#1 New York Times BestsellerEdith Hahn was an outspoken young woman in Vienna when the Gestapo forced her into a ghetto and then into a slave labor camp. When she returned home months later, she knew she would become a hunted woman and went underground. With the help of a Christian friend, she emerged in Munich as Grete Denner. There she met Werner Vetter, a Nazi Party member who fell in love … Nazi Party member who fell in love with her. Despite Edith’s protests and even her eventual confession that she was Jewish, he married her and kept her identity a secret.
In wrenching detail, Edith recalls a life of constant, almost paralyzing fear. She tells how German officials casually questioned the lineage of her parents; how during childbirth she refused all painkillers, afraid that in an altered state of mind she might reveal something of her past; and how, after her husband was captured by the Soviets, she was bombed out of her house and had to hide while drunken Russian soldiers raped women on the street.
Despite the risk it posed to her life, Edith created a remarkable record of survival. She saved every document, as well as photographs she took inside labor camps. Now part of the permanent collection at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., these hundreds of documents, several of which are included in this volume, form the fabric of a gripping new chapter in the history of the Holocaust—complex, troubling, and ultimately triumphant.
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This book I could not put down. It is not your typical Holocaust book .
Well written from a different prospective.
It was surprising to find her (a Jewish girl) marrying a Nazi officer. The book keeps you interested, as it has several twists and turns.
I have read many books from this period in history, but this book is a particularly moving and well written account from a new point of view. I highly recommend it; it is a poignant reminder of the vagaries of human nature, revealed at its best and worst.
Oppression up close – why it is so insidious.
Historical, informative.
Although at times it was a little difficult to follow this was a very well put together book. The story line was heart wrenching but kept me reading. I very much enjoyed it.
Educational
Like all true stories this was very unpredictable and very very good. A must read.
It was very different from most books concerning the German people who lived thru the war.
Fascinating story. Incredible story of survival against all odds.
I enjoyed this book. It was well written and really brought me into the life of the Jews during World War ll.
I am German, born 1948. For me it is interesting to learn about this time, because growing up nobody talked about that bad spot in our history.
This book took my breath away. The courage it took for a Jewish woman to marry a Nazi in order to stay alive is beyond comprehension.
Excellent character development and realistic portrayal of Nazi Germany.
I’m always interested in books about the Holocaust. Just hope that era is never forgotten & it never happens again. Been to many museums around the world with this theme. Always glad to hear survivor stories.
interesting and shocking. slow reading thru some parts
Reality can be more dramatic than fiction. This book makes one wonder how individuals in such drastic situations can survive! Good but “hard” reading.
This true story was worth reading. The main character was a remarkable woman.
We all think we have principles but what would we do when in this situation?