The Orphans of Amsterdam

An utterly heartbreaking and gripping World War 2 historical novel

By: Elle van Rijn

Narrated by: Antonia Whillans

Amsterdam, 1941. My hands are so shaky I’m fumbling. Where to hide? I pull open the dresser, throw aside the blankets, put the baby in and push the drawer shut, just as the nursery door swings open. The German officer marches into the room, yelling over the crying downstairs: ‘You! Grab all the children – now!’

Based on the heart-wrenching true story of an ordinary young woman who risked everything to save countless children from the Nazis.

My name is Betty. Until a few months ago, I was just like every other nursery teacher in the city… then the Nazis came and began to take our children away. Now, the nursery is part of a German deportation centre. Little ones and their families are being forced across the border, to a place called Auschwitz. No one comes back.

So when I hear there’s an underground network to save the children, I know I have to help. Sometimes the parents won’t be parted from them, and sometimes we can’t get to them in time – there are spies everywhere. But each time I smuggle the warm, innocent bundle of a sleeping baby past the Nazi guards and into the arms of the resistance, I know it’s worth the risk.

Tonight, in the pitch black, we are readying five little ones to escape ahead of a transport tomorrow. We don’t know where they’re going, and they may never see their parents again. As I button their coats and smooth their hair, my hands trembling, I hear the nightmare sound of heavy army boots on the stairs. My breath catches and my blood runs cold…

A heart-breaking and gripping listen that will have you reaching for the tissues. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, We Were the Lucky Ones and The Nightingale.

Previously published as We Had to Save Them.

©2022 Elle van Rijn (P)2022 Bookouture, an imprint of Storyfire Ltd.

Critic reviews

‘So gut wrenching I had to put it down a few times just to settle the tears… Truly inspiring… Will make you blubber like a baby.’ The Lioness of Literacy

Heart rendering

This story and the bravery of so many people who cared more for the precious children then there own safety restored faith in human nature!. worth every minute of reading.

Sad but true!

I was engaged through this book, especially the ending and the follow-up. This was my first knowledge of Amsterdam in WW11.