The Girl from the Train

By: Irma Joubert

Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman

Length: 11 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Six-year-old Gretl Schmidt is on a train bound for Auschwitz. Jakób Kowalski is planting a bomb on the tracks.

As World War II draws to a close, Jakób fights with the Polish resistance against the crushing forces of Germany and Russia. They mean 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.

“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)

“Richly imagined and masterfully told, a love story so moving it will leave you breathless. And deeply satisfied.” (Tamera Alexander, USA Today best-selling author)

“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)

Full-length World War II historical novel

International bestseller

©2015 Irma Joubert (P)2015 Thomas Nelson Publishers

Excellent story covering the middle of the 20th C.

OK, granted it's a "chick book," but an engaging one. As usual, the women can look deep into the eyes (which are discussed at length, as well as other parts of the facade) and tell everything they would wish to know about men. That said, it's an intriguing story and well worth the read. It gives much info about wartime Poland & South Africa of the post-war & cold war period.

WW II Historical Fiction

I’m a sucker for historical fiction, especially this era. The story flowed well and kept me listening into the night.

A story worth reading!

A very touching and well thought out story. A pleasure to listen too!
The author does a wonderful job bringing this to life, as does the narrator.

Surprise Ending

Solid story, with good character development, but not sure how I feel about the epilogue. Wish I could explain more clearly, without spoiling it. Best to say that I have mixed emotions regarding the outcome of their relationship. Performance by Sarah Zimmerman was also worth mentioning! She brought all of the characters to life, though she isn’t my favorite narrator...,;?

girl on the train

kept me interested all the time
hard to put down great listening to the book

You absolutely must get this book

I had heard of this book long before I purchased it. I decided to get it on audible and it is definitely the best audiobook I have heard. The story is truly a masterpiece, the kind where you just settle in for a satisfying, beautiful journey. The reader lends an extra beauty all on her own and you fall in love with Jakob, Gretal, and the supporting characters. Please do not miss this beautiful story.

Pity about the pronounciation

I was drawn to this story as my Mom's friend was a Gerrman war orphan adopted by a South African family. I enjoyed the variety of scenario ranging from WWll, post war Poland to 1950s South Africa. The characters are well drawn. The eventual love story conclusion dragged into n a bit but was still quite endearing.
For me a disappointment was lack of effort to replicate the correct Afrikaans pronunciations. I suppose it would not matter to listeners not aware of how it should sound. Ironically an effort was made to pronounce Jacob in a Polish way; as it happens this is much the way it would have been pronounced in Afrikaans. In Grietjie the Gr is guttoral and tjjie as ki. Definitely not "Greekee".

My Musings

What a fantastic read from beginning to end. The characters are compelling and the plot is enthralling. The descriptions of the events, almost painful to read but so amazing. The narrator read with just the right amount of emotion. Happy reading/listening!

Thoroughly enjoyable

This is such a good story from beginning to end. It has drama, history, edge-of-your-seat suspense, romantic interests, sorrow, and all put together to keep the reader interested. Excellent, and very well performed.

Captivated From The Start

I am new to audible books; this was the second one I listened to. If you enjoy WW II history - the effect on lives, beliefs and culture - from a local perspective, appreciate the history of South Africa (don't confuse with acceptance) and accept the struggles of love, this book is unmatched. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. The narrator - amazing. This was a wonderful experience.