We Were Not Alone: How an LDS Family Survived World War II Berlin

by Patricia Reece Roper, Karola Hilbert Reece (Translator)

Book by Roper, Patricia Reece, Reece, Karola Hilbert

Genres: Nonfiction, Lds, History, Religion, Biography, World War II, Inspirational

214 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2003

Reviews

[Book Him Danno · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is unbelievable. It is a true story of miracle after miracle. It seems as if it is more a story than a real life tale. It is an account of an entire family of eight who survives the pre, war, and post WWII. It follows the struggles of the mother and her four daughters while her husband and sons are away working or in the German army. It shows us that even in the hardest of times, God is with us always. He constantly blesses the Hilbert family, who, in turn, blesses the lives of those around them.

I hadn’t really thought about how things could get worse after the war ended, but for this family, being in occupied Berlin after the war, it became almost unbearable. With God on their side, they are able to see his hand stretched out to them as they struggle to live day to day. It is a story of overcoming evil through unbeatable faith in the Lord. It is a must read.

Thank you to our guest reviewer Heather….thanks Heather.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

UNREAL! Well, not really, actually it is too real! But hard to put myself there mentally. It's incredible how people suffered during WW2, and what survival mechanisms they used. This story clearly illustrates the Lords blessings and hand in protecting their family who never ceased to turn to him, in thoughts, prayers, and remembered him in the actions. Many times they barely missed death, danger, rape, etc., but the good Lord rescued them! Since reading this I have embarked on a journey with my mother on learning all about WWII, through DVD's, books of personal accounts (I also highly recommend German Saints at War), and through the internet. You would be blow away by how much we don't know, or how much wasn't taught to us in school! THere is so much to learn, it's incredible! I think that everyone should learn it because it looks very similar to what path we are starting to head down. This nation is slowly turning to socialism, and actually wanting it. Not knowing it, we are grasping at the principles to bring us there, and before you know it, if we don't wake up, we will be there. Blindly following Obama! Since my mother read this book, I have, May-ma has, my little neighbor girl has, and now my friend Julie is. THat's how good it is, and none of us could put it down. I recommend it for all age groups because even though there occurred unspeakable atrocities, it is told from the viewpoint of a child, so it's clean, but factual!

[Alissa Faust · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book chronicles miracle after miracle for a family in Berlin during World War Two. So many times their lives were spared, their virtue protected, and food provided to them through miraculous means. This book reminded me that unwavering faith in hard times will bring countless miracles.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing was not super strong, but it didn't bother me because I read this book like a journal more than a novel. It is the true account of an LDS family who survived living in Berlin during World War II, despite hardships including air raids, starvation, and family members in the war. After reading books recently about Jews and Holocaust victims during the war, it was interesting to read about a family who had an entirely different perspective. Although free, they still lived in fear. They also lived in occupation long after the war was over. But it was amazing to see how their faith sustained them, and how they recognized the many miracles (large and small) that happened during such a difficult time.

The biggest takeaway that I got from this book was a desire to have stronger faith, which I think is a great message to send.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't the best as far as the writing goes but it was great to read about how much the Lord blessed this family. It is a true story and takes place during World War 2. They were blessed to know when to leave where they were many times so they would be protected. The daughters were blessed each time they were close to being attacked or raped, to know what to do, so they could get away. They were blessed because they depended on the Lord and had so much faith that He would help them. It was uplifting and faith promoting.

[Ranee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books about the German people are especially dear to my heart, having served a church mission in northern Germany for 18 months. I was so happy to be able to serve two months in West Berlin, before the Berlin Wall came down, and hear the stories and to live with the Saints there. I loved this book, with the miracles shown in this family's life even as they struggled in desperate circumstances.

[Nancyann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of an LDS family's survival of World War II in Berlin, Germany. It was a very quick read - just over 200 pages - but a very stirring one as well - I finished it in two days because I didn't want to put it down. Reading about the faith of this family in the midst of the horrors of war and the miracles they witnessed in their times of need was amazing. Truly inspiring and definitely one I'd recommend.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this personal account of the Hilbert family which encompasses their life in Berlin prior to during and post WWII. They were blessed with miracles that constantly aided their survival. That is not to say they didn’t experience arduous difficulties, there were plenty. The writing was not creative but of course that doesn’t take away from the real life story. Simply stated it was a memoir that read like I might write in my journal, the events as remembered.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book about a Spirtual Family that lived in Berlin during World War II. Their story is full of
many miracles, their Apartment Complex was saved, when everywhere was destroyed. They were literally starving and their youngest found food by a Russian Soldiers Camp and they didn't see her.
This is a wonderfully written book and full of suspense and terror.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caught between conquering forces and the Russian Army, one family does all they can to survive the ordeal of war torn Europe including supporting the resistance and trusting the Lord to keep them safe.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sobering and faith promoting. The story is from a very different perspective than any other WWII books I have read in the past. This book is full of miraculous stories showing the power of family love, prayer, and faith in God.

[Marren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic and inspiring account of family in WWII and post-war Berlin. Took one star off because the writing style was sometimes difficult to follow. The compelling story kept me moving forward in spite of the writing.

[Marissa | storiesinthemeadow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really incredible experiences shared. It was interesting to me to see the changes in before, during, and post war Berlin—told from Karola’s perspective. I am almost always surprised by something, no matter how much WWII literature I read (whether fiction or nonfiction)

[Darla Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me at Hello. WWII, family love, miracles, and faith and more and more faith. This book will engender a fervent desire to reach higher, love more, pray fiercely, and develop a stronger relationship with Him.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing Read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing and spiritual read. I'm lost for words, but the faith of their whole family is astounding.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the few other stories I've read about German Saints during WWII, I assumed this book would be amazing. It is, and it's also really well edited.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many amazing miracles throughout this memoir. The horrors of post-war Germany are unfathomable to me. A very compelling read.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple writing. Content very good. Glad I read it.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. What an amazing story of faith and perseverance

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book highlights the tender mercies of the Lord towards a German family during and after World War 2.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not just a spiritually-uplifting story, but very informative about the struggles Berliners went through.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worthwhile read.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational book. Amazing stories. Interesting to hear it told from the youngest’s perspective.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super interesting to read an account from an LDS family in Nazi Germany. The miracles and experiences they had were incredible.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

True story told plainly. I like that. So much to admire about this family.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the most influential books in my life, besides my core book, have been The Hiding Place and Left To Tell. Both are true accounts, written about the authors horrific experiences in war times. The authors were both wonderful, faithful, God-trusting individuals who were greatly tried and greatly blessed and endured to the end. We Were Not Alone has been added to this list of books. To read about the incredible miracles bestowed upon this family through out years and years of unthinkable hardships is life changing. The power of prayer and the complete faith when helpless of the mother in this story is absolutely breath taking and awe inspiring. She teaches her children through her example and The Lord protects and blesses them. He didn't take the hard times away but he did bring them safely through it and ALL of them endured to the end. I'm thankful for these brave women who shared their struggles and their faith, and expressed the sorrow of their souls in these tremendous stories so that we can, when faced with whatever trials we are to go through, be strengthened by their experiences, draw on their faith, be worthy of our own miracles, and endure to the end.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave a very different perspective that you usually find associated with the WW2 genre. It wasn't about the holocaust, which in itself is unusual. I think there's this idea that there were two kinds of Germans: Nazis, and people who hid Jews in their attics. This book is about a normal German family just trying to survive. The brothers fought in the war because they had no choice, just like many young men do in every war. The sisters, in between hiding in air raid shelters, had jobs and wanted to look pretty, just like any teenage girls. The unique thing about this family was their faith. They struggled with depression and fear and anger, but their faith always won. I was inspired and uplifted by reading their story. I do wish that a few topics had been covered more thoroughly (like the brothers' experiences, and the father's as well), which is the only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.
I'm definitely keeping my copy.
Because of some disturbing war-related scenes, my kids can read this when they're 16.

[Apzmarshl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just bought this book for Riles to read for an assignment I'm giving her. She and I have been reading books on WWII.

While I've recently read a lot of books dealing with WWII, most of them told the story of the Jews. This story is of an LDS family living in Berlin. The miracles that Heavenly Father blessed this family with were so blatant that they were astonishing. Although they were German, they were not Nazi sympathizers. Their lives were terrifying. The constant bombing and death were physically and mentally taxing. Once the war ended, their suffering did not. Their country was occupied by outsiders that stole their virtue,that determined whether they lived or died, ate or starved.
Although this autobiography was so hard to read, it was very interesting to hear what was happening to the non-Jew Germans, and the amazing blessings that surrounded them. They truely were not alone.

I'd put this up there with Night and The Hiding Place.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written from a different perspective than many of the other WWII books I've read. It is about a German LDS family and their experiences during WWII. The father was sent away to work in a factory and the older brother forced to serve in the army on the wrong side of the war (the family was opposed to Hitler and the war). This book is about how the mother & daughters survived, how their faith was strengthened, and their purity protected during this difficult time.
I especially loved the LDS aspect of this book and how they were faithful and believed that their faith would carry them through.
I have a few favorite parts of this book, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone. It's a great read.
I found out about this book from Grove's boss. His wife wrote this book. She is the daughter of the woman whose experiences these are. What an amazing legacy!