Against the Wind

Zion Diaries #2

by Bodie Thoene, Brock Thoene

As Nazi forces tighten their net of evil over Europe in 1940, famed Jewish concert violist Elisa Lindheim Murphy escapes from Vienna to England. But both Elisa and her American newsman husband, John Murphy, are convinced that nowhere in Europe is safe from Hitler's seemingly unstoppable forces. As Nazi U-boats patrol and sink Allied vessels in the North Atlantic, Elisa makes a desperate but brave decision to accompany Jewish refugee children on a civilian transport through treacherous seas to seek asylum in America. At least there, in the land of freedom, the ragged remnant of the Jewish people can live on in peace and safety or so she hopes. But as German torpedoes streak toward the refugee ship, Elisa will face the greatest trial of her life…. Bonus Feature: Study & Discussion Questions for Individuals and Groups

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Historical, Christian, War

325 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2011

About the author

BODIE AND BROCK THOENE (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 45 works of historical fiction. These best sellers have sold more than 10 million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards.

Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.

Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake Thoene, Luke Thoene, and Ellie—and five grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.

Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.

Reviews

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tears stung the back of my eye lids as I listened to this heartbreaking story. There is so much tragedy and sorrow but also so much courage and bravery. Travel with Eliza Murphy as she attempts to rescue children from the tyranny of the Nazis only to face a greater foe.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just another amazing story. I'm dragging today because I stayed up until 1:00 AM to finish and the ending didn't disappoint. The Thoene's are the best!

[Sarah Sundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Thoenes are famous for their historically accurate fiction, and Against the Wind does not disappoint. All the period details are just right, the reader feels the plight of the British in the Blitz, and the sea adventure is harrowing and gripping. I enjoyed the characters, and the Thoenes do a great job sketching children who are charming but never cloying.

However, the diary format of the story left me feeling strangely detached, and a twist on the last page - while a joyful relief - was left unexplained and I still can't figure out how it happened. Also, sensitive readers who can't bear to read of children in peril should definitely not pick up this book.

Overall, this is an enjoyable book with great characters and superb historical detail, and I recommend it.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very disappointed with The Gathering Storm which is the first book in this series, so much so that I almost decided not to bother with this one. However, I'm glad I gave the Thoenes another chance because I was totally engrossed with Against The Wind! I have read nearly everything they've written and this book ranks right up there with some of their best work.
The back and forth chronology can be a little confusing at times but also added a lot of suspense to the book. Also, I should say that you don't have to have read the first book in this series to understand or appreciate this one. They are about different characters and are almost completely independent.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Against the Wind, we meet again Elisa and Murphy from the Thoene’s book, Vienna Prelude. That book was gripping as we entered the nightmare of Nazi takeover of Austria. Elisa is back with her beloved violin. She is now sweetly married to Murphy but being bombed in England! At one point in the story she declares the cry of all refugees, “I have been running my whole life. When will it end?”

I struggled bouncing back and forth in time as the diaries flipped between Elisa’s dangers in Vienna and the blitz of England. The writing narrowed in on the moment when a German U-boat discovered the America-bound ship carrying her and lots of musically gifted children away from England. The details of that crisis kept me in the story, wanting to know how it turned out for each of the characters—the solid British officers, the suspicious Lascar sailors, the musically gifted children, and, of course, Elisa. However, rereading her diary from the Vienna Prelude, in a sort of narrator review of that previous crisis, fell flat for me, except for a few graphic images of Nazi brutality which came through with nightmare clarity.

Nonetheless, anyone who read the other series will want to read this one, if just to find out what happened to Elisa. The ending made the whole read worthwhile.

[Nicola S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this difficult to read, having just finished Warsaw Requiem, which precedes it chronologically. I found the dismissal from the story of other key characters from previous books (zero mention of Jacob or Mark Kalner, or Jamie Ibsen) frustrating. I also felt that the author's treatment of Baby Alfie (and the lack of concern about his biological mother) was callous.
It also annoyed me that the author played fast and loose with a rewrite of the events at the end of Book 1 of the Zion Covenant. Seriously, I feel like we, the readers, have been treated like morons.
Other than that, the second half of the book picked up quite well and left me waiting to see how it ended.

[Stephanie Fitzpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Bodie & Brock delivered the goods!
I really struggled to put this book down. Upon investigation I believe this is a follow on from a previous book series which I have now ordered online. I love the historical element and accurate representation of life during WW2. It makes me wonder what kind of person I would have been under the same circumstances, would I have been brave? Risked my life for others?
I also never see the plot twists coming at the end! I have so many questions for the authors!
10/10 would reccomend if your looking for your next read!

[Daniel Schaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bodie and Brock Thoene's books have always left me satisfied with my desire to be entertained. I have also learned many historical facts through reading their historical fiction. I found "Against the Wind (Zion Diaries, #2) to be an entertaining read in the same category as all the other series I have read. I began reading Bodie's books with the Zion Covenant, followed by The Zion Chronicles and The Shiloh Legacy.
Each story flows easily and is easy to follow.

Dan Schaffer

[Kw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so impressed with these series - the Zion Covenant, Chronicles, Legacy and Diary. What better way to learn about WWII in all its horror, and to see the people (or fictional representatives) living out their challenges? This was hard to put down - I've only been marooned on the ocean once, in Unbroken, and this journey was exhausting! The ending was perfect.

[Kira · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the Zion Covenant series and the characters in it. I was hoping the Zion Legacy books (this one and The Gathering Storm) would provide answers to cliffhangers regarding several characters in the Covenant books. Sadly, I didn’t find this to be true. I will continue with the Zion Chronicle series and hopefully I will find the answers to my questions.

[Sharon Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.i liked the way they wrote about the explosion of the torpedo & how most escaped the wreckage. Then the time at sea. How the boys were so brave. The end was the best what a surprise!

[Danni · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book.

[Jan Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thoene's are remarkable

This is the second in the series and such a page turner!! I had to make myself out it down!! Loved it!!

[Linea Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite enjoyed this book.

[Jencey/ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I did not feel that it matched the original series, but it was still enjoyable.

[Martha Groeber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elisa Lindheim Murphy has already faced many trials in her life: escaping from Nazi Germany and then from Austria, rescuing Jewish children from Germany, and the loss of many of her friends and family. Now she is in London during the Blitz. Elisa and her husband, John, decide to send their children to America for safety while they remain in London. Elisa's job as a concert violinist leads her to an opportunity to travel to America on a mission to raise awareness for the plight of the English. She joins a group that is evacuating English children to escort a group of girls on their journey. The dangers become real as they travel through U-boat infested waters.

The Thoenes are famous for their historical novels and their research. That is why I was surprised over a few factual errors in this novel - the date on the first page is a month off from where later events in the story place it; the date given in chapter 2 is inconsistent with all of the events which are said to transpire in the following two weeks; and she mentions Julie Andrews singing, when she would have been only four years old and wasn't even called by the Andrews name at that point.

I found the characters believable and engaging. The children that Elisa escorts are endearing. The plot line is riveting, especially in the latter half of the book. The Thoenes' use of fragmented sentences in dialogue is a little irritating - it makes the dialogue choppy and hard to follow, when I think their goal was to be realistic. The ending also left a lot of loose ends - the fate of many characters is never explained, and the twist on the last page is entirely unbelievable. However, I did find this novel to be enjoyable despite these minor flaws.

[Lori Twichell · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of Thoenes’ beloved Zion series, the names Elisa and Murphy are not only well known, but well loved. Having met them first in Vienna Prelude, we were able to follow their journey through romance, love and danger. The Thoenes have revisited these much cherished characters and wrapped their stories around new characters that we met in their most recent outing, The Gathering Storm. It’s hard for the Thoenes to go wrong when they bring us new adventures in this time period and setting.
Though the story is based on characters that we’ve already met, the Thoenes include new glimpses into the tales we’d already experienced in their previous books and they don’t leave new readers confused. Intermingled in the timeline they have included diary entries so that even if this is your first Thoene book, you can understand the past history.

At times it feels like the story moves faster than you’d like. I miss the days of rich depth and description that the Thoenes used to infuse in their tales. The books were heavy, solid, and the storylines spanned every detail you could ever want. These books move more quickly than those classics but thankfully with no less heart. Emotion rolls through you with the incredible situations that Elisa, Murphy, and those around them experience.

Once again, the Thoenes have made a war that happened generations ago and oceans away relevant to here and now. Today isn’t so far removed from then. If you’re a Thoene fan, you’ll love this book. If you’ve never read their work, this is a great place to begin.

Review copy provided by publisher.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis: During World War II, Elisa Murphy and a group of children evacuate London on a lifeboat during German air raids. The sea holds many dangers, and Elisa's heart yearns for her American husband, as well as her children who were sent to the US for safety. When things start looking bleak, will she give up all hope, or remain faithful until the end?

My Review: I usually prefer to read book series in the proper order, but, I did not know this was the second in a series until I finished it. Still, knowing what I did about John and Elisa Murphy, who appeared in the previous Zion stories, helped me to understand this one. The Thoenes write wonderful historical fiction, and, it's books like this that prove their talents. Anyone who has read and enjoyed their other series will definitely like this one.

Content Concerns:

Sex: None. 5/5
Nudity: None. 5/5
Language: None. 5/5
Violence: Shootings and bombings are discussed. 3.5/5
Drugs: A song mentions "whiskey". 4.5/5
Frightening/Intense Scenes: Children die. The whole book centers around World War II and Hitler, which was, by most accounts, a rather unpleasant time in history. 3/5
Other: It is mentioned that a woman wants her marriage annulled, and that her wedding was a sham. 4/5

Score: 4/5

[Eric Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read and historically enlightening. Deserves 4 1/2 of 5. During the terrible rise of Nazisim in 1937 gifted Jewish violinist Elisa is helped by American journalist John Murphy to escape first Germany and then Austria to England. They fall in love, marry and have children as Europe explodes in the violence leading up to World War II. When the Nazi blitz of London makes life almost intolerable, they send their children to Murphy’s parents in America. Finally, they lose their home in London for the second time, they decide that Elisa must be sent to safety in America She begins a harrowing journey across seas made treacherous by Nazi U-boats. Will Elisa make America along with the children of others entrusted to her care or perish in the crossing?

The Thoenes tell a tale stretching from 1937 to 1940 before America joined the war. They intersperse Elisa’s journal entries from 1937 with happenings as London suffers under the blitz in 1940. The journal entries depict the terror Jews in Europe faced and the daring many exhibited to smuggle children from the shadow of the Fuhrer. I was deeply impressed by their attention to historical detail and ability to weave a tale vibrant with human pathos, a story that seemed true. Very well done.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would probably rate this about 3.5 stars.

My thoughts on Against the Wind are so jumbled right now. I loved the Zion Covenant series, it has a permanent place on my keeper shelves. Elisa and Murphy are two of my all time favorite characters, and one of my favorite couples.

I loved the first third or so of Against the Wind. There were moments that made me gasp, and it was wonderful to reacquaint myself with Elisa and Murphy. However once I was at the point where Elisa boarded the ship for America I found myself scanning through the pages.

My biggest issue with Against the Wind came from Elisa's diary. This diary covered the story of Vienna Prelude, and I felt there were serious continuity errors within the diary sections. Events were changed from how they occurred in Vienna Prelude, and there was one section of the diary where the dates used did not make sense at all.

I do wish to compliment Summerside Press on the cover art. The photos of Elisa and Murphy are pretty much the way I have always pictured them in my mind.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has got to be one of my favorite Thoene books. Two diaries in one and impossible to put “Against the Wind down until I got to the last page. It was heartbreaking and tough to read at parts. But through the Thoene story, I felt the pain experienced by parents in 1940’s London. I suffered with them as they struggled to make some really tough decisions regarding how to best keep their children safe. And I felt the anguish and despair as I was reunited with Elisa and lived through her experience on the Mid-Atlantic.

For those who have not previously read Thoene books, this was a perfect intro. The book included a diary from Elise’s years at the beginning of the war. So it was not necessary to have read the previous Thoene books in order to understand how she became to this point in history. And in fact, if readers of this book enjoyed her diary going back to 1936, then I would highly recommend picking up the Thoene Zion Covenant Series. Over all this was a great historical read and I am ready to read more Thoene books.

[Alyson Reuben · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just started reading this book, so this isn't a formal review. I just thought I'd explain that I don't often read Christian-based books, not because of the Christian message (in this case Messianic-Jewish), but because I don't usually find them compelling enough. However, I make a strong exception to Brock and Bodie Thoene's books. As a married writing team, they've written for some well-known screen actors, like the legendary John Wayne. So their writing is absolutely top notch, IMO.

I didn't realize until after I started reading this book, that it's the second in the Zion Diaries series. But I don't think it will ruin the story for me. I'm already familiar with most of the characters, having been introduced to them in the Zion Covenant series (some of my favorite books of all time).

I'll be posting a real review later. Right now, I'm so backlogged on book reviews, it's ridiculous. I'll also add the review to my blogsite: www.abiteofreubensandwich.blogspot.com

[Pamela Hubbard · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Brock and Bodie Theone bring back Elisa Murphy, the beloved character from the Zion Covenant series. This book describes what happens on Elisa's journey after she moves to London with her husband and children. The book starts with the London blitz but focuses on the plight of children during the war. Elisa and John send their children to America for safety, and then Elisa follows not long after with a boatload of refugee children also seeking safety. During the trip across the Atlantic, the boat is hit by a U-boat torpedo and Elisa and others on her lifeboat float in the Atlantic Ocean in the winter for over 10 days. The book was not my favorite by the Theone's, but the writing was masterful and the facts were historically accurate. Elisa's story is not over so I will be waiting to see what comes next!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The continuing story of German born Elisa Murphy and her husband John picks up where the Zion Covenant series left off. The Nazis continue bombing England more feverishly, and when Elisa's aunt Helen and her cousin's baby Alfie are killed in their home, the need to act becomes more personal. After they see their own three children safely sent to America with John's parents, Elisa engages in an orphan rescue program herself, that is quickly thwarted by the enemy. I was on the edge of my seat until I finished this story in one sitting. The historical background and the riveting story line keep these authors as favorites near the top.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second volume of the Zion diaries is very different from many of the others written by the Thoene's, but very enjoyable. Much of the action happens in the middle of the ocean. You get a true sense of what it might have been like to live through the very beginning of WW II and flee Nazi occupation. I am really enjoying reading what happened between the Zion Covenant and Zion Chrionicles series in the lives of the characters I have grown to love. I am so glad this series is being written, and can't wait for the next book.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Against the Wind picks up the story of Elisa Lindheim Murphy as recorded by her while afloat on the Atlantic.
The tale reveals another aspect of the fight for survival against the Third Reich. We see parents having to choose whether to risk sending their children across the ocean to America during the London Blitz or keep them close and risk losing them to the bombing.
I enjoyed spending more time with Elisa and experiencing this portion of her life with her.
Though I didn't find it as gripping as the Zion Chronicles, it protrayed love, loss, hope, cowardice, and heroism.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating is really a 3.5 as I enjoyed the story and love Bodie Thoene. The only reason my rating isn't higher is because this book jumps back and forth between diary entries and what the main character is experiencing. I found it a little difficult to keep everything straight. However, the historical detail of World War II events were "spot on" as will all Thoene books. I loved getting to read the continuation of characters from past Thoene books.

I will read more from this series and any other the Thoenes create!

[Karen (Living Unabridged)]

First things first: I'm not sure who that is on the cover but it is not Elisa Lindheim Murphy. I'm not sure what has happened to one of my favorite authors.

The team of Bodie & Brock Thoene used to be good for reliably engrossing Christian historical fiction. Some time in the past few years they have gone off the rails: there are errors galore, the characterizations are flat (even of previously beloved characters), and they can't even keep their own characters straight. Fail. I ended up skimming this, noting the errors but not reading and enjoying the whole thing.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story of a Jewish violinist escape, with many children in her charge, to an American bound vessel. The vessel is hit by a torpedo, but she is safely launched to a life-raft, where the majority of the story is endlessly told from - it seems 2/3s of the book, which is much too much time; it gets boring! Evidently, finally, the raft is rescued and the rafters are brought back to land, to a surprising ending.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the Zion Chronicles and the Covenant stories, this one gave us a new look at some old friends. It was interesting how the diaries gave us more background into the horrors of Hitler's Reich of Terror. Even the children were not spared. While the writing and story were wonderful, it was still difficult to read as Hitler's armed forces relentlessly moved across Europe. For WWII fans - read it! Thank you, Brock and Bodie Thoene.