Call Me Mom

by Fred Van Zuiden

An unsentimental, fast-paced story of an eleven-year-old fending for himself during the World War II occupation of Holland. Fred describes the Battle of Arnhem raging overhead, near Gestapo misses, living in a chicken coop and an insane asylum, moving between 26 hiding places, and a mad dash across No Man's Land - all to stay out of Nazi hands. Fred's life-like reportage of his wartime memories touches veterans and modern day readers alike.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

140 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

One should never say "yet another WW11 Survival Story" and yawn. This one is never a yawn but rather an intriguing personal story by a chap who still lives, now in Calgary Alberta, and quietly sells this memoir. It was a privilege to read it. Never dull, I enjoyed it very much.

[Brittany Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I happened upon Fred in a store when he was selling his books. I found him charming and lovely to talk to. His book spoke to my heart as a mom, as a person who had a great many family members fight in the war.

[Trudy Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While shopping in Calgary there was a book signing at Coles. I just had to stop and buy this elderly gentleman’s book. He spent three years in hiding in Holland during WWII. Well written and very readable. I enjoyed it.

[Lisa Rumsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another moving story of a WWII memoir. I read this book years ago and re-read it this year as Remembrance Day was incoming because it has truly stayed in my thoughts since I bought this book years ago. The story of a boy who lived through the Nazi occupation of Holland and all the hardships and experiences of a boy who lived through it. The book was enlightening, moving, awe-inspiring. It is a good lesson in community, resilience, and being the master of your own destiny.

I met Fred Van Zuiden at a coles in Calgary when he was promoting his book and got talking to him, he was friendly, interesting to talk to, happy, and engaged. I greatly enjoyed meeting him and will continue to look forward to reading this book many times in the future. 10/10 recommend.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was interesting as it was written based on his childhood experiences of being in hiding from the Nazis. I found the details of moving from safe house to safe house fascinating and eye witness accounts of major battles (somewhat romanticised through a young teenager's eyes) but the writing style was clunky as is often the case biographies. Good read to understand hardships and atrocities of that time.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

We will never know what it was like to be persecuted and hunted during enemy occupation. Fred van Zuiden does his best to convey what it was like living that life, keeping that positive mental attitude even in tough situations, but being someone who has been lucky to have been born and raised in Canada I will never truly understand.
This is a well written account with facts and commentary to round out the entire picture.

[Jon T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story to be sure, but glazes over some details of many seemingly interesting parts which I think deserved more attention. Dialogue which is presented as direct quotation, though couldn't be, comes across as stilted, and I think van Zuiden would have benefitted from a better editor. Simplistic writing and thoughtfulness, but an engaging account of an incredible experience.

[Lisa Huizing · Rating 4 out of 5]

No matter how many times I read or watch something about the Survivors of WWII, I am in awe!
This book moreover celebrates those in Holland that would risk their lives and the lives of their own family to protect a group of people not their own.
Their actions speak to the true Christianity they believed in-these are the people that walk the talk.
Restores your trust in mankind.

[Stuart Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straightforward but moving account of a boy's childhood in hiding during the Nazi occupation of Holland.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a sad story, that keeps going on and on someplace in the world to this day and in many forms. Why do people treat each other like that??

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good to read the perspective of a young child dealing with the effects of war.