Six-year-old Gretl Schmidt is on a train bound for Aushwitz. Jakób Kowalski is planting a bomb on the tracks. “Richly imagined and masterfully told, a love story so moving it will leave you breathless. And deeply satisfied.” —Tamera Alexander, USA Today bestselling author As World War II draws to a close, Jakób fights with the Polish resistance against the crushing forces of Germany and Russia. … the crushing forces of Germany and Russia. They intend to destroy a German troop transport, but Gretl’s unscheduled train reaches the bomb first.
Gretl is the only survivor. Though spared from the concentration camp, the orphaned German Jew finds herself lost in a country hostile to her people. When Jakób discovers her, guilt and fatherly compassion prompt him to take her in. For three years, the young man and little girl form a bond over the secrets they must hide from his Catholic family.
But she can’t stay with him forever. Jakób sends Gretl to South Africa, where German war orphans are promised bright futures with adoptive Protestant families—so long as Gretl’s Jewish roots, Catholic education, and connections to communist Poland are never discovered.
Separated by continents, politics, religion, language, and years, Jakób and Gretl will likely never see each other again. But the events they have both survived and their belief that the human spirit can triumph over the ravages of war have formed a bond of love that no circumstances can overcome.
“Readers will adore intrepid Gretl and strong Jakób in this story of war, redemption, and love.” —Publisher’s Weekly
“Joubert reminds readers how love triumphed over the difficulties faced by WWII survivors as they navigated new boundaries, revised politics, and the old faith prejudices that defined post-war Europe.” —CBA Retailers + Resources
“Right from the start, Joubert sets up a palpable, tension-filled atmosphere and visually striking landscape. Mixing factual events with fiction, Gretl and Jakob offer interesting viewpoints on the world around them.” —RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars
“A riveting read with an endearing, courageous protagonist . . . takes us from war-torn Poland to the veldt of South Africa in a story rich in love, loss, and the survival of the human spirit.” —Anne Easter Smith, author of A Rose for the Crown
“Captivating. Emotional and heart-stirring. Joubert masterfully crafts every scene with tenderness and hauntingly accurate detail. It’s a stunning coming-of-age novel that packs emotion in a delicate weave of hope, faith—and the very best of love.” —Kristy Cambron, author of The Butterfly and the Violin and A Sparrow in Terezin
“A fresh voice and a masterpiece I could not put down—one I will long remember.” —Cathy Gohlke, Christy Award winning author of Secrets She Kept and Saving Amelie
“The Girl From the Train is an eloquent, moving testament to love and its power to illuminate our authentic selves.” —Sherry Jones, author of The Sharp Hook of Love
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This was a beautifully written story combining history and love of and beyond family.
This was a great read about a young Jewish German girl in WW11 . Her life as an orphan in Poland for several years and then as a adopted child by family in So. Africa . It is a very moving story and I had a hard time putting this book down. I would highly recommend this wonderful story and look forward to read more books by this author.
Well written – a superb story!
Ill be honest, in my opinion, It begins better than it finishes. While that’s true, it’s a good book beginning to end.
Loves this story! Couldn’t put it down until it was finished.
A most favorite read! Loved this story
This book provided a new and interesting perspective into WW II for me.
This is one of the best books I have ever read! I was on the edge of my seat until the end of the book to find out what the ending would be for Jakob and Gretl. Set during the end of WWII, the lives of these two characters are intertwined from a tender age. This one proves that true love never gives up.
Although fiction, the time, location and plot were part of the history of WWII and the occupation of the Communists. Good read!!
One of the best books that I have read in a long time
Sad History. Our Jewish Brother have suffered SO Much!
Different from my usual reads but I really enjoyed this book. It was very well written , movement at a good pace, and I loved the characters.
Hard to put down.
Loved this historical book
Thoroughly enjoyed this story. A little slow getting into it but then I was not able to put it down. Sad, tragic, but a good ending.
Incredible story about survival. I’m looking forward to reading more by Irma Joubert.