“I think German Boy has all the qualities of greatness. I love the book.†-- from the Foreword by Stephen AmbroseAs the Third Reich crumbled in 1945; scores of Germans scrambled to flee the advancing Russian troops. Among them was a little boy named Wolfgang Samuel; who left his home with his mother and sister and ended up in war-torn Strasbourg before being forced farther west into a disease-ridden refugee camp. German Boy is the vivid; true story of their fight for survival as the tables of power turned and; for reasons Wolfgang was too young to understand; his broken family suffered arbitrary arrest; rape; hunger; and constant fear. Because his father was off fighting the war as a Luftwaffe officer; young Wolfgang was forced to become the head of his household; scavenging for provisions and scraps with which to feed his family. Despite his best efforts; his mother still found herself forced to do the unthinkable to survive; and her sacrifices became Wolfgang’s worst nightmares. Somehow; with the resilience only children can muster; he maintained his youth and innocence in little ways–making friends with other young refugees; playing games with shrapnel; delighting in the planes flown by the Americans and the candies the GIs brought. In the end; the Samuels begin life anew in America; and Wolfgang eventually goes on to a thirty-year career in the U.S. Air Force. Bringing fresh insight to the dark history of Nazi Germany and the horror left in its wake; German Boy records the valuable recollections of an innocent’s incredible journey.
#1334696 in Books M.E. Sharpe 2008-05-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 14.20 x 2.70 x 9.40l; 5.85 #File Name: 0765680939800 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. DisappointmentBy MarjoryI was extremely disappointed in this book. The information regarding the individuals I knew something about was; in several cases; filled with inaccuracies. Knowing this; it would be difficult for me to rely on the accuracy of any of the other entries in the book. For example; in entry for Griffith M. and Elizabeth Cooper; the author stated that Mrs. Cooper had taught Frederick Douglass to read and write. Douglass in his autobiography clearly explained how he learned to read and write and it was not from Mrs. Cooper. Yes; the compiler attributed the source of the information to an article found in a local historical society newsletter; but since the information was was so obviously incorrect; it should not have been included. That the enclyclopedia passed on local lore; with all the legends and misinformation; as historical fact is very discouraging. Students using this book as a resource will not be able to evaluate the historical accuracy behind the entries - taking it all as true.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. ... history of the underground railroad and this is an excellent book i just wish had all volumes can ...By debI am really into the history of the underground railroad and this is an excellent book i just wish had all volumes can only reference the entirre collection from the main library cannot check it out this one only goes to the letter m but I love the book and the seller was so nice to email me and check with the publisher about the remaining volumes. I will buy from this seller again2 of 4 people found the following review helpful. i piece of historyBy candyI bought this as it has a bit about my ancestors; very interesting
