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Save Me Twice
Based on a true Towards the end of World War II, when Hitler in desperation pulls in young and old to fight a losing war, 16 year old Karl together with his older brother Hans is ripped from his Mother’s house in the middle of the night to join the SS. After spending months digging trenches as a deterrent for Russian tanks, Karl and his brother are captured by the Russians. Known for their atrocities, Karl in immense danger, flees Russian captivity and surrenders to the Americans. What happens to his brother? As an American POW Karl helps clean up Mauthausen-Gusen, where he finds his neighborhood friend Michael whose entire family had gone missing. Karl remains in American prison camp for five will the American GIs set him free or hand him over to the Russians? The Russians are demanding that prisoners in their territory are handed back. Will Karl make it home alive?
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2016
141 people are currently reading
1670 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
May 18, 2018
Save Me Twice is a wonderfully told story. It is based on the author’s father’s stories from World War II. I felt like I was right there with the characters every step of the way. In fact I couldn’t put it down! This was a new perspective for me, as far as reading about this time in history. I have read many books about the Holocaust, but none from the view of boys in the Hilter Youth. This story chronicles what happens to Karl, the main character of the book, and his brothers, Hans and Hermann and other boys who are unwilling participants of the Hitler Youth. Many of these kids (Karl is 16 during much of the book) were forced into the war, even though they didn’t believe in the Nazi’s philosophy, but they had no choice but to follow their orders. It is a harrowing tale, and it kept me rapt the whole time.
October 24, 2016
Couldn't put it down! Based on true story, about a part of German World War II history that we don't usually hear about.
January 19, 2018
Amazing story
I was amazed at how well this was written very good read makes you angry at what innocent people went through
I was amazed at how well this was written very good read makes you angry at what innocent people went through
March 23, 2018
Towards the end of World War II, Germany was on its knees but Hitler was hell bent on fighting to the death — literally. With millions of soldiers and civilians dead and desperation taking hold, he ordered the roundup of every able bodied male in the country, including boys as young as 12. They were put in uniform, many in that of the fearsome SS, given a weapon they barely knew how to use and marched off to war. Against this background, author E. A. Dustin has based her novel "Save Me Twice." Three young German brothers, Karl, Hans and Hermann hate the Nazis as much as anyone else. One day there is a knock on the door to their family home. The door is opened and they are confronted by a childhood friend and their Hitler Youth leader, Albert. Only Albert is now an SS-Scharführer. He has come to take Karl and Hans, both teenagers, off to the SS and to war. Their brother Hermann is wheelchair bound and he is to be taken somewhere else. Given what the Nazis do to vulnerable and disabled people, they fear the worst. In very short order Karl and Hans are in uniform and given the most basic of training. As far as the Nazis are concerned, they’re ready for war. For two peace loving, family oriented teenagers they are to be thrust into a living nightmare of Kafkaesque proportions.
It is clear from the outset that this story has a ring of truth about it and that there is a connection between the author, E. A. Dustin and the people about whom she writes. Really, this is Karl’s story and in fact samples of his handwritten notes of what happened during those dark days of his life appear at various stages of the book. It could almost pass as a biography. War stories now, some seventy-three years since the end of the conflict, are a bit old hat, although occasionally something extraordinary will turn up amongst the thousands of novels set in that period. This is a refreshing change in that it describes, in some detail, the plight of the German people themselves who hated the Nazis and what they had to suffer simply because they were German. Although it is a gripping tale which keeps you guessing right the way through what happens to Karl and his brothers, there is room for improvement. I found the use of German language, sometimes whole sentences followed by an English translation in brackets a bit distracting. It is clear the author speaks German and that the characters are also speaking that language without having to remind the reader to that extent. The book also suffers from not having been edited very well. Typos and punctuation errors abound. This is not all that unusual for authors but they need to be corrected by a professional editor. Although it is a matter of taste rather than a punctuation error, I don’t like to see the exclamation mark overused. As F. Scott Fitzgerald once famously said, it is like laughing at your own joke. But those minor points aside, "Save Me Twice" is a fascinating and engaging read.
It is clear from the outset that this story has a ring of truth about it and that there is a connection between the author, E. A. Dustin and the people about whom she writes. Really, this is Karl’s story and in fact samples of his handwritten notes of what happened during those dark days of his life appear at various stages of the book. It could almost pass as a biography. War stories now, some seventy-three years since the end of the conflict, are a bit old hat, although occasionally something extraordinary will turn up amongst the thousands of novels set in that period. This is a refreshing change in that it describes, in some detail, the plight of the German people themselves who hated the Nazis and what they had to suffer simply because they were German. Although it is a gripping tale which keeps you guessing right the way through what happens to Karl and his brothers, there is room for improvement. I found the use of German language, sometimes whole sentences followed by an English translation in brackets a bit distracting. It is clear the author speaks German and that the characters are also speaking that language without having to remind the reader to that extent. The book also suffers from not having been edited very well. Typos and punctuation errors abound. This is not all that unusual for authors but they need to be corrected by a professional editor. Although it is a matter of taste rather than a punctuation error, I don’t like to see the exclamation mark overused. As F. Scott Fitzgerald once famously said, it is like laughing at your own joke. But those minor points aside, "Save Me Twice" is a fascinating and engaging read.
November 4, 2021
My God, what a book. I read it in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down.
March 5, 2021
Save Me Twice by E.A. Dustin is a heart wrenching historical novel set in Germany between October 1944 – October 1945. The novel is grounded in fact as it is based on the author’s father’s wartime experiences. It is a marvellous, comprehensive and horrifying read.
The author has captured the horrors of war. The novel is written from the point of view of sixteen year old Karl (the author’s father) who was conscripted into the SS as the Nazis grew ever more desperate.
Not all Germans were Nazis. As the war drew to a close, old men and young boys were forced from their homes to join the SS. It was a painful and horrifying process.
As the war ended in 1945 the fleeing SS faced the Russians who were brutal in the extreme. Karl became an American POW in preference to the Russians. He had to help the living and the dead in Mauthausen. There are some very hard to read scenes as we witness man’s inhumanity to man.
Save Me Twice is a powerful read. It is not a pleasant read but it is a necessary one. We owe it to the six million innocents who perished to keep their memories alive. The world needs to know the horrors.
Thank you E.A. Dustin for sharing your father’s story in this powerful, heart breaking read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The author has captured the horrors of war. The novel is written from the point of view of sixteen year old Karl (the author’s father) who was conscripted into the SS as the Nazis grew ever more desperate.
Not all Germans were Nazis. As the war drew to a close, old men and young boys were forced from their homes to join the SS. It was a painful and horrifying process.
As the war ended in 1945 the fleeing SS faced the Russians who were brutal in the extreme. Karl became an American POW in preference to the Russians. He had to help the living and the dead in Mauthausen. There are some very hard to read scenes as we witness man’s inhumanity to man.
Save Me Twice is a powerful read. It is not a pleasant read but it is a necessary one. We owe it to the six million innocents who perished to keep their memories alive. The world needs to know the horrors.
Thank you E.A. Dustin for sharing your father’s story in this powerful, heart breaking read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
November 15, 2020
This is a biographical-fiction tale based on true events of a young German boy who was conscripted into the German army at the end of WWII and he has a marvelous tale to tell. It is very seldom that you hear stories during WWII from any view point other than that of the western allies. Sometimes the most extraordinary stories are from the most ordinary of individuals, telling tales of seemingly mundane events, but it’s these stories that flesh out and give substance to the big events in history.
February 22, 2022
This book is totally the opposite view during the war from the eyes of a 16 year old German boy. It is a very uplifting, intriguing and captivating story written book by his daughter E.A. Dustin called “Save me twice” it gives the different perspective of being a teenaged German (not Jewish, not Nazi) boy during the war, and his experiences, thoughts and feelings. Karl, his older brother Hans and Hermann were forced to join Hitler youth group. One night the SS knocks on the door of Karl, and forces him and his older brother, Hans, to join the German army, which they had no idea and had no choice to obey the rules. I found it intriguing because it explores an aspect of the war that is not much discussed in our history books as a result.
February 7, 2020
Very Good read
It was interesting to hear a store of Germans who did not agree with Hitler and the trials they faced.
It was interesting to hear a store of Germans who did not agree with Hitler and the trials they faced.
August 11, 2021
Great book!
I enjoyed this story! It was written from a young mans experience in WW II. It is unbelievable that any human being could treat people this way. The author does a good job to help you know about the horror of this horrible time. There are sad times but everyone should read and know about what really happened!
I enjoyed this story! It was written from a young mans experience in WW II. It is unbelievable that any human being could treat people this way. The author does a good job to help you know about the horror of this horrible time. There are sad times but everyone should read and know about what really happened!
June 11, 2020
Wow!
This may be fiction but based on facts told to a daughter by a father who was a 16 year old German soldier in 1945. We need to read these books so these terrible events are not repeated.
This may be fiction but based on facts told to a daughter by a father who was a 16 year old German soldier in 1945. We need to read these books so these terrible events are not repeated.
September 4, 2021
An interesting story about a couple of young German brothers at the end of WWII who were forced to serve in the SS near Linz. Then how life turns them around after the war.
February 20, 2022
All I can say is wow Karl, what an amazing/terrifying life.
September 9, 2020
Save Me Twice by E.A.Dustin
I wrote this review based on an advanced copy that the author sent me.
A work of fiction based on a true story, this book describes an experience of the exploitation of race and class that millions fell victim to and “ it is our responsability to not let history repeat itself “.
It begins in October 1944 Nümberg in the dead of night when 16-year-old Karl is woken by hammering on the front door. As his mother nervously opens it, he recognises the voices of SS soldiers on their mission to forcibly take Karl and his older brother Hans to train as SS recruits. As the two brothers hurriedly throw on their Hitler youth uniforms, the soldiers demand that their brother Hermann in the next room and spends his days in a wheelchair, must also be removed from the house. To make matters worse Hermann is not allowed to join Karl and Hans, he is to be transported separately to a home but even their mother knows what that means. “ She stands there helplessly and watches them take her three sons, not knowing whether she would ever see them again “.
Karl is placed within a group and attempted brainwashing training given to the youth at that time, the obligatory meetings, the Fatherland above everything as Germany had to be superior to the rest of the world. I could feel the conflict in the young Karl as his family did not support Hitlers movement and beliefs, himself actually despising Hitler for several reasons but fearing the repercussions if his sentiments were discovered as he knew full well the consequences.
Being taken in the middle of the night, almost as a kidnapping, it slowly dawned on Karl and Hans that they were actually being sent to war. Allied forces were advancing and Hitler was desperate, pulling in the young and the old, men and women. All of them being drilled to help build the Thousand Year Reich and the necessity to swear to fight until their death before receiving an afternoon crash course in learning how to fire a machine gun then transported to Linz, Austria.
I noticed on reading that the conditions of the Hitler youth seem to be comparable to conditions of the prisoners of war in the numerous camps e.g. little or no sleep, forced labour shovelling trenches in all weather from dawn to dusk, little or no food – hunger pains becoming part of a daily routine etc and these were the boys, because that is all they were, fighting under Hitlers name!
My heart went out to Karl and his German companions, shown by the Americans how bad Hitler and his officers had treated countless human beings. How they had been reduced to walking skeletons whilst Karl stared in shock and disbelief, being blamed by the GI’s for atrocities Germany had committed but not actually themselves in person – Karl sympathised and understood how abhorrent his nationality must seem to others. “Karl has witnessed things in his young life that nobody in any lifetime should have to see “.
This is a wonderfully written book covering a topic which is never easy to address especially seen from a German point of view but the author manages it with emotion and tact. A great read for any fans of this era or a reader wishing to experience another viewpoint.
I give Save Me Twice 5 out of 5 stars.
I wrote this review based on an advanced copy that the author sent me.
A work of fiction based on a true story, this book describes an experience of the exploitation of race and class that millions fell victim to and “ it is our responsability to not let history repeat itself “.
It begins in October 1944 Nümberg in the dead of night when 16-year-old Karl is woken by hammering on the front door. As his mother nervously opens it, he recognises the voices of SS soldiers on their mission to forcibly take Karl and his older brother Hans to train as SS recruits. As the two brothers hurriedly throw on their Hitler youth uniforms, the soldiers demand that their brother Hermann in the next room and spends his days in a wheelchair, must also be removed from the house. To make matters worse Hermann is not allowed to join Karl and Hans, he is to be transported separately to a home but even their mother knows what that means. “ She stands there helplessly and watches them take her three sons, not knowing whether she would ever see them again “.
Karl is placed within a group and attempted brainwashing training given to the youth at that time, the obligatory meetings, the Fatherland above everything as Germany had to be superior to the rest of the world. I could feel the conflict in the young Karl as his family did not support Hitlers movement and beliefs, himself actually despising Hitler for several reasons but fearing the repercussions if his sentiments were discovered as he knew full well the consequences.
Being taken in the middle of the night, almost as a kidnapping, it slowly dawned on Karl and Hans that they were actually being sent to war. Allied forces were advancing and Hitler was desperate, pulling in the young and the old, men and women. All of them being drilled to help build the Thousand Year Reich and the necessity to swear to fight until their death before receiving an afternoon crash course in learning how to fire a machine gun then transported to Linz, Austria.
I noticed on reading that the conditions of the Hitler youth seem to be comparable to conditions of the prisoners of war in the numerous camps e.g. little or no sleep, forced labour shovelling trenches in all weather from dawn to dusk, little or no food – hunger pains becoming part of a daily routine etc and these were the boys, because that is all they were, fighting under Hitlers name!
My heart went out to Karl and his German companions, shown by the Americans how bad Hitler and his officers had treated countless human beings. How they had been reduced to walking skeletons whilst Karl stared in shock and disbelief, being blamed by the GI’s for atrocities Germany had committed but not actually themselves in person – Karl sympathised and understood how abhorrent his nationality must seem to others. “Karl has witnessed things in his young life that nobody in any lifetime should have to see “.
This is a wonderfully written book covering a topic which is never easy to address especially seen from a German point of view but the author manages it with emotion and tact. A great read for any fans of this era or a reader wishing to experience another viewpoint.
I give Save Me Twice 5 out of 5 stars.
March 3, 2021
The Book is based upon a true event referring to the late World War II. History has an interactive script to tell. Events that occurred in the past had a fearsome and body shivering tale to share with us.
Story is uniform and the time period of World War II is well-placed and characterization of the 20th century will take you deep inside the war zones. I took extra time to explore this book and I liked it. I could easily recommend it to people who love to read historical facts and want brief data related to the past.
War II broke two decades later after the war I, it was proved to be more devastating. Adolf Hitler, leader of the Nazi Party rearmed the Germany, and he also signed treaties with Italy & Japan to conquer the world domination. His policies to choose young & old blood to join his army is shown inside the book.
Highlighting the family of her own, the author has shown the cruelty and suffering the Nazis gave. The Story featured 16-year-old Karl, his brother Hans & Hermann with few others. They were forced to join "Schutzstaffel" or SS, a major paramilitary organization under Hitler and his Nazi party.
The mother of three was helpless, and I felt a very emotional meltdown because she knew the upcoming consequences, and she had no choice but to watch. This book is a visual collection of heart touching moment, and showing a reader how bad a situation could get in a minute.
After reading this book I now can imagine the pain and fear of death in the eyes of those people who were violently thrown into war. Many families were against the Nazis ideology but the gruesome Adolf Hitler made in Germany left them with no choices. Many gone against died without any mercy.
I would actually like to add my thought here "Peace isn't a word or a bird, it's a calming wind after a heavy storm". Please do read this amazing book, it deserves more than what I have shown.
Story is uniform and the time period of World War II is well-placed and characterization of the 20th century will take you deep inside the war zones. I took extra time to explore this book and I liked it. I could easily recommend it to people who love to read historical facts and want brief data related to the past.
War II broke two decades later after the war I, it was proved to be more devastating. Adolf Hitler, leader of the Nazi Party rearmed the Germany, and he also signed treaties with Italy & Japan to conquer the world domination. His policies to choose young & old blood to join his army is shown inside the book.
Highlighting the family of her own, the author has shown the cruelty and suffering the Nazis gave. The Story featured 16-year-old Karl, his brother Hans & Hermann with few others. They were forced to join "Schutzstaffel" or SS, a major paramilitary organization under Hitler and his Nazi party.
The mother of three was helpless, and I felt a very emotional meltdown because she knew the upcoming consequences, and she had no choice but to watch. This book is a visual collection of heart touching moment, and showing a reader how bad a situation could get in a minute.
After reading this book I now can imagine the pain and fear of death in the eyes of those people who were violently thrown into war. Many families were against the Nazis ideology but the gruesome Adolf Hitler made in Germany left them with no choices. Many gone against died without any mercy.
I would actually like to add my thought here "Peace isn't a word or a bird, it's a calming wind after a heavy storm". Please do read this amazing book, it deserves more than what I have shown.
December 30, 2020
Save me Twice: Based on a true WWII story by E.A. Dustin
Have read quite a few stories about the war overseas, mostly in France so this was a very educational story for me, learning from the German side of things.
Excellent story teller as I found I felt like I was right there, the details are so clear and descriptive.
The details of the relationships are like being family, some are very close to one another and look out for each other through the years and through the war.
Story starts out where the family is all together and one night the knock on the door takes the boys away. Some are together and others with the neighbor boys are taken to a different location
I had never heard of the tattoos the boys received under their arms. Learned so much more than I ever thought there was to learn. Sad when I heard of other days when they had to dig out the trenches and the troops on the move and them being out in the open.
Really sad hearing they had no real food to eat on a daily basis. I could feel the excitement when they reached the US POW camps. Like the stats at the end of all those that died, were tortured, etc
Amazing how some got to reunite with their neighbors. Sad to hear not all the brothers made it back home.
Like the up to date in the USA where Karl has a medical emergency and coming to find out the relation his doctor there is to a neighbor boy he grew up with. If only they had reunited.
Powerful story, so glad I got a chance to read this one!
Book ends with footnotes explained and references and note from the author as to how this book came into being.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Have read quite a few stories about the war overseas, mostly in France so this was a very educational story for me, learning from the German side of things.
Excellent story teller as I found I felt like I was right there, the details are so clear and descriptive.
The details of the relationships are like being family, some are very close to one another and look out for each other through the years and through the war.
Story starts out where the family is all together and one night the knock on the door takes the boys away. Some are together and others with the neighbor boys are taken to a different location
I had never heard of the tattoos the boys received under their arms. Learned so much more than I ever thought there was to learn. Sad when I heard of other days when they had to dig out the trenches and the troops on the move and them being out in the open.
Really sad hearing they had no real food to eat on a daily basis. I could feel the excitement when they reached the US POW camps. Like the stats at the end of all those that died, were tortured, etc
Amazing how some got to reunite with their neighbors. Sad to hear not all the brothers made it back home.
Like the up to date in the USA where Karl has a medical emergency and coming to find out the relation his doctor there is to a neighbor boy he grew up with. If only they had reunited.
Powerful story, so glad I got a chance to read this one!
Book ends with footnotes explained and references and note from the author as to how this book came into being.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
March 11, 2021
Thank you to @BookTasters and the author, E.A. Dustin for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
"Save Me Twice" is a work of historical fiction based on the true story of the author's father and his experiences growing up in Germany at the time of Hitler's Nazi regime.
This story takes place near the end of World War II and chronicles the experiences of a young German boy, Karl, who at age 16 is forcibly removed from his home by the Schutzstaffel & compelled to fight for Germany in the last days before the Nazis are defeated.
As a member of the SS and later, when he surrenders willingly to the American troops, Karl learns first hand the extent of the evils of the Nazi regime. The descriptions of the concentration camp are truly horrific.
I found myself totally immersed in this story. I don't think I have read a story about World War II told from the viewpoint of the "other" side before. The characters were very relatable, the situations, descriptions and dialogues completely believable.
There was, however, some distraction caused by the odd grammatical error and the occasional awkward phrasing. This would easily be corrected with a little more editing.
This story was compelling and easy to read. I am very happy I had the chance to read it. You should as well.
"Save Me Twice" is a work of historical fiction based on the true story of the author's father and his experiences growing up in Germany at the time of Hitler's Nazi regime.
This story takes place near the end of World War II and chronicles the experiences of a young German boy, Karl, who at age 16 is forcibly removed from his home by the Schutzstaffel & compelled to fight for Germany in the last days before the Nazis are defeated.
As a member of the SS and later, when he surrenders willingly to the American troops, Karl learns first hand the extent of the evils of the Nazi regime. The descriptions of the concentration camp are truly horrific.
I found myself totally immersed in this story. I don't think I have read a story about World War II told from the viewpoint of the "other" side before. The characters were very relatable, the situations, descriptions and dialogues completely believable.
There was, however, some distraction caused by the odd grammatical error and the occasional awkward phrasing. This would easily be corrected with a little more editing.
This story was compelling and easy to read. I am very happy I had the chance to read it. You should as well.
October 6, 2020
Save Me Twice
E. A. Dustin
I must preface this review with a personal disclaimer. I LOVE HISTORY. I ESPECIALLY love WWII History. This book was right in my field of interest.
This book is being retold by the grandson of the person who lived the events. It is a very moving story about a mother and her three boys and the trials that they endured during the last throes of Hitler’s Germany. The family was a generational carpentry family that was tapped to build an impressive desk of an S.S. Major. Although the boys were forced into the Nazis' service before its completion, the desk would have been a beautiful thing to see. I found myself visualizing exactly how the desk would look in my home.
The old neighborhood boy who came to take the boys was a spy for the Third Reich, his father. The boy reminded me very much of the character Rolph in The Sound of Music. He seemingly had lost his humanity in service of the Reich.
The boys were separated from their mother, then each other. The story takes place just before Hitler’s suicide. The chaos caused by the vacuum left with the Third Reich's demise and the Russian and American coming in was fascinating.
I highly recommend this book!
E. A. Dustin
I must preface this review with a personal disclaimer. I LOVE HISTORY. I ESPECIALLY love WWII History. This book was right in my field of interest.
This book is being retold by the grandson of the person who lived the events. It is a very moving story about a mother and her three boys and the trials that they endured during the last throes of Hitler’s Germany. The family was a generational carpentry family that was tapped to build an impressive desk of an S.S. Major. Although the boys were forced into the Nazis' service before its completion, the desk would have been a beautiful thing to see. I found myself visualizing exactly how the desk would look in my home.
The old neighborhood boy who came to take the boys was a spy for the Third Reich, his father. The boy reminded me very much of the character Rolph in The Sound of Music. He seemingly had lost his humanity in service of the Reich.
The boys were separated from their mother, then each other. The story takes place just before Hitler’s suicide. The chaos caused by the vacuum left with the Third Reich's demise and the Russian and American coming in was fascinating.
I highly recommend this book!
October 20, 2020
Nice story.
Based on a true story: Towards the end of World War II, when Hitler in desperation pulls in young and old to fight a losing war, 16 year old Karl together with his older brother Hans is ripped from his Mother’s house in the middle of the night to join the SS. After spending months digging trenches as a deterrent for Russian tanks, Karl and his brother are captured by the Russians. Known for their atrocities, Karl in immense danger, flees Russian captivity and surrenders to the Americans. What happens to his brother?
As an American POW Karl helps clean up Mauthausen-Gusen, where he finds his neighborhood friend Michael whose entire family had gone missing. Karl remains in American prison camp for five months: will the American GIs set him free or hand him over to the Russians? The Russians are demanding that prisoners in their territory are handed back. Will Karl make it home alive?
Based on a true story: Towards the end of World War II, when Hitler in desperation pulls in young and old to fight a losing war, 16 year old Karl together with his older brother Hans is ripped from his Mother’s house in the middle of the night to join the SS. After spending months digging trenches as a deterrent for Russian tanks, Karl and his brother are captured by the Russians. Known for their atrocities, Karl in immense danger, flees Russian captivity and surrenders to the Americans. What happens to his brother?
As an American POW Karl helps clean up Mauthausen-Gusen, where he finds his neighborhood friend Michael whose entire family had gone missing. Karl remains in American prison camp for five months: will the American GIs set him free or hand him over to the Russians? The Russians are demanding that prisoners in their territory are handed back. Will Karl make it home alive?
March 15, 2021
A compelling and engaging piece of historical semi-fiction.
I was initially sceptical of the idea of merging fact and fiction into a narrative. In hindsight, however, this has been the method of several great writers around this topic, such as Elie Wiesel, so this was perhaps unfair.
The perspective of someone conscripted into the German forces is less common in English literature, so this was appreciated.
I felt at times it could do with less overt exposition, and it became a little clunky. But what kept it going was a compelling, passionate, and heartfelt narrative. It is clear a lot of effort and research has gone into this.
I was unsure what rating to give it, and I did agree with parts of the more critical reviews (to some extent). But I enjoyed reading it immensely, and I think other people will do too. I purchased the audiobook and intend to listen to it now for a sort of second reading.
I was initially sceptical of the idea of merging fact and fiction into a narrative. In hindsight, however, this has been the method of several great writers around this topic, such as Elie Wiesel, so this was perhaps unfair.
The perspective of someone conscripted into the German forces is less common in English literature, so this was appreciated.
I felt at times it could do with less overt exposition, and it became a little clunky. But what kept it going was a compelling, passionate, and heartfelt narrative. It is clear a lot of effort and research has gone into this.
I was unsure what rating to give it, and I did agree with parts of the more critical reviews (to some extent). But I enjoyed reading it immensely, and I think other people will do too. I purchased the audiobook and intend to listen to it now for a sort of second reading.
June 26, 2019
I really enjoyed Save Me twice by E.A. Dustin. The book was easy to read and the characters were very relatable. The story is in the historical fiction genre and it wasn't until the end that I discovered that the story was actually based upon a true story. Set in Nazi Germany, the story is told through the perspective of a 15 yr old boy who finds himself and his brother conscripted by the SS to fight the final few months of the war. The horrors of the war are revealed both on and off the battlefield to a confused young boy who longs to be back home with his family and friends. Most of the stories we hear about Nazi Germany are told through the perspective of the allies but this one gives insight through the eyes of ordinary Germans who were as much against Hitler as anyone else. A very touching and emotional story that I highly recommend to anyone interested in history.
March 26, 2021
We think that the Nazis were insane, especially the SS. This work depicts the hardships that the people in Germany had to undergo due to the guidelines imposed by Hitler. Those didn’t want to join the Reich were forced by threats of the elimination of the women at their home. The teens who were close friends either became Nazi fanatics or were killed as they were Jews or were forced to join the Reich. The family of a person in the Nazi forces didn't have a clue about he was. At the end of war, teens and old men were ordered to join the forces. After Hitler committed suicide, the Russians were brutal with the German POWs. The Allied forces made the German prisoners help in POW camps. The Germans were shocked at what state the Reich had left the country in.
October 29, 2020
This story is a reminder that we need to hear the stories of people on all sides of the conflict. Told from the perspective of a young German soldier pulled into the last few months of WWII, we see into the mind of a boy who did not want to be a part of the war. We see into the mind of a boy who was forced to face the consequences of the Holocaust. We see his fears and his traumas. And all in a story that is compelling enough to kept you rapt from beginning to end.
March 17, 2018
This was a powerful story full of history, from a new perspective than any I have been offered previously. The path was difficult and heartbreaking as I suspect it truly was for so many young boys in Germany during the 40s. The story is genuine and I was pleasantly surprised at the twist at the very end that I will leave for the reader to follow the story and come to the end of this journey.
February 6, 2018
To be completely honest, I don't really know anything about World War II going into this book. I only remember the information we were taught in school. So I didn't know much about the German side of the spectrum. I went into it with an open mind and it surely did help.
I found this book very educational. While reading, I learned so much more about the war that I wouldn't have known without the help of E.A. Dustin.
The book has a steady pace. There wasn't any slow parts to the story. It followed a nice rhythm.
I felt very immersed in the story and the writing is very beautiful. The story kept my interest all the way to the end.
I definitely recommend this book to fans of historical fiction and WWI and WWII stories.
Save Me Twice was an enjoyable story and I recommend it to all of you.
July 19, 2018
An amazing thought provoking story. It was good to see the events from the prospective from young german boys who didn't want the war. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history.
September 12, 2020
This book takes you through a moment in the later life of Karl (who was once part of the SS in Germany) as he flashes back to moments of the war. A really interesting and engaging read. Lots of heartbreak and joy and written from an interesting point of view with a great emotive narrative.
April 8, 2020
Interesting perspective of the end of WW2, from the German side. An easy read, well worth the time invested in reading it.
September 21, 2020
I loved the book. I finished it in one setting. It was a very touching book that offered a different perspective of the second world war. Looking forward to future books from this author.
October 26, 2020
Interesting and touching
Karl's story was very interesting and kept me wanting to learn more. It was horrifying yet very touching at the same time.
Karl's story was very interesting and kept me wanting to learn more. It was horrifying yet very touching at the same time.
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