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Powerless in Poland: Growing up under the Nazi Regime
Riga, Latvia 1939: George hears about a campaign called “Heim ins Reich” masterminded by Hitler himself, promising an exciting journey across the ocean to what is supposedly his families “Homeland.” As a happy, inquisitive 11-year-old, he embraces the adventure until he finds out there is no return. Thrown into a life forced upon them by the Third Reich, along with thousands of other Baltic Germans, the family confronts survival in a violent dictatorship.
When the Reich relocates the family to a Bakery in German Occupied Poland, George learns of the clever seduction ethnic Germans experience to entice their allegiance to the Fuhrer and the Nazi Party. Delivering day-old bread to the Lodz Ghetto each morning unveils more truths behind what the Nazi Regime plans for the world. When the family flees the Red Army’s approach in 1945, they must make another horrific exodus for freedom.
Inspired by true events, this story follows George’s coming-of-age in a dark place no one could imagine a child should ever be. And even in that place, he never loses hope.
When the Reich relocates the family to a Bakery in German Occupied Poland, George learns of the clever seduction ethnic Germans experience to entice their allegiance to the Fuhrer and the Nazi Party. Delivering day-old bread to the Lodz Ghetto each morning unveils more truths behind what the Nazi Regime plans for the world. When the family flees the Red Army’s approach in 1945, they must make another horrific exodus for freedom.
Inspired by true events, this story follows George’s coming-of-age in a dark place no one could imagine a child should ever be. And even in that place, he never loses hope.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2022
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
June Triana-Schiada
4 books20 followersA graduate of the “School of Hard Knocks” June Triana-Schiada excelled in creating something from nothing. Building several small businesses during her lifetime, she learned how the right words can change everything. Her passion for writing helped her create business blogs, advertising campaigns, business plans, brochures, how to guides and an occasional poem or short story for fun. Included in her daily tasks, she used her art skills as well, drawing illustrations for signage and advertising.
After closing her 16-year-old independent Party Store in 2016, she improved on her gift and took several creative writing college courses through the local University of North Texas. An act that springboarded her into a new career. Being semi-retired gave her the time to study and start drawing and painting more often. She buckled down to write, write, write - bought herself an amazing set of watercolors and crafted Pepper the Magic Tortie Cat Book 1–“The Golden Key”, her debut middle grade chapter book. Inspired by her fond memory of the family’s tortoise-shell cat, Pepper, and her experiences of raising two beautiful children, it is the first book in a planned five book series.
She reflects that during the beginning stages of the writing process, she had a bizarre dream about someone they called “Grandma Moses”. After some research into the woman, June learned that she, in fact, existed and was a famous painter who started her career at 78. She painted almost till the day she died at age 101! It convinced June something divinely guided her towards this next chapter in her life as an author. Heck, she was only 70. Why not start now? And start, she did. The second book in the Pepper series “The Friendship Tree” rolled out in April 2022. The story touches on an important issue: bullying. June experienced firsthand this type of cruelty when she was young. Her desire to let every child know they are perfect just as they are, comes through eloquently in this work.
2022 also offered a new challenge for June. After learning the details about her 93-year-old Uncle’s life during World War II she embarked on a different level of authoring. The outcome is her first historical fiction novel, “Powerless in Poland.” She fell so much in love with the exercise of researching, she is starting another story based on her Aunt’s life as a Latvian Refugee post World War II.
This ex-Girl Scout leader, Big Sister program volunteer, avid camper, amateur chef, talented crafter, small business owner and devoted mom, was born and raised in California. She and her family moved to Texas in 2000, where she now enjoys the country life with her husband of 30 years. When she isn’t writing, you can usually find her in the kitchen discovering innovative recipes or in her sewing room crafting a new project. These long-loved hobbies were also responsible for two other past ventures she started, Catering and Cloth Doll Making. You can connect with June on her website https://rebrand.ly/june-author
“Nothing can be sweeter than discovery that we each have a unique and important spiritual purpose and identity. It gives meaning to everything,”
Author–Illustrator–Dreamer–among other things
June Triana-Schiada
After closing her 16-year-old independent Party Store in 2016, she improved on her gift and took several creative writing college courses through the local University of North Texas. An act that springboarded her into a new career. Being semi-retired gave her the time to study and start drawing and painting more often. She buckled down to write, write, write - bought herself an amazing set of watercolors and crafted Pepper the Magic Tortie Cat Book 1–“The Golden Key”, her debut middle grade chapter book. Inspired by her fond memory of the family’s tortoise-shell cat, Pepper, and her experiences of raising two beautiful children, it is the first book in a planned five book series.
She reflects that during the beginning stages of the writing process, she had a bizarre dream about someone they called “Grandma Moses”. After some research into the woman, June learned that she, in fact, existed and was a famous painter who started her career at 78. She painted almost till the day she died at age 101! It convinced June something divinely guided her towards this next chapter in her life as an author. Heck, she was only 70. Why not start now? And start, she did. The second book in the Pepper series “The Friendship Tree” rolled out in April 2022. The story touches on an important issue: bullying. June experienced firsthand this type of cruelty when she was young. Her desire to let every child know they are perfect just as they are, comes through eloquently in this work.
2022 also offered a new challenge for June. After learning the details about her 93-year-old Uncle’s life during World War II she embarked on a different level of authoring. The outcome is her first historical fiction novel, “Powerless in Poland.” She fell so much in love with the exercise of researching, she is starting another story based on her Aunt’s life as a Latvian Refugee post World War II.
This ex-Girl Scout leader, Big Sister program volunteer, avid camper, amateur chef, talented crafter, small business owner and devoted mom, was born and raised in California. She and her family moved to Texas in 2000, where she now enjoys the country life with her husband of 30 years. When she isn’t writing, you can usually find her in the kitchen discovering innovative recipes or in her sewing room crafting a new project. These long-loved hobbies were also responsible for two other past ventures she started, Catering and Cloth Doll Making. You can connect with June on her website https://rebrand.ly/june-author
“Nothing can be sweeter than discovery that we each have a unique and important spiritual purpose and identity. It gives meaning to everything,”
Author–Illustrator–Dreamer–among other things
June Triana-Schiada
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 6, 2024
“Powerless in Poland: Growing up under the Nazi Regime” by June Triana-Schiada offers readers a gripping and poignant narrative that delves into the lesser-known struggles of innocent German civilians displaced during World War II. This historical novel sheds light on the Marienfedlt family, particularly eleven-year-old George, whose life takes a dramatic turn as they are forced to navigate the challenges imposed by Hitler’s Nazi regime. The story unfolds in Riga, Latvia, where the Marienfedlt family experiences the upheaval caused by the impending threat of the Red Army. George’s father, Theodor, is compelled to close his successful bakery, and the family is thrust into the daunting task of rebuilding their lives in Poland. June Triana-Schiada expertly captures the displacement and turmoil experienced by millions of German civilians, offering readers a glimpse into the untold stories of those who unwittingly became victims of a war they had no part in.
The author skillfully narrates the family’s journey through the eyes of eleven-year-old George, adding a layer of vulnerability and authenticity to the narrative. As George bears witness to the subjugation of Jewish people by the Nazis in Poland, the story takes on a heartbreaking tone, showcasing the harsh realities faced by innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of war.
“Powerless in Poland” is not just a recounting of historical events; it is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Triana-Schiada weaves a tale of hope and survival, emphasizing the resilience of the Marienfedlt family in the face of adversity. The characters are brought to life with depth and nuance, creating a connection between the readers and the individuals whose lives are forever changed by the war.
Despite the somber subject matter, the novel concludes on an optimistic note, highlighting the enduring power of hope even in the darkest of times. June Triana-Schiada’s storytelling prowess shines through, presenting a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting.
In summary, “Powerless in Poland” is a compelling historical fiction that not only educates readers about a lesser-explored aspect of World War II but also pays tribute to the strength of the human spirit. June Triana-Schiada’s beautifully crafted narrative, coupled with the resilience of the characters, makes this book a highly recommended read for those who appreciate historical fiction that resonates with emotion and authenticity.
The author skillfully narrates the family’s journey through the eyes of eleven-year-old George, adding a layer of vulnerability and authenticity to the narrative. As George bears witness to the subjugation of Jewish people by the Nazis in Poland, the story takes on a heartbreaking tone, showcasing the harsh realities faced by innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of war.
“Powerless in Poland” is not just a recounting of historical events; it is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Triana-Schiada weaves a tale of hope and survival, emphasizing the resilience of the Marienfedlt family in the face of adversity. The characters are brought to life with depth and nuance, creating a connection between the readers and the individuals whose lives are forever changed by the war.
Despite the somber subject matter, the novel concludes on an optimistic note, highlighting the enduring power of hope even in the darkest of times. June Triana-Schiada’s storytelling prowess shines through, presenting a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting.
In summary, “Powerless in Poland” is a compelling historical fiction that not only educates readers about a lesser-explored aspect of World War II but also pays tribute to the strength of the human spirit. June Triana-Schiada’s beautifully crafted narrative, coupled with the resilience of the characters, makes this book a highly recommended read for those who appreciate historical fiction that resonates with emotion and authenticity.
June 1, 2023
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka
Apart from the terrible atrocities on Jewish people during World War
II, millions of innocent German civilians were displaced from their
homes and forced to start their lives anew under Adolf Hitler's Nazi
regime. Powerless in Poland by June Triana-Schiada is a story of one
such family. Eleven-year-old George's life turns upside down when
he discovers that his family must uproot their happy lives in Riga,
Latvia, and move to Poland due to the oncoming threat of the Red
Army. George's father, Theodor, must close his successful bakery
and the family must try to build a new life in Poland. George
witnesses firsthand the subjugation of the Jewish people by the
Nazis in Poland. But as the war inches closer to the end, the
Marienfeldt family discovers they must embark on a dangerous
journey again as everything around them devolves into chaos.
Based on true events, Powerless in Poland is a poignant tale of hope
and survival that showcases the resilient nature of the human spirit.
June Triana-Schiada tells the heartbreaking story of her German
family, who inadvertently became the victims of a war they had no
interest in. The story is told through the POV of an eleven-year-old
boy, which makes the environment feel even more dire. The author
has a firm handle on the characters and brings their personalities to
the page elegantly, with layers of depth underneath the surface.
Despite the subject matter, the book ends on an optimistic note. I
thoroughly enjoyed it, and I highly recommend it if you like
historical fiction.
Apart from the terrible atrocities on Jewish people during World War
II, millions of innocent German civilians were displaced from their
homes and forced to start their lives anew under Adolf Hitler's Nazi
regime. Powerless in Poland by June Triana-Schiada is a story of one
such family. Eleven-year-old George's life turns upside down when
he discovers that his family must uproot their happy lives in Riga,
Latvia, and move to Poland due to the oncoming threat of the Red
Army. George's father, Theodor, must close his successful bakery
and the family must try to build a new life in Poland. George
witnesses firsthand the subjugation of the Jewish people by the
Nazis in Poland. But as the war inches closer to the end, the
Marienfeldt family discovers they must embark on a dangerous
journey again as everything around them devolves into chaos.
Based on true events, Powerless in Poland is a poignant tale of hope
and survival that showcases the resilient nature of the human spirit.
June Triana-Schiada tells the heartbreaking story of her German
family, who inadvertently became the victims of a war they had no
interest in. The story is told through the POV of an eleven-year-old
boy, which makes the environment feel even more dire. The author
has a firm handle on the characters and brings their personalities to
the page elegantly, with layers of depth underneath the surface.
Despite the subject matter, the book ends on an optimistic note. I
thoroughly enjoyed it, and I highly recommend it if you like
historical fiction.
March 3, 2023
Touching and informative
What made this book extra special was the pictures June included at intervals so the reader could not only read the historical true to life version of a family's WWII story but also see the destruction that had rained down upon the beautiful cities and people. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in this era and wanting a feel from a true to life story of families who lived through this time.
What made this book extra special was the pictures June included at intervals so the reader could not only read the historical true to life version of a family's WWII story but also see the destruction that had rained down upon the beautiful cities and people. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in this era and wanting a feel from a true to life story of families who lived through this time.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews