The Winter Orphans

De: Kristin Beck

Narrado por: Lisa Flanagan

Duración: 12 h y 47 m

Resumen del Editor

A poignant and ultimately triumphant novel based on the incredible true story of children who braved the formidable danger of guarded, wintry mountain passes in France to escape the Nazis, from the acclaimed author of Courage, My Love.

Southern France, 1942

In a remote corner of France, Jewish refugee Ella Rosenthal has finally found a safe haven. It has been three years since she and her little sister, Hanni, left their parents to flee Nazi Germany, and they have been pursued and adrift in the chaos of war ever since. Now, they shelter among one hundred other young refugees in a derelict castle overseen by the Swiss Red Cross.

Swiss volunteers Rösli Näf and Anne-Marie Piguet uphold a common mission: to protect children in peril. Rösli, a stubborn and resourceful nurse, directs the colony of Château de la Hille, and has created a thriving community against all odds. Anne-Marie, raised by Swiss foresters, becomes both caretaker and friend to the children, and she vows to do whatever is necessary to keep them safe.

However, when Germany invades southern France, safeguarding Jewish refugees becomes impossible. Château de la Hille faces unrelenting danger, and Rösli and Anne-Marie realize that the only way to protect the eldest of their charges is to smuggle them out of France. Relying on Rösli's fierce will and Anne-Marie's knowledge of secret mountain paths, they plot escape routes through vast Nazi-occupied territory to the distant border. Amid staggering risk, Ella and Hanni embark on a journey that, if successful, could change the course of their lives and grant them a future.

©2019 Kristin Beck (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Incredible story

This was gripping and heart wrenching, yet the efforts at keeping this fictional story as true to life as possible or not lost. Thank you for bringing this portion of history back to life.

Informative; heartbreaking

Perhaps I would have enjoyed reading rather than listening. I do appreciate all I learned, disturbing though it was. Should be required reading for those who do not fear Nazi influence today.

What a story!

I really enjoyed this story based on true events of Jewish children in Nazi occupied France. The courage displayed by their caretakers & the children themselves was awe inspiring. An excellent book & story!

Gripping - every minute

When I couldn’t listen, I couldn’t stop thinking about this story! Thank you for writing it.

Tragic and hopeful

This is not just another WWII story. It is one based on real people and their experiences in saving children. The author’s note at the end was very informative and helpful. Narration was superb.

Bravery

I am not usually a fan of historical fiction, but this story changed my mind. It was told with warmth yet the cruelty of the facts were always at the edge. . It is truly a book for everyone.

Incredibly touching and captivating

This is a beautiful book, in every single way… a story that is simultaneously heartbreakingly sad and powerfully inspiring, absolutely flawlessly written. I found myself fully invested in the character’s journeys from page one, and took every single moment I had to listen!
The story was perfectly brought to life by Lisa Flanagan, who represented each character, from a gruff German soldier to a distraught child, believably and with great connection to their inner lives. Also, her masterful use of both French and German words and accents was incredibly impressive!

Very good

The narrator and writer are so wonderful and there is so many things going on in this audio book. Love love loved this

Ella

Good read, documentary. I love reading about history, even with fiction characters , though there is so much that is true, sadness with happiness.

Fantastic story

The characters were well developed and you could not wait to hear what would happen next. I seldom write reviews for audible books but this is an exception. The book reminded me that even in the midst of evil, good people will find a way to make a difference. I highly recommend this book to others…. It is one of my favorites