Those who put their lives at risk during times of war are
not always soldiers, trained in the art of warfare. Often ordinary people do
the extraordinary with little expectation of thanks.
In 50 Children by Steven Pressman, we follow such a couple
who put their own lives on hold to help rescue 50 children from harm in Nazi
Germany during the time of holocaust. Gil and Eleanor Kraus find themselves in
War time Germany in an effort to use the laws of U. S. immigration and the help
of untold others to find and use visas that had never been used to get children
to safety. The times were volatile and
as Jews they put themselves in harms ways to do what they could in their own
efforts of rescue.
This is the story of an Ordinary American couple who had the
courage to face adversity to do what was necessary in a time of turmoil. Using notes,
pictures and family accounts Pressman gives us a picture of the difficulties
and challenges, as well as the final outcome.
To find such a compelling story and the antidotes that go
with it is an important part of history. This was a time when so many things
went wrong, yet there were those who did what they could to make things right.
As history unfolds the atrocities of war become clear, yet the United States
finds itself in turmoil as well. The news is not good and many rumors abound.
The story is told from the beginning and you find yourself
in the shoes of the Kraus’s as they set on this dangerous task to go into
Germany and rescue as many children as they can. There is heartbreak and tears
as well as horror and terror. At any time the narrow path they walk can begin
breaking up, thrusting them even deeper into the maelstrom of Hitler Germany.
The very laws of the land in the United States created its
own dilemma, when immigration is already at a high level and visa are at their
low, how can anyone proceed. And yet many do, for this is only one of the many
stories of rescue and courage in a time where help was needed the most.
If you enjoy history along with stories of courage you will
enjoy this work. If you are interested in the politics of the day, and stories
of courage this work takes you into the stages of all. This couple and others
remain unsung heroes in a time where ordinary people did extraordinary things.
This would be a great book for a book club or reading group.
The history and the undertakings will fill the quest of finding dialogue to
discuss for many reasons. History is what it is and the discussion of what
occurred or could have occurred is left to those who try to find the reason
behind the actualities.
Rating 5\5
This book was received free through the authors publisher. All opninions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.
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