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Trapped in East Germany
It is the autumn of 1943, and Karin Graeber is keenly aware of the uneasy tide of change swirling around her. She is not alone—in wartime Berlin, it seems that everyone has been swept up in the frightening transformation of their city. No more than a child, Karin is far too young to understand the Nazi presence or the drone of air-raid sirens or the absence of her beloved Pappa, a soldier in the German army. But when a bomb destroys their home, Karin is forced to grow up far too soon as her family joins the tens of thousands displaced in the raids on the city. Relying on their faith as Latter-day Saints, Karin and her family begin a journey that will prove the indomitable strength of the human spirit.
What follows is the sweeping narrative of one young girl's journey through war and beyond—from her childlike observations of World War II in Germany to her changing view of the world as she grows up in a land divided by war. Now, driven by starvation and the perilous existence of refugees, Karin and her family must draw upon a deep reservoir of strength and faith to sustain them through the harrowing escape ahead . . .
What follows is the sweeping narrative of one young girl's journey through war and beyond—from her childlike observations of World War II in Germany to her changing view of the world as she grows up in a land divided by war. Now, driven by starvation and the perilous existence of refugees, Karin and her family must draw upon a deep reservoir of strength and faith to sustain them through the harrowing escape ahead . . .
304 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2016
10 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Twede Frank
30 books97 followersAbout my writing: I don't like to write candy for the brain. But I do like to try to make my books not only fulfilling, but entertaining. Candy is nice, but a meal of meat, potatoes, and veges can leave you more satisfied. My books give the reader a good taste of history and/or science along with a dash of mystery folded into the story.
About me: I've always loved writing, but haven't gotten serious until the past seven years. When I'm not writing, I like to garden, sew, fix up old houses, or anything else creative. My favorite movies are ones about history.
About me: I've always loved writing, but haven't gotten serious until the past seven years. When I'm not writing, I like to garden, sew, fix up old houses, or anything else creative. My favorite movies are ones about history.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 19, 2016
World War II is an interesting time in history for me because my grandpa served in the war. It's also a time of life that is fascinating to me and I've never read a story that went so in depth to the day-to-day life of those in East Germany--especially when that story follows a Mormon family.
The Graeber family is struggling to make ends meet in Berlin with their father serving in the war. When their house becomes inhabitable, due to a bombing, they are forced to go to Dresden. This story is most told through the eyes of young Karin, who is six years old at the time, thus nothing is too graphic, but the implications left me stunned. The creative ways they found to work, eat, hide, and deal with the Russian soldiers is amazing. The things they went through, the fears the experienced, and the losses they endured is just heart-breaking. The violence and crimes committed during this time is just plain sad and the story really helped me realize how awful war is.
I enjoyed reading things from a different prospective and found this book to be educational, in a way. The pacing seems to cover events in a realistic way and the characters are great, although there's not a lot of depth to them. I would have liked to dive deeper into their thoughts and feelings about the events, but as it is through a young child's eyes, that just wasn't possible.
This would be a good read for those who enjoy historical fiction, especially concerning events around World War II, without the graphic violence.
Content: implied rape, death, not too graphic of violence. Fairly clean.
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
The Graeber family is struggling to make ends meet in Berlin with their father serving in the war. When their house becomes inhabitable, due to a bombing, they are forced to go to Dresden. This story is most told through the eyes of young Karin, who is six years old at the time, thus nothing is too graphic, but the implications left me stunned. The creative ways they found to work, eat, hide, and deal with the Russian soldiers is amazing. The things they went through, the fears the experienced, and the losses they endured is just heart-breaking. The violence and crimes committed during this time is just plain sad and the story really helped me realize how awful war is.
I enjoyed reading things from a different prospective and found this book to be educational, in a way. The pacing seems to cover events in a realistic way and the characters are great, although there's not a lot of depth to them. I would have liked to dive deeper into their thoughts and feelings about the events, but as it is through a young child's eyes, that just wasn't possible.
This would be a good read for those who enjoy historical fiction, especially concerning events around World War II, without the graphic violence.
Content: implied rape, death, not too graphic of violence. Fairly clean.
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
July 27, 2016
A little slow at times with details from a child's ( karin) perspective as Hitler's rein of terror floods east Germany, then the Russian takeover and also have heavy restrictions. karin's, father is off fighting with the German army while his family scrounges for food and shelter after the bombing in Berlin destroys they apartment. More hardships lead to the remaining family escaping from east Germany and their story to America. Very realistic circumstances.
July 20, 2016
Wow, I cannot tell you just how amazing this book was! I loved seeing World War II through Karin's eyes, a young girl who really lived and had all of this crazy stuff happen to her and her family.
Karin was just 5 when they were bombed out of their home by the Americans fighting against Germany. She lived with her mom, Mutti, and her older sister Christine. And her dad was off fighting for Germany. After they were bombed out, the moving around, trying to protect themselves from selfish people around them, and trying to make sure they had enough food to feed themselves began.
I was amazed by a few things. I was amazed by the way that Mutti was always willing to take others in, if she felt that the other people had it worse, she made a way to shelter, feed and clothe them. What an amazing example of unselfishness, charity and love she was. I also loved the way she made her family get to Church, no matter what.
Another thing that was amazing to me was the things that Karin learned in the schools that she attended. The kids were specifically indoctrinated against all of the things that we believe in here, the importance of family, religion (specifically Heavenly Father), and doing the things that your parents wanted you to do were all things that her teachers told her were bad.
I loved the way that Karin talks about her prayers being answered, for being such a young girl when all of this happened, she had quite a testimony of prayer and the love of Heavenly Father for her.
I loved the way that the book ends with Karin's discovery of all that Heavenly Father had done for her. I would love to know just what happened to Karin after the story ended! Her story touched me deeply.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Karin was just 5 when they were bombed out of their home by the Americans fighting against Germany. She lived with her mom, Mutti, and her older sister Christine. And her dad was off fighting for Germany. After they were bombed out, the moving around, trying to protect themselves from selfish people around them, and trying to make sure they had enough food to feed themselves began.
I was amazed by a few things. I was amazed by the way that Mutti was always willing to take others in, if she felt that the other people had it worse, she made a way to shelter, feed and clothe them. What an amazing example of unselfishness, charity and love she was. I also loved the way she made her family get to Church, no matter what.
Another thing that was amazing to me was the things that Karin learned in the schools that she attended. The kids were specifically indoctrinated against all of the things that we believe in here, the importance of family, religion (specifically Heavenly Father), and doing the things that your parents wanted you to do were all things that her teachers told her were bad.
I loved the way that Karin talks about her prayers being answered, for being such a young girl when all of this happened, she had quite a testimony of prayer and the love of Heavenly Father for her.
I loved the way that the book ends with Karin's discovery of all that Heavenly Father had done for her. I would love to know just what happened to Karin after the story ended! Her story touched me deeply.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2016
This is an amazing example of courage and turning to God for guidance and being led by Him. It opened my eyes to several things and seeing some of the things happening here in the schools that happened there is something to really think about.
December 18, 2024
Good story from a young German girl’s point of view of life in East Germany during World War Two and then during the Russian takeover. Seeing this time period through a child’s eyes, and seeing how she held on to her faith in God through all the trials she and her family endured was inspiring and enlightening.
August 7, 2016
I have always been fascinated with novels about WWII. I loved reading this book and seeing WWII through Karin's eye's and the hardships she endured.
From the young age of 6, she knew her country and the rest of the world was in turmoil. However, she decided at such a young age to rely on her faith and to not allow the ugliness of the world destroy her happiness.
From having her family's apartment bombed, moving to East Germany, living under communist rule, escaping to West Germany, and eventually moving to America, she followed her mother's example and continued to pray for protection and faith.
At the end of the book, she realizes that in so many ways and through her hardships, her family was truly blessed. That even with all the ugliness, she could still find things to be grateful for.
From the young age of 6, she knew her country and the rest of the world was in turmoil. However, she decided at such a young age to rely on her faith and to not allow the ugliness of the world destroy her happiness.
From having her family's apartment bombed, moving to East Germany, living under communist rule, escaping to West Germany, and eventually moving to America, she followed her mother's example and continued to pray for protection and faith.
At the end of the book, she realizes that in so many ways and through her hardships, her family was truly blessed. That even with all the ugliness, she could still find things to be grateful for.
September 11, 2016
Great read in historical fiction from a young girl's point of view. Interesting to read an account from a Mormon's perspective. Informative and faith promoting, there were many people of all faiths caught behind the iron curtain. Highly recommend.
August 18, 2016
This was a fantastic story about an LDS family and their trials when Russia took over East Germany. I loved this book!
August 14, 2016
It took me only a day to read because I couldn't put it down. Wonderful read.
January 18, 2017
I liked this book - wish I could give it a 3.5. Interesting that the perspective was from a young girl growing up in Germany during and post WWII. I really liked that it was based on a real person. I sometimes didn't believe that a girl of her age would know, do, or say some of what was written but the description of the darkness during this time came through loud and clear. Being LDS I loved the references to Karin's faith and especially the analogy from scripture that Max used to help her better understand her life experiences. I counted my blessings often while reading this - grateful that I wasn't a mother in Germany - or any other European country during this time period. The lies taught by socialists and communists are so believed by those who don't value family and freedom and religion as we do. One question - what happened to chapter 33? My book went from chapter 32 right to chapter 34.
October 21, 2016
It took me a few pages to get used to the youthful, simplistic point of view of a child, but I soon found myself "into" the story. Frank does a good job varying the ways the information and events are divulged while keeping the child viewpoint character innocent. The point of view grew with the child--to a point. She seemed to stay about age 12-13 into her teens, but I later saw a point to that. I loved the ending insights, almost like a twist, that explained Karin's position throughout the story. I found myself wanting to continue reading, especially during the second half of the book. This is a believable and realistic read that includes some of the horrors one family experienced during the Hitler era and Russian occupation without getting too graphic or shocking readers. Well-done. I would recommend this for readers 14 and up.
August 28, 2021
This reads like an extremely long article from “The Friend.” It didn’t connect much emotion with the characters or events, and those things were highly emotional. The writing was simple and straightforward. There were a few typos that got under my skin. Like the use of “waiver” instead of “waver,” as in the sentence, “her voice wavered.”
Having said that, I do think that stories like these are extremely important and need to be read and remembered. I read this in conjunction with Ben Rhodes’ book, “After the Fall,” and during the ending of the war in Afghanistan. I was balling at the mention of the Statue of Liberty, hoping that it will always be a symbol of hope and relief for those seeking such. It was also a good reminder of the horrors of war, the horrors that remain and continue as wars end, and the need to help and welcome refugees as they seek relief.
Having said that, I do think that stories like these are extremely important and need to be read and remembered. I read this in conjunction with Ben Rhodes’ book, “After the Fall,” and during the ending of the war in Afghanistan. I was balling at the mention of the Statue of Liberty, hoping that it will always be a symbol of hope and relief for those seeking such. It was also a good reminder of the horrors of war, the horrors that remain and continue as wars end, and the need to help and welcome refugees as they seek relief.
August 31, 2018
This story is based on a true story. Set during WW2 Germany, later to be East Germany. This story was told from 5 year old Karin Graeber point of view and follows her to 19 yrs old in U.S. The family are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the audience for this book would be members of the church. There are many terrible things that happen around them and hardships they must endure, but there were also many miracles that happened and prayers answered.
However, I just could not connect with the characters. I could not feel the emotion that I think I was supposed to feel, because the writing style was just telling me what was happening. Something just didn’t connect for me.
I would give this a pg rating with nothing objectionable.
However, I just could not connect with the characters. I could not feel the emotion that I think I was supposed to feel, because the writing style was just telling me what was happening. Something just didn’t connect for me.
I would give this a pg rating with nothing objectionable.
October 13, 2021
A Match Made in Heaven! An excellent, insightful, and inspiring read for lovers of history. After I read The Hitler Dilemma, this was the perfect companion, telling the story of Max Adam's wife, Karin, and her escape from East Germany. Once again, Frank shares a unique perspective from war-torn Germany and teaches important gospel principles while doing it. If you loved Max's story or want to learn more about how God lightens our burdens, then this is the book!
April 10, 2017
Events related through the eyes of a young girl growing up, not truly understanding what was happening around her, this true story allows the reader to also explore what happened in East Germany as the country was divided. It is a witness to faith, perseverance, strength of family ties and questioning accepted ideologies.
December 23, 2021
This was an interesting perspective of World War 2. The main characters were Latter-day Saints. I liked how their faith protected them and helped them to manage through horrific experiences.
There was a lot of focus around the fear of being ravished by the Russian soldiers.
I really would have liked an epilogue sharing more of how her life proceeded once she came to Utah.
There was a lot of focus around the fear of being ravished by the Russian soldiers.
I really would have liked an epilogue sharing more of how her life proceeded once she came to Utah.
August 17, 2016
Good book.
October 27, 2018
Survival and determination. Well written. I could feel their emotions, their pain, their fears, and triumph and satisfaction.
March 26, 2024
I enjoyed this book
It is so nice to read books that not only are historical but also have good values. I especially like the LDS slant.
It is so nice to read books that not only are historical but also have good values. I especially like the LDS slant.
August 6, 2019
It was about a family living in East Germany during the invasion of Russia. All the trials, hunger, and living conditions they lived in were awful. How they wanted to escape to West Germany and what they did.
September 13, 2019
Books set in Germany during World War II are hard to read. Knowing the suffering involved is so real is tough to take. Adding in the Russian occupation makes it even harder. This is a good read, but I have to be honest I skim read a lot because I just needed to get through it.
August 27, 2025
Heart rending and heart warming
It's amazing to read about the brave people from history that faced so many hardships and still chose to find happiness and 'forge ahead.' The sacrifices made for family and stranger.. These things make me wonder how I would have those things?
It's amazing to read about the brave people from history that faced so many hardships and still chose to find happiness and 'forge ahead.' The sacrifices made for family and stranger.. These things make me wonder how I would have those things?
February 7, 2018
Enjoyed the story from a child's perspective but at times the story seemed to drag on at times.
May 17, 2019
Slow read. But I did finish it.
February 11, 2020
Interesting and historic story!
August 2, 2020
I really enjoyed this book and it helped give me a good perspective of how different East and West Germany were during WWII.
September 28, 2021
I liked the depiction of true events and the lives of those who lived in German after WW2. This book has a good premise, but the story was a little disconnected.
September 18, 2019
I enjoyed this true story of an escape from East Germany!
February 27, 2017
With the main character a Mormon the story was interesting. During World War II East Germany was not the happiest place to be. Carolyn Frank was able to show this.
February 12, 2017
Started this one awhile back, but had to return it to the library before I finished. Just got it again!
We've got Karin, her mother and older sister who are trying to survive in Germany during WW2. They move around a bit, struggle to find enough food to stay alive and deal with other atrocities of war. And then there's the attempt to leave it all behind and the results of that experience. There are interactions with plenty more interesting characters, plus heartache and triumph.
An inside look at what life was really like for those caught up in a world war they didn't want to participate in, particularly from a young girls perspective. Getting by. Making the best of things. I enjoyed the religious undercurrent and the faith that got this family through very hard situations. Keeping it a little vague so you can experience it for yourself, but know I stayed up all night reading!
Ms. Frank also wrote The Hitler Dilemma, and I was pleasantly surprised to see Max Adams make an appearance in this story.
If you like History, WW2 or Inspirational stories
We've got Karin, her mother and older sister who are trying to survive in Germany during WW2. They move around a bit, struggle to find enough food to stay alive and deal with other atrocities of war. And then there's the attempt to leave it all behind and the results of that experience. There are interactions with plenty more interesting characters, plus heartache and triumph.
An inside look at what life was really like for those caught up in a world war they didn't want to participate in, particularly from a young girls perspective. Getting by. Making the best of things. I enjoyed the religious undercurrent and the faith that got this family through very hard situations. Keeping it a little vague so you can experience it for yourself, but know I stayed up all night reading!
Ms. Frank also wrote The Hitler Dilemma, and I was pleasantly surprised to see Max Adams make an appearance in this story.
If you like History, WW2 or Inspirational stories
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews