Escape into Danger: The True Story of a Kievan Girl in World War II

by Sophia Orlovsky Williams

Escape into Danger tells the remarkable story of a young girl s perilous adventures and coming of age during World War II. Born in Kiev to a Catholic mother and a Jewish father, Sophia Williams chose to be identified as Jewish when she was eligible for a Soviet passport, mandatory at the age of sixteen, little realizing the life-changing consequences of her decision. Only seventeen when Germany invaded Russia in 1941, Sophia left Kiev, unwittingly escaping the Babi Yar massacre. On her journey into Russia, she fled from flooding, dodged fires and bombs, and fell in love. At Stalingrad, Sophia turned back in a futile attempt to return home to her mother. Stranded in a Nazi-occupied town, accepted as a Russian, she found work with a sympathetic German officer and felt secure until a local girl recognized her as a Jew. Within days, Sophia s boss spirited her to safety with his family in Poland. Soon, though, Sophia was on the run again, this time to Nazi Germany, where, befriended by Germans and Hungarians, she somehow escaped detection through the rest of the war. She met and married a like-minded German soldier and started a family and business. The business thrived in post-war Germany, but the marriage deteriorated. She divorced her adulterous husband, but the vindictive, even homicidal Guido continued to dog her steps. Throughout, Sophia maintained her grit, charm, and optimism, the qualities that saved her as she time and again made her escape into danger. "

327 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 15, 2011

Reviews

[John Smiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most interesting books I've read in a long time---of course, I am a World War 2 history buff.

I really enjoyed the story of Sophia's perils during World War 2.

It was refreshing to see the story from the Ukraine/Russian point of view, and also refreshing not to have every character be a villain or a demon---although there are a few of them, alongside some very human and kind Germans---both military and civilian.

I highly recommend it.

[Greynomad · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my interest

[Sarah Nelson bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I taught the author’s grandson in my modern world history class - he humbly mentioned that his great grandma wrote a book. So glad he did as this was a fascinating story! Highly recommend

[Rebecca Sukanen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soviet-Ukrainian, Catholic, Jewish girl survives WWII

Sophia a Ukrainian, Soviet, Catholic, Jew who survived and outwitted both the Soviets and Nazi’s and who eventually immigrated to the US and worked for the Bechtel Corporation.

This book had me wrapped as someone who travels a lot to and from Ukraine and lives in Moldova, I wanted a better understanding of the war through the lens of the people we work with and learn why they act the way they do. This book explains a lot of what I experience daily culturally. The fact this woman works for the same corporation that my husband did amazes me and astounds me.

Her strength and desire to survive and keep her head in situations most of us would feel victimized and defeated.

I would recommend this book to all those who love historical biographies and those looking to see the WWII from a non western lens.

I choose 5 stars because of the well written and story like format that kept me intrigued in this page turner. This book will make you more empathetic to the people who live in Eastern Europe and give you understanding into their culture which seems so confusing to us in the United States. Thank you for telling your story.

[Monette Chilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I invited the author to speak at a book club I chair on the glowing recommendation of Sara Bettencourt. I was not disappointed in the author dinner or the book. They both delivered in spades! Rarely do we get the chance to hear the story of living Holocaust survivors. And never had I heard a story from that period that was so full of life, carried along by unimaginable twists and turns that would have been the end of most people. Sophia's indomitable spirit and her ability to trust her instincts create a true story that is better than any fiction. It puts a face on the faceless masses of Russian Jews who were massacred at Babi Yar and beyond. This book touches on a facet of Holocaust that is rarely addressed in other books outside the realm of dry historical accounts. The author, even in her late 80's is remarkably spry, witty and articulate. If you're not lucky enough to be geographically accessible to her (she's in Houston), perhaps she'd Skype in for a book club discussion.

[Sara Bettencourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous! Cannot recommend this book highly enough. The author, now in her late 80s, tells her lively and suspenseful story of surviving WWII as a half Jew in Russian and Germany -- as a teenager on her own. But more than a survival tale, this is a well-written, remarkably honest, coming-of-age adventure -- with laughter and danger, great joy and unspeakable cruelty. It is all the more remarkable considering this is the author's FIRST book written in her 80s and in her fifth language! After the war, the author moved to the US where she became the first woman hired at two different New York City engineering firms. She spent the last 30 years of her career with Bechtel.

You won't be disappointed in this one. Many friends of mine, both men and women, have raved about this book. Enjoy!

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good. The writing was a bit choppy and took away from the story a bit. One thing I really did not like was the map in the front of the book did not show the places she went, it was just a general map. I would have liked a map that showed her journey from place to place.

The story was good though. It was amazing how she was in the right place at the right time and that she kept meeting people that kept her safe or were just oblivious to who she really was and helped her out.

I am also intrigued that there were many people who were not on board with the Nazi cause and helped people out of the goodness of their hearts.

[Glynis Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to hear the author speak & purchase her book at Barnes & Noble. Mrs. Williams is an amazing & brave Holocaust survivor. She has written a wonderful book about the challenges of being a young adult during the Holocaust.

[Molly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the harrowing story of Ms. Williams' experience in WWII, as well as an insight into the relationships she developed along the way. However, I found the writing and dialog to be a bit choppy, which often detracted from the story.