Life in the Shadow of the Swastika: An Incredible Story of Survival, Bravery, and Renewal
Frieda E. Roos-van Hessen
Harvest Day Books (2006)
ISBN 0974134589
Reviewed by for Reader Views (1/07)
“Life in the Shadow of the Swastika” begins with a letter written in 1949 to Felicia, from Frieda E. Roos-van Hessen. Frieda shares with her daughter what life was like during the Holocaust.
“Before the war, the atmosphere in our home was that of music, and art and family.” Frieda refers to herself as “daddy’s little girl.” Her father was “a businessman and captain of the corps of Engineers with the Dutch Army Reserve.” Her life was pleasant with visits to the zoo and “presents from Sinterklass.” Frieda went to school, learned to knit, crochet and embroider. Childhood was a time of laughter and joy. That ended when the nightmare began.
It was on a field trip to the mountains of Germany anti-Semitism first touched her life. The experience left her and her friends dumbfounded. That was only the beginning. Frieda’s life took a drastic turn. Her family was in danger. A law was passed not allowing Gentiles to serve Jews.
“Life in the Shadow of the Swastika” by Frieda E. Roos-van Hessen is a tribute to the brave people that risked their lives to help the Jewish people in Holland. The story of the Holocaust should never be forgotten. Ms. van Hessen is a courageous woman and an excellent writer. Her life is one to be celebrated. She is a beautiful woman physically as attested to by the photo on the back cover. She is a beautiful person inside as demonstrated to by the story she tells. The cover of this book speaks a thousand words, with a picture of the author at as a teen and the Star of David imposed on the shadow of a swastika. The story flows smoothly and is easy to focus on. The trying times come to life on the pages.
***** I highly recommend this book to everyone, for this is a story that all generations must hear.
Life in the Shadow of the Swastika by Frieda E. Roos-van Hessen is available at www.ReadingUp.com
I am a personal friend of Frieda's, and am currently reading a copy of her book “Life in the Shadow of the Swastika." It is truly a riveting story, and while it does not compare to hearing the words from Frieda herself, it still makes a poignant impression on the heart and mind of the reader.
Frieda's tumultuous life events are chronicled throughout the Nazi Oppression of Europe with stunning detail and gripping reality. I've often found my heart racing during the moments of fear and flight expressed during the events of the Frieda's story.
When telling friends and family about Frieda and her life story, I often refer to my visits with her as a journey back in time, much like H.G. Well's fantastic journey. To realize that I am sitting in front of live "history" itself, is truly a blessing for me and an unforgettable experience!
As for the book, I can't imagine a more effective way of telling the story of what life was like for our Jewish brothers and sisters during World War II. This book is an invaluable tool for all who wish to learn more about the world of the Holocaust, the strength of the many unknown heroes who helped protect the Jews, and the faith of all who trusted in God's grace to see them through the horror of persecution and genocide.
Posted by: Beau Cannon | February 22, 2008 at 07:36 PM