunda Guerra Mundial en 1939.
Stephan Neuman es un niño judío austríaco de quince años. Pertenece a una familia acomodada, culta y amante de las artes. Tanto él como su hermano Walter de cinco años llevan una vida feliz y despreocupada. A Stephan le gusta escribir y sueña con ser dramaturgo. En 1936 para Stephan y su familia, los nazis son poco más que una pandilla de fanáticos. Austria rechazó una vez sus pretensiones de anexión y consideran imposible que puedan llegar al poder en su país.
Zofie-Helene es su mejor amiga. Cristiana y aria, es hija de una periodista muy crítica con el régimen nazi. A Zofie le gustan las matemáticas para las que tiene un notable talento. La anexión de Austria al Reich en marzo de 1938 cambiará las vidas de ambos de la noche a la mañana.

La holandesa Truss Wijsmuller forma parte de un grupo de personas que arriesgan sus vidas para sacar a niños judíos del Reich y ponerlos a salvo en otros países. Tras el Anschluss toda Europa cierra sus fronteras al creciente número de refugiados. En ese contexto, una iniciativa privada propicia que Gran Bretaña se avenga a acoger a diez mil niños. Conseguir sacarlos de Austria no será fácil.

La novela desarrolla de forma paralela estas dos historias, que acabarán confluyendo. Truss, su marido Joop, así como otros personajes de esta trama, existieron en realidad. Su labor en pro de los niños en situación de peligro ha sido reconocida internacionalmente. Las tres cuartas partes de los niños que pusieron a salvo en Gran Bretaña eran judíos. El resto, niños arios hijos de comunistas o disidentes políticos.

Se estructura en tres partes "La época anterior”, que se sitúa en la Austria de 1936, "La época entremedias", en 1938, la fecha de la anexión y "La época posterior" ya en Inglaterra en 1939 poco antes del estallido de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Cada parte se subdivide en capítulos cortos con un narrador omnisciente. Abundan los diálogos. La prosa es sencilla y elegante a un tiempo.

La autora plasma magistralmente el periodo que media entre el Anschluss y la noche de los cristales rotos. Refleja los hechos históricos, pero ante todo nos hace sentirlos a través de lo que acontece a Stephan, Zofie y sus familias. Es una novela que toca las emociones. Están presentes la impotencia, el dolor y la rabia ante tamaña injusticia. También el coraje, la compasión y el amor. Desgarradores la valentía y el amor de esos padres, que no dudaron en desprenderse de sus hijos para salvar sus vidas. Esperanzador, que haya gente como Tante Truss y sus colaboradores, que arriesgaron las suyas por los demás.

La hipocresía de las naciones europeas y de EEUU ante el problema humanitario que suponían los judíos del Reich, queda igualmente documentada en el retrato que hace de la conferencia de Evian en julio de 1938. Las palabras de los líderes del tercer Reich son el mejor reflejo de la situación:

"En referencia a la Conferencia de Evian, el gobierno alemán comentó lo "asombroso" que era que los países extranjeros criticaran a Alemania por su trato a los judíos pero que ninguno de ellos les abriera sus puertas".

Los personajes están todos muy bien trazados. A destacar la imbricación en la trama entre los personajes reales y los que no lo son. Hubo momentos en los que dudé de si eran reales o no.

En conclusión, una novela dura, narrada con delicadeza dentro de la crueldad de los hechos que refleja,y que no dudo en recomendar.

[Bkwmlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars

As another worthy entry into the canon of World War II related historical fiction, this book focuses on the famous Kindertransport system that helped to transport thousands of children out of various parts of Europe during the Nazi occupation of the region in the late 1930s, immediately prior to the official start of the war. In particular, the story focuses on the efforts of Truus Wijsmuller, a brave Dutchwoman who dedicated her life to helping countless children escape Nazi-occupied territories, both on her own as well as working with other agencies.

At the center of the story are the Neumans, a wealthy Jewish family whose chocolate-making business is known throughout Austria. Their teenage son Stephan is a budding playwright who, during the course of getting his haircut one day, meets math genius Zofie-Helene, a young Christian girl around his same age who quickly becomes his best friend and companion going on excursions together throughout the city of Vienna. Not long after they meet however, the Nazis invade Austria and soon, the 2 youngsters, along with Stephan’s little brother Walter, find themselves having to flee the only home they’d ever known, venturing on a harrowing journey toward an uncertain future where safety and survival are the goal but unfortunately not guaranteed.

Over the years, I’ve read my fair share of WWII era novels and while stories set in this time period can difficult reads emotionally, I will continue to read them because of the importance I’ve always placed on knowing and understanding history as essential in order to learn from it. While this book did fall into the “necessary read” category for me and I’m definitely glad I read it (especially since my knowledge of the Kindertransports program was very limited prior to reading this), I feel like the story did not have as big of an emotional impact on me as other stories set in this era usually do. I think part of the reason for this is because of the way the story was formatted, which was basically with super short chapters where the narrative jumped back and forth from one character to another — this caused the story to come across too “choppy” for me and broke the flow a bit, to the point that it made it difficult for me to get into the story and connect with the characters as much as I had expected to. With that said, the last third or so of the story was actually quite strong and that’s when I started to feel more of a connection with the characters, however by that time, it was already near the end of the story.

Overall though, I still feel that this story has the potential to be a powerful one if better executed, which is why I decided to round up in terms of the rating. I would also still recommend this one, as the story is a good one and the writing is good as well, it’s just that the format didn’t really work for me personally, but it might be fine for others.

Received ARC from Harper Books (HarperCollins) via NetGalley.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many World War II books and it always amazes me when I am able to learn about someone who was a hero during this time but forgotten over time. Truus Wijsmuller, a member of the Dutch resistance, was a real hero. Through her determination and bravery, she was able to bring over ten thousand children from the German occupied areas of Europe to safety in England. She died in 1978 at 82 years of age.

The book begins in 1936. Germany has gotten stronger and Truus has begun to rescue small numbers of Jewish children. The two main characters are young teenagers who live in Vienna and are living their lives in the carefree way of the young. Fifteen-year old Stephan Neuman, the son of a wealthy and influential Jewish family and budding playwright lives in a huge home with his parents and younger brother. Stephan’s best friend and companion is the brilliant Žofie-Helene, a Christian girl whose mother edits a progressive, anti-Nazi newspaper. In March, 1938, their lives change drastically when the Germans invade Austria. Truus realizes that she needs to get a large number of children out of Austria for their safety and arranges a meeting with Adolf Eichmann. He tells her that 600 children can get on the train headed to England - not 599 and not 601 but they must travel on the Sabbath, which makes the rescue even more difficult to arrange. Will Truus be able to rescue Stephan and Zofie and keep them safe or will they be forced to stay in Austria and face an unknown and perilous future?

This novel was beautifully written and well-researched. I loved all three of the main characters - they were all brave and cared deeply about their families and other people. Truus was a real hero but the other heroes were the parents who sent their children away, knowing that they would probably never see them again, so that they could be safe. This book made my cry because the characters were so real and I cared deeply about their futures.

Author Karen Fowler said this about The Last Train to London: "Recommend this book to anyone who thinks no single person can make a difference.”

Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

[ReadAlongWithSue ★⋆. ࿐࿔catching up · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a difficult time with this one. Although it was a very solid story it did tend to jump about a lot.
It had short chapters which I like however, because of this and the amount of characters in this story it got very confusing as it didn’t allow the reader to get to know the character well at all.

I tried the audio book and listened to it but it made my experience worse.

The story of the orphans and our main character was very moving and if not for my frustration I think I would have enjoyed this much better than I actually did.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amid the unthinkable cruelty and devastation wrought by the Nazis, heroes emerge who risked their lives to rescue children. Such a person was Geertruida Wjismuller of Austria. She fearlessly led the Vienna Kindertransport, with the support of many others. This is a poignant novel that occurs mainly during 1938 when Hitler and his followers gained dominance with a plan to eradicate the Jewish population.

We need to be reminded that there are unsung heroes among us, and Meg Waite Clayton has thoroughly researched those who did so much for so many. Although many of these rescued children never saw their parents again, they were saved from the cruel eradication that threatened their families.

[Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading historical fiction lately and I feel as if the genre has blown-up in 2019. If you loved The Lost Girls of Paris or The Huntress, I would definitely recommend that you consider reading Meg Waite Clayton's The Last Train to London . Based on the true story of Truus Wijsmuller (aka Tante Truus), a member of the Dutch resistance, and her struggle to save innocent Jewish refugee children throughout Europe during the height of the Nazi regime's crimes against humanity Pre-World War 2.

While the story is emotionally driven, at times I felt a major disconnect to the storyline in the first half of the story. It was like there was a distance placed between me and the characters, but I'm unsure why. I think that the story might have been a little too long for me to enjoy it fully, and that placed a barrier between me and the emotional experience that the characters went through. The story focuses on Tante Truus's journey in rescuing children, and also Stephan Neuman and his family's pain during the annexation of Austria. Stephan's point-of-view during this story is more gripping and tragic, while Tante Truus's is more timeline focused. We venture to their journey of survival and hearbreak, while also reminding us of the tragic events that unfolding in the lat 1930s.

While this novel's theme highlights the events that unfolded during Nazi Germany's power began to rise, it also showcases many countries's unwillingness to accept refugees of the Jewish community while they were trying to escape persecution. At times, I couldn't help but see similarities with the how America and Europe are handling the refugee crises that are unfolding in today's society. The Last Train to London takes awhile to build up, but once you get into the third section (well, actually "Part 3"), you'll be dedicated to the story. Beautiful writing with an emotionally-driven timeline makes for an overall compelling read.

[Juliet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written historical novel, always compelling, about the Vienna Kindertransport and its efforts to smuggle Jewish children out of Nazi-held territory to safety in other countries in the years leading up to World War I. The story follows Truus Wijsmuller, a Dutch woman (a real historical figure) who worked tirelessly and with great courage to save children, and also two fictional characters living in Vienna: Stephan, a fifteen-year-old budding playwright, and his friend Zofie-Helene, a mathematical genius whose mother edits an anti-Nazi newspaper. The story is told in short chapters moving from character to character and focusing on the rapid and terrifying rise of Nazism and with it the attitudes of the public towards Jews and other minorities. A truly excellent story, and a particularly powerful read in our current turbulent political times.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunting, heartwrenching, and heroic!

The Last Train to London is a compelling, emotional interpretation of the life of Geertruida Wijsmuller, a Dutch Christian who as part of the Kindertransport rescue efforts helped transport close to 10,000 predominantly Jewish children out of Nazi-occupied European cities to the UK for safety just prior to the breakout of WWII.

The prose is tense and expressive. The characters are vulnerable, innocent, and courageous. And the plot, set in Austria during the late 1930s, is an exceptionally moving tale about life, love, strength, bravery, familial relationships, heartbreak, loss, guilt, grief, injustice, malice, hope, and survival.

Overall, The Last Train to London is a beautiful blend of harrowing facts and evocative fiction. It’s a powerful, pensive, affecting tale that highlights humanities ability to not only be excessively evil but incredibly selfless.

Thank you to HarperCollins Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between the time I’d shelved it and reserved it at the library and picking it up from the library, I’d forgotten than this was a historical fiction novel and not a non-fiction book. I had two others borrowed from the library novels at home with more expected soon. But this looked good enough to start. This definitely read like a novel and at the start had me realizing how much I was in the mood for non-fiction, but to its credit I ended up loving it. 4-1/2 stars

The titled chapters, many very short, did help make this a relatively quick read. It’s in 4 parts with the 2nd part being by far the longest: Part I The Time Before December 1936, Part II The Time Between March 1938, Part III The Time After January 1939 – the dates being just the start of the sections, and then Part IV And Then…(just 2 pages long, and non-fiction)

Alternating multiple stories with several sets of characters I just knew would be connected by the end and they were. Very satisfyingly and skillfully done.

Despite being a “before” the Holocaust book, there is an awful lot of atrocities and persecution that happen. I could feel the fear and the relief and the love and the sadness and the horror.

I loved so many of the characters. I especially loved Žofie-Helene the math genius and Stephen Neuman the playwright and wonderful older brother and Tante Truus, and many others too. I could say so much more about these three well developed characters and the other characters too.

There are some good villains too, including some heartbreakingly young, and Eichmann plays a chilling role.

I have an audio edition on hold, specifically to learn the correct pronunciation of many names. (I’d loved to have read the paper and audio editions simultaneously but the audio isn’t yet available to me.) I particularly want to know how Žofie-Helene is pronounced. Also Truus and her full name. Hopefully the narrator will correctly pronounce the German, Austrian, and Dutch names. I did get a kick out of Adele Weiss being pronounced edelweiss like the flower (and later the song in the The Sound of Music) but I want to make sure I understood that correctly.

The story and characters touched my heart. There is incredible suspense. Harrowing! It’s a page-turner. I did stay up to the middle of the night to finish it. It was predictable in some ways yet not at all in other ways. My emotions ran the gamut as I read. It’s an excellent novel.

I loved the dedication at the beginning and loved and appreciated the acknowledgments section at the end. The author does explain a bit about what in the story is non-fiction and where she took liberties for the sake of the fictional story. I am grateful for that, although much would be easy to look up. I was too mesmerized by the story to take time to fact check even though I was curious at times. One sentence in the acknowledgments broke my heart. I have read a fair amount about the Kindertransport but learned more about a part of it from this novel.

This is a fine addition to the historical fiction Holocaust genre.

For some reason I thought friends here had already read this (I’ve seen so much about it here) but I’m now seeing this is not the case. I highly recommend it. I’m glad I read it instead of the non-fiction book I’d thought I preferred.

I’m going to check out this author’s other books and if any of their topics appeal to me I will add them to my to read shelf.

[Yangsze Choo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a novel comes along that feels both rooted in history, yet timelessly pertinent. The Last Train to London is a brilliant and chilling reminder of history’s lessons, told urgently and sympathetically from the viewpoint of the children desperate to flee Hitler's regime, and the women willing to risk all to save them. Meg Waite Clayton's unflinching, evocative prose brings the entwined destinies of Stephan, Žofie-Helene, and Truus to life. The cruelties, large and small, inflicted by the Nazis on their chosen scapegoats echo ominously in today's world, leading us to ponder the thin line separating bravery from indifference. Yet The Last Train to London is also a reminder of love, tenderness, and friendship that blossoms despite tremendous risk. Beautifully written and brimming with hope and gravitas, this is a tale that will transport readers to the edge of their seats, even as the last Kinder Transport prepares, against all odds, to leave for London.

[Lucia Nieto Navarro · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Novela de ficción pero totalmente basada en hechos y personajes reales en el momento de estallar la Segunda Guerra Mundial.
Por un lado nos encontramos en Viena en el año 1936, Hitler ya gobierna Alemania y ya esta influyendo en Austria. En este lugar, tenemos como personajes principales a Stephan y su hermano pequeño, niños judíos y reconocidos en Austria. Ademas esta Zofie, con una familia cristiana, que aun así debido a que su madre es periodista y no tiene pelos en la lengua tendrán algunos problemas.
Y por otro lado, tenemos a Truss, una mujer holandesa que junto a su marido Joop, se dedican al contrabando de niños, yendo a Austria y a Alemania para ponerlos a salvo. Este personaje fue real, una mujer fuerte que salvo a muchísimos niños traslandolos a Inglaterra con otras familias que estuvieron dispuestos a acogerlos.
Por tanto la novela esta narrada con dos tramas paralelas, por un lado Truss salvando a niños, poniendo su vida en peligro, contactando con gente importante para que se pudiera realizar el traspaso de niños y por otro lado a Sthephan y Zofie, nos ira contando como pasan sus vidas antes de que los nazis lleguen a Viena
La novela esta dividida en tres partes, “ La época anterior” es decir que ocurre en 1936 justo antes de que todo estalle, la segunda parte “ La época entremedias” situada en 1938, momento en el que ya empieza a decirse que habrá guerra y finalmente la tercera parte “La época posterior” que se desarrolla en el año 1939. Todo es justo previo al gran estallido de la guerra, donde ya se intuia que iba a ser una guerra complicada y mas para ciertos colectivos.
Una pluma muy sencilla y muy agil, donde hay mucho dialogo, algo que ayuda mucho a que sea lea de maravilla. El narrador es en tercera persona y al final de algunos capítulos hay artículos de periódicos de la época.
Asique como conclusión dire que es una novela basada en los años previos a la guerra, pero donde ya se intuye el problema que habrá, una novela que nos habla de una heroína holandés que merece la pena saber de ella.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I may be approaching WWII historical burnout. There is no doubt that Truus Wijsmuller was a heroine of WWII. She, as part of the Dutch resistance, saved thousands of Jewish children from certain death as part of the Kindertransport. The story is told from the perspectives of Wisjmuller, a fifteen year old Jewish boy and his best friend, a Christian girl, as the Nazis come into power. Read this if you want to know more about a courageous women who faced down Eichmann and outsmarted Nazis. I may go back to reading nonfiction since this fell a bit flat for me.

[Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm here to help you were the words the children longed to hear and words they trusted belonged to Tante Truus who is an actual woman named Truus Wijsmuller-Meijer.

THE LAST TRAIN TO LONDON focuses on saving Jewish children by this woman who is said to have saved 10,000 children.

We meet many characters that are frightened because of what is going on in Germany and the rest of Europe as well as meeting the frightened children.

The reader sees what is happening in the daily lives of the European people, and the wonderful work Tante Truus does by secretly transporting Jewish children to safety.

Each chapter has a very clever title, and Ms. Waite Clayton did amazing research.

The beginning took a little while to figure out what actually was going on and who was who, but it all worked out. The book truly depicted the era and Ms. Wijsmuller-Meijer's work.

If you enjoy historical fiction and want to experience an excellent history lesson even though it details the cruel treatment the Jewish citizens endured during this era, you will want to take the time to read THE LAST TRAIN TO LONDON.

You also get to see the many good, helpful people along with the distasteful ones.

Ms. Waite Clayton’s writing and the cover are definitely pull-you-in.

A marvelous, heartbreaking, and well-researched book you won't want to miss. 5/5

This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Therese Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Last Train to London is a rare thing: intellectually provocative and emotionally moving in equal measure. What a fine tribute to the victims and survivors of the Nazis' early terrors, and to the woman who at great personal risk and sacrifice subverted Hitler's will. Everyone should read this timely, gorgeous book."

[DeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 WWII Kindertransport stars

Another stellar entry into the world of historical fiction set during WWII. This time mostly in Austria. This book provided a fascinating look into the world of Vienna shortly before the Anschluss and then through the war. There were the things you would expect from most books set during this time – terrible treatment of Jews, Kristallnacht, oppression, and brazen racism. The difference in this book is the focus on Jewish children that were sent away by parents and the heroic efforts of a Dutch woman – Truus Wijsmuller.

I can hardly imagine what these parents went through to say goodbye to their children. Nor can I imagine how difficult an undertaking it was. Nearly 10,000 Jewish children made their way to England and were often the only surviving members of their family. One interesting fact for the trains is that they didn’t take very young children, because it would be too hard to care for them in transit with minimal adult chaperones.

This book was well researched and took a bit of time for me to be drawn in. I really enjoyed the characters of Stephan and Zofie-Helene and seeing the world through their eyes. Truus was a fascinating character as well and I’m glad this book has highlighted her efforts.

I wish I could say that decades later we no longer have situations like this in the world, but this book is a good reminder that we shouldn’t repeat mistakes of the past. I wish more countries were willing to take in refugees. This book is well worth your time.

Thank you to Meg Waite Clayton, Netgalley, and Harper Collins for a complimentary copy to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The true spirit of Germany resides in the Volk, in the peasants and the landscape, the blood and soil of our unsullied homeland...We now face the threat of a Jewish conspiracy. I alone know how to countermand.”
- Adolf Eichmann in The Last Train to London

This quote, which is attributed to the Nazi SS- Obersturmbannführer, embodies the dark, dangerous mindset of Hitler’s followers in pre-war Germany as portrayed in Meg Clayton’s The Last Train to London. This work of historical fiction is set in Austria and in the Netherlands. It features teenagers Stephan Neuman and Žofie-Helene Perger, two friends who are gifted in very different ways. Stephan, son of a wealthy Jewish chocolatier, is a talented writer who works hard at writing plays. A Gentile, Žofie is brilliant at math. Her mother writes pro-Jewish opinion pieces that put her at odds with the Reich. Each has a younger sibling whom he/she holds dear.

In Amsterdam, Geertruida Wijsmuller lives with her husband Joop. Despite several tries, the couple is childless. But Tante Truus, as she is called, loves children. She is a main cog in the Vienna Kindertransport. These were actually real life heroes, and I am including Joop, too, because he apparently loved his wife so much that he let her risk life and limb pursuing this dangerous mission time after time. At least 10,000 children, Jews and non-Jews, were transported from Nazi-occupied territories to London and other safer cities.

The most common complaint that I have read about this novel is the characters are too numerous and the chapters are too short, making it difficult for the reader to engage with the characters. There is also a terrific amount of detail about the daily lives and events of the characters and the occupation as it unfolds, which, depending upon your preferences, can be fascinating or extremely slow reading. Personally, I found the first 25-30% of the book to be quite sluggish. I felt that Stephan and “Zofe” were not properly introduced to the reader; they were sort of just plunked down into the book, and we were left to determine who they were. I wasn’t even certain who was Jewish, who wasn’t, and why it mattered. Once it became clear, my whole outlook changed, and I actually liked these kids! They started to feel like real people.

The Last Train to London has numerous themes: Courage in the face of unspeakable danger and cruelty. The determination of the human spirit. Love. Most of all, love. Love of parents for their children. Oh, my goodness! Love of siblings for one another. Romantic love. Love for others, no matter how different.

Despite the rocky start, I found myself enjoying this novel. If you can be patient, I think you may enjoy it too.

3.5 stars rounded to 4

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written, entertaining, informative, WW II historical fiction novel, which tells the heartbreaking story of the Kindertransport, through the eyes of the children, and those who assisted them. It is based on true events, and describes the actions of a little known organizer, whose bravery and selflessness should never be forgotten. The hope and resilience make the sadness and suffering more bearable. The children and likable, intelligent, kind, and loving. Ms. Clayton's notes at the end are truly appreciated. I listened to the audio version of this book, and the narrator, Mr. John Lee, does an excellent job depicting the characters and their personalities.

[Bookworm · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF I tried listening to the audiobook and couldn’t finish it. I’m definitely an outlier on this one. I had a difficult time getting into the story and kept getting lost. It seemed to jump around a lot. I also wasn’t connecting with the characters. I think it was the writing style...I felt quite removed from the plot. The narrator wasn’t all that engaging. I listen to a lot of audiobooks and this performance was sorely lacking. In all, the book couldn’t keep my attention so I opted to just put this one down for good. Disappointing as I loved Orphan Train, to which this book was compared, so was expecting a much different reading experience.

[Davida Chazan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5 to be precise! Author Meg Waite Clayton’s newest novel is a biographical, historical, women’s fiction novel about Geertruida Wijsmuller, aka “Tante Truus” who was instrumental in getting thousands of children out of Nazi Germany via the Kindertansport. This powerful and important novel was just released and I hope you’ll read my #bookreview of it on my blog now. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2019/09/1...

[Pam Jenoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by a actual events, this is the story of heroic attempts to transport Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Europe to safety, told through the point of views of fifteen year old Stephan, his friend Zofie-Helene and the brave woman who facilitated many of the transports, Tante Truus.

[Paige · Rating 2 out of 5]

Arghhhhhhhh i got to page 50 and was done. SOOOO DISAPPOINTED

[Marilyn (not getting notifications) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to have won an ARC of The Last Train to London by Meg Waite Clayton in a goodreads give away. The cover intrigued me as soon as I received my copy and as soon as I began reading it I was hooked. This was a book that made a lasting impression on me. Meg Waite Clayton's research for this book was impressive. As many books as I have read about the Holocaust and World War II I marvel at how many brave human beings I did not know about and how their heroic acts saved so many from unspeakable cruelties and deaths. This book will pull at your heart and bring tears to your eyes.

Truus Wijsmuller was a member of the Dutch resistance and was determined to make saving Jewish children her mission. In 1936, as the story began, Truus or Tante Truus, as she liked to be called by her children, had already began smuggling Jewish children in small numbers out of Hitler's Germany as early as 1933 and bringing them to any nation that would take them. Truus and her husband Joop were both invested in this endeavor. They had a happy, supportive marriage that depended on their mutual respect for one another. Although childless, after many miscarriages, the thousands of children Truus saved, became their children. Due to Truus's bravery over ten thousand mostly Jewish children were saved. Perhaps her most challenging rescue though was in Austria, just after Hitler's invasion. Eichmann, the head of Germany's Jewish Office, had to be persuaded and convinced by Truus, to allow 600 mostly Jewish children to be taken out of Austria to England, by the Vienna Kindertransport.


In 1936, prior to the Nazi invasion of Austria, Stephan Neuman, a fifteen year old Jewish boy, lived in Vienna with his parents and little brother Walter. Their father, Herman Neuman owned and ran a very successful family business, Neuman Chocolates. Stephan lived a very privileged life but was not defined by it. He aspired to be a writer and playwright with his role model being Zweig. Although Stephan's family considered themselves Austrians first, the Nazis saw them as Jewish. One day Stephan stopped by Otto Perger's barber shop to get a quick haircut. Perhaps quite by fate, Stephan was introduced to Zofie-Helene that day. She was Otto Perger's granddaughter and Kathe Perger's daughter, who was the editor of the anti- Nazi newspaper, The Vienna Independent newspaper. Zofie- Helene was a Christian girl, a little younger than Stephan, who excelled in Mathematics. She was brilliant. It was evident that there was a special spark that existed immediately between Stephan and Zofie-Helene. They became best friends but their lives were about to change drastically. In March 1938, the Nazis invaded and took over Austria. The Nazis raided Stephan's house, set up their headquarters on the floors the family had occupied and forced the family to move up to the servants rooms on the top floor of the house. Stephan's mother was dying of cancer. When the Nazis came and forced his father from their house, his father pleaded to stay to take care of his dying wife. Mercilessly, the Nazis beat Stephan's father numerous times which the family later learned resulted in his death. Stephan was able to escape to the roof and then to the underground tunnels beneath his father's chocolate business. Zofie-Helene's mother was arrested and put in jail. Their friendship was not destined to end, though.

When Germany invaded Austria, Helen and Norman Bentwich of England persuaded England to fund a rescue and find homes for 600 children from Austria. They appealed to Truus Wijsmuller and her husband Joop to allow Truus to go to Austria and meet with Adolf Eichmann so they could rescue these 600 children. Meeting with Eichmann was probably Truus's most challenging pursuit. She came to realize that Eichmann imposed his power through pure intimidation. He was going to allow Truus to rescue 600 children from Austria but she knew if she was one minute late or one child short, Eichmann would surely cancel the entire transport. Eichmann demanded that Truus have all 6oo children ready to leave by Saturday. He knew that Saturday was the Jewish Sabbath and that some parents might forbid their children to travel on the Jewish Sabbath. Again, Eichmann knew he was imposing his power. Despite all the obstacles, Truus was able to get all 600 children on the train headed for England. Fortunately for Stephan, a young boy named Carl Fuchsel was diagnosed with measles just as the children were to board the train. Stephan, having number 610, assumed Carl Fuchsel's identity and took his place. Stephan was able to grant his Mutti's (Mother's) last wish to him. He would accompany Walter to England and keep him safe and help him remember her and his father. Just as the train was to depart another addition was placed on the train. A basket with a tiny baby was handed to Zofie with instructions to help the baby live a life where she would be safe. The children that were allowed to leave Austria on the train had to be between 4 and 17 years of age. No babies were meant to travel on the train so Zofie, with Stephan's help, had to keep her hidden. Truus had a big job ahead of her as well. All 600 of the children on board depended on her for their safety and their future. Separated from their families, most of these children would never see their parents again. Most of the children, though, after arriving in England, were placed in homes with loving families. For some it was a long process, though. What happened to Zofie, baby Johanna (named after Zofie's own younger sister that was too young to be included on this kindertransport) Stephan and little Walter and how will their futures end?

The Last Train to London was one of the best books I have read in a while. I loved the characters Meg Waite Clayton invented with Zofie-Helene and Stephan. Their friendship and innocence was beautiful. The remarkable, brave and unselfish acts of Truus and Joff Wijsmuller, Helen and Norman Bentwich and too many countless others that risked their lives to save Jewish children during this horrific time in history cannot be ignored but must be recognized and Ms. Clayton did a brilliant job doing just that. This is a book that will be hard to put down. Thank goodness for people like Truus Wijsmuller. This was a well written and well researched book. I highly recommend this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, now that I have finally been able to pull myself together and stop my incessant weeping (3 hours after finishing it) I will attempt to put the power of this novel into words (which is an impossible task).

What an absolute beautiful, gut-wrenching, read this was. Everyone should read this book. It’s based on the real Vienna Kindertransport system that was set up in the pre-WWII years to get children—most of which were Jewish, but also kids of political prisoners & subversives of the Nazi party—out of Nazi threatened or held countries. Geertruida Wijsmuller-Meijer (known as Tante Truus to the children she saved) was an incredible Dutch woman who saved at least 1000 children through this system. She made deals with soulless Nazis, set up trains & ferries to get the kids out of the countries that no longer protected or wanted them and with the aid of the British, set up summer camps to hold the children while they were trying to find families to take them in.

So, you can read the blurb to learn more about the plot (although I suggest just buying the book), I’m going to move on to what I thought of the book. The characters were so relatable & deep. I loved them, I just wanted to grab the kids from the pages & hold them (or in the nazis cases, to throttle them). I didn’t realize how quickly things changed in Vienna when they were annexed by the Germans. It was disgusting how readily neighbors turned on neighbors just because of differing religious beliefs and resentment of their wealth. I guess that was the most disturbing part of this novel. The cruelty of humanity.

I made the mistake of reading this at the same time as Uncle Tom’s Cabin (Harriet Beecher Stowe). Two books about people who were tortured & treated like animals because of their skin color & what God they chose to worship. I was starting to lose faith in humanity altogether while reading these books. But then I’d read another chapter about Tante Truus’ work & the kids she was helping and I’d remember that even in the darkest moments of humanity, there are still good people. This book is about those people. A reporter, who even after being arrested by the nazis, immediately after her release, began reporting the truth of what was happening to the Jewish people. The innocent kids, who even after being ripped from their parents’ arms, were still willing to trust the adults (whom they couldn’t even understand) in a foreign land. A teenage boy, who grew up wealthy in both material goods & family/love, but had it all taken by the Nazis, yet still only cares about the wellbeing & safety of his little brother. These may be fictitious characters, but there are thousands who suffered these same indignities & kept fighting for what they loved and believed in.

Geertruida Wijsmuller-Meijer however, was very much real. As were the children she saved. Kids who grew up to be writers, artists, scientists & one even a Nobel Laureate! Without the Vienna Kindertransport these kids would most likely have died (or at the very least, suffered severely) at the hands of the Nazis . This is a book we should all read, not just to learn about the people like Geertruida Wijsmuller-Meijer, who were willing to help when few were, but to remind ourselves what comes of us judging people by their looks, beliefs and preferences. I think that’s a lesson we need to be reminded of right now especially...
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Desiree Reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

Giving up on this at page 23. I find the style of writing really hard to follow. It's no fun to have to keep re-reading the same passages. Too many books out there to choose from - dumpin' it

[Gail O'Connor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sure the story is marvelous, but I could't get past the beginning chapters. A story must hit me immediately in order for me to wrap myself in the book. This just didn't happen for me.

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I absolutely love this book about the Kindertransport to England. The story is fascinating and excitingly fast paced. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum puts the first Kindertransport from Vienna arriving in Harwich on December 12, 1938,

I loved the ending as it was exceptionally emotional to read.

I highly recommend.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while, a character in a book touches my soul and inspires me to be a better person. Truss Wijsmuller was such a person. A Dutch woman, she helped to transport over ten thousand German and Austrian children, most of whom were Jewish, to safety in England or other European refuges. I've read about the "Kindersport" as it was known, and one of my friend's grandmother's was one such lucky child who made it to London. I was amazed by the sacrifices that Truus and her husband made during this time. She never had children of her own but I believe her transport truly gave these children a new life because of her actions; she was a mother to them in a unique way. The historical research was excellent. There have been many recent historical fiction books about the Holocaust; this book surpassed my expectations and I highly recommend it!