Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (2014), 453 pages
Collection
Description
Increasingly wary of her father's genetic research, Rachel Kramer has determined that this trip with him to Germany-in the summer of 1939-will be her last. But a cryptic letter from her estranged friend, begging Rachel for help, changes everything. Married to SS officer Gerhardt Schlick, Kristine sees the dark tides turning and fears her husband views their daughter, Amelie, deaf since birth, as a blight on his Aryan bloodline. Once courted by Schlick, Rachel knows he's as dangerous as the swastikas that hang like ebony spiders from every government building in Berlin. She fears her father's files may hold answers about Hitler's plans for others, like Amelie, whom the regime deems "unworthy of life." She risks searching his classified documents only to uncover shocking secrets about her own history and a family she's never known. Now hunted by the SS, Rachel turns to Jason Young-a driven, disarming American journalist and unlikely ally-who connects her to the resistance and to controversial theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Forced into hiding, Rachel's every ideal is challenged as she and Jason walk a knife's edge, risking their lives-and asking others to do the same-for those they barely know but come to love.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member wrbinpa
I was profoundly moved by this beautifully written and heart-wrenching story. The topic of the Holocaust brings with it deep sadness, with the horrible realization of what occurred at that time. This is a story of family bonds, loss, survival, and great faith.
1939 – Germany – It seemed that
It was the duty of the SS officers to bear children for the Reich – genetically perfect Aryan children. And for that to be possible they must have genetically perfect Aryan wives. The intent was to blend the perfect Germanic genes – Nordic features, physical strength, and intellect.
A story that takes place during the Holocaust; this is a highly intense and emotional story. I was pulled into the drama and became completely engaged with the characters. They are wonderfully portrayed as they struggled with the difficult realities of the Holocaust.
This book was totally absorbing as the author brings to life a very dark period in our history, writing with vivid descriptions. Don’t miss this one – just incredible! 5 Stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
1939 – Germany – It seemed that
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nothing was too far fetched for the demonic mind of Hitler. Germany had its focus on a pure Aryan race. They had designs to strengthen Germany’s bloodline through eugenics – to create a pure race, free of the weaknesses brought on by inferior breeding with non-Nordic races. The weaknesses must be eliminated. The research that took place was inhumane and Hitler’s sterilization program was criminally insane.It was the duty of the SS officers to bear children for the Reich – genetically perfect Aryan children. And for that to be possible they must have genetically perfect Aryan wives. The intent was to blend the perfect Germanic genes – Nordic features, physical strength, and intellect.
A story that takes place during the Holocaust; this is a highly intense and emotional story. I was pulled into the drama and became completely engaged with the characters. They are wonderfully portrayed as they struggled with the difficult realities of the Holocaust.
This book was totally absorbing as the author brings to life a very dark period in our history, writing with vivid descriptions. Don’t miss this one – just incredible! 5 Stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member SarahSS
“He who saves one life saves the world”
Rachel is a German orphan turned pampered American. She is the only child of Dr. Kramer, who is suspected of being involved with Hitler’s genetic studies.
Lea is German born and raised. Her mother died during childbirth, and she was raised by her Oma
Amelie is a four year old deaf daughter of an high ranking SS officer.
Jason is an ambitious American journalist in Germany.
How do their lives intersect? What is the truth of their pasts? Will there be a future for each?
Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke is set in Germany in 1939. It includes Bonhoeffer, who was a real life hero during this time. He was a German pastor, spy and martyr. He recognized early on how dangerous and twisted Hilter’s ideology was and he challenged the church to stand against it, protect others, and stand for Christ.
“Germany is at stake—heart and soul…
When the church stops standing for Jews—for anyone—then we stop begin the church. Grace is costly—it took the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, to achieve that grace. It requires just as much from each of us.
But we’ve come to practice cheap grace—grace that appears as a godly form but costs us nothing—and that is abomination, a stench in the nostrils of God.”
(Truths from Bonhoeffer shared in this historical fiction book)
This is a story that draws us in and sends us on a realistic journey through a very difficult, dangerous and twisted time in the world’s history. It was well written and I really “enjoyed” (you know what I mean) reading it. I had a hard time figuring out how to write the review, so this part took longer than even reading the book! However, I would recommend it, not just as a very good read, but as an excellent reminder to stand up for others and to not continue to allow our religious freedoms to be taken away.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers. It was not required that I give a positive review, but to solely express my own thoughts and opinions.
Rachel is a German orphan turned pampered American. She is the only child of Dr. Kramer, who is suspected of being involved with Hitler’s genetic studies.
Lea is German born and raised. Her mother died during childbirth, and she was raised by her Oma
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(grandmother).Amelie is a four year old deaf daughter of an high ranking SS officer.
Jason is an ambitious American journalist in Germany.
How do their lives intersect? What is the truth of their pasts? Will there be a future for each?
Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke is set in Germany in 1939. It includes Bonhoeffer, who was a real life hero during this time. He was a German pastor, spy and martyr. He recognized early on how dangerous and twisted Hilter’s ideology was and he challenged the church to stand against it, protect others, and stand for Christ.
“Germany is at stake—heart and soul…
When the church stops standing for Jews—for anyone—then we stop begin the church. Grace is costly—it took the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, to achieve that grace. It requires just as much from each of us.
But we’ve come to practice cheap grace—grace that appears as a godly form but costs us nothing—and that is abomination, a stench in the nostrils of God.”
(Truths from Bonhoeffer shared in this historical fiction book)
This is a story that draws us in and sends us on a realistic journey through a very difficult, dangerous and twisted time in the world’s history. It was well written and I really “enjoyed” (you know what I mean) reading it. I had a hard time figuring out how to write the review, so this part took longer than even reading the book! However, I would recommend it, not just as a very good read, but as an excellent reminder to stand up for others and to not continue to allow our religious freedoms to be taken away.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers. It was not required that I give a positive review, but to solely express my own thoughts and opinions.
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LibraryThing member Stardust_Fiddle
When good people do nothing…
Germany, 1939: Three very different people find themselves in the midst of the Third Reich’s rise, each with their own problems. Rachel Kramer comes to Germany on a business trip with her adoptive father, a United States eugenicist working with Drs. Verschuer and
In the vein of “The Sound of Music” and Anne Blankman’s “Prisoner of Night and Fog,” Cathy Gohlke beautifully and soberly orchestrates the inventive storyline of “Saving Amelie.” Told from various third-person points of view, it provides a unique perspective on the World War II narrative. The primary focus is not on Jews but on the overall refugee experience as the novel progresses at an adrenaline-inducing pace with disturbing parallels to modern times. The Christian theme materializes and blossoms in a humble, natural manner, exploring true grace as opposed to “cheap grace” and the consequences that result when good people do nothing. The fortitude of both the fictional and real characters stands as a testament to the men and women who heroically maintained and discovered Christian discipleship during this dark period in history. Appended to the end of the novel are discussion questions and a note from the author.
Germany, 1939: Three very different people find themselves in the midst of the Third Reich’s rise, each with their own problems. Rachel Kramer comes to Germany on a business trip with her adoptive father, a United States eugenicist working with Drs. Verschuer and
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Mengele. She has lived a privileged life among the American and German elite, but soon her idyllic future becomes a nightmare embroiled in the turbulent times. Also in Germany, foreign correspondent Jason Young works to provide the American public with the reality of Hitler’s regime while passing censorship. Meanwhile, Lea Hartman and her loving husband Friederich make a frugal living in the small town of Oberammergau, which is renowned for its decennial Passion Play. A woman’s dying wish changes all of their lives forever, at a time when standing for humanity means defying the SS. In the vein of “The Sound of Music” and Anne Blankman’s “Prisoner of Night and Fog,” Cathy Gohlke beautifully and soberly orchestrates the inventive storyline of “Saving Amelie.” Told from various third-person points of view, it provides a unique perspective on the World War II narrative. The primary focus is not on Jews but on the overall refugee experience as the novel progresses at an adrenaline-inducing pace with disturbing parallels to modern times. The Christian theme materializes and blossoms in a humble, natural manner, exploring true grace as opposed to “cheap grace” and the consequences that result when good people do nothing. The fortitude of both the fictional and real characters stands as a testament to the men and women who heroically maintained and discovered Christian discipleship during this dark period in history. Appended to the end of the novel are discussion questions and a note from the author.
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LibraryThing member Nero56
A different focus than the usual WWII books; however, still quite intense.
LibraryThing member Sarah_Gruwell
I really enjoyed the historical details in this novel. I got to explore stuff that I've never encountered or have only encountered rarely in historical fiction, and all in one work. Ms. Gohlke gives us a look into Nazi Germany like no other: the fate of the physically handicapped in this racial
I enjoyed the characters for the most part. Lea especially won my heart. I loved how flawed she was, yet how strong she was at the same time. She seemed very human with her inadequacy issues concerning Rachel, her stubborn will to protect those she cared about, and her constant worrying over those same people.
Now Rachel on the other hand.... *sigh* I think the author was trying to make her flawed like any ordinary person so that the reader could relate to her. But dang, did the author go too far! I can't think of one thing about Rachel I liked. She was self-centered, shallow, and her head was always in the clouds about the dangers around her. I can see where this might have been OK in the beginning of the novel. But, I, for one, did not see any change in her. She was just as shallow in the end as the beginning. It's kinda hard to really enjoy a novel when one of your heroines is a real b*tch throughout the entire thing!
I do have to commend the author on the pacing of her novel. She was able to balance the world-building and the suspense of hiding in Bavaria with aplomb. Not once was I slogging through excessive paragraphs of atmospheric description nor was I feeling like I was on a roller coaster with endless action. For a book this length, this aspect of storytelling is key so the reader doesn't become exhausted or bored. Kudos to Ms. Gohlke for being able to balance the two extremes for a very enjoyable middle.
I enjoyed the historical details, the fantastic world-building, the brisk story-telling, and most of the characters in this lovely novel. While Rachel drove me up a freakin' wall and made me actually want the Gestapo to catch her (just to get her out of the story!), I was able to get over that and enjoy the rest of the book. Definitely check this one out if you enjoy WWII/Nazi Germany fiction. It's a great overall book.
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purity obsessed society, intimate details on eugenics and experiments in pursuit of that perfect genetic individual, and a glimpse into the rebellious Confessing Church and their endeavor to stand up for right and protect the oppressed of Nazi society. The reader is sucked into Nazi Germany, not to be let go until the very last page.I enjoyed the characters for the most part. Lea especially won my heart. I loved how flawed she was, yet how strong she was at the same time. She seemed very human with her inadequacy issues concerning Rachel, her stubborn will to protect those she cared about, and her constant worrying over those same people.
Now Rachel on the other hand.... *sigh* I think the author was trying to make her flawed like any ordinary person so that the reader could relate to her. But dang, did the author go too far! I can't think of one thing about Rachel I liked. She was self-centered, shallow, and her head was always in the clouds about the dangers around her. I can see where this might have been OK in the beginning of the novel. But, I, for one, did not see any change in her. She was just as shallow in the end as the beginning. It's kinda hard to really enjoy a novel when one of your heroines is a real b*tch throughout the entire thing!
I do have to commend the author on the pacing of her novel. She was able to balance the world-building and the suspense of hiding in Bavaria with aplomb. Not once was I slogging through excessive paragraphs of atmospheric description nor was I feeling like I was on a roller coaster with endless action. For a book this length, this aspect of storytelling is key so the reader doesn't become exhausted or bored. Kudos to Ms. Gohlke for being able to balance the two extremes for a very enjoyable middle.
I enjoyed the historical details, the fantastic world-building, the brisk story-telling, and most of the characters in this lovely novel. While Rachel drove me up a freakin' wall and made me actually want the Gestapo to catch her (just to get her out of the story!), I was able to get over that and enjoy the rest of the book. Definitely check this one out if you enjoy WWII/Nazi Germany fiction. It's a great overall book.
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LibraryThing member Sandralb
Once again Cathy's book was very hard to read. I find I can't put them down. It was a time in history that I still can't wrap my mind around. She is an awesome writer but so far the books I have read of hers bother me immensely, but they sure make you think.
LibraryThing member PamelaJo
Good vs Evil
I'll start by saying that I don't usually read historical fiction set during WWII, so I wasn't sure what to expect of this novel. Having heard it was quite good, I thought I might find it to be of interest. Saving Amelie goes far beyond interesting! It is a story which is deeply moving,
Amelie is the focus of the story. The daughter of one of Hitler's SS Agents, she was born deaf. Her father despises her imperfection and wants to be rid of the child and also his wife, Kristine, the one who gave birth to an inferior child.
Rachel Kramer is an American woman who is friends with Amelie's mother, Kristine. Her father is a scientist who has been doing eugenics research for the Nazis. Together, Rachel and her father travel to Germany. While there, her friend, Kristine, begs her to take Amelie away so that the child will not be killed. Rachel agrees to save Amelie. In doing so she discovers much about her own life which shocks her.
As she takes Amelie into hiding, an American journalist, Jason Young, assists Rachel and they settle in the town of Oberammergau, famous for it's Passion Play. While trying to outwit the SS, Rachel finds family, love, and faith in the small village.
There is so much more to this novel, but I don't want to give away too much of the story. There are many other characters in the book, some who actually lived during the time period. The entire plot is excellent and well researched, and will keep the reader turning the pages.
In conclusion, Saving Amelie is a wonderful story about a terrible time in history. I highly recommend this book!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.
I'll start by saying that I don't usually read historical fiction set during WWII, so I wasn't sure what to expect of this novel. Having heard it was quite good, I thought I might find it to be of interest. Saving Amelie goes far beyond interesting! It is a story which is deeply moving,
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historically accurate, heartbreaking, and even horrifying, all at the same time. Truly a novel about what was good and what was very evil during the dark days of the Nazi regime in Germany.Amelie is the focus of the story. The daughter of one of Hitler's SS Agents, she was born deaf. Her father despises her imperfection and wants to be rid of the child and also his wife, Kristine, the one who gave birth to an inferior child.
Rachel Kramer is an American woman who is friends with Amelie's mother, Kristine. Her father is a scientist who has been doing eugenics research for the Nazis. Together, Rachel and her father travel to Germany. While there, her friend, Kristine, begs her to take Amelie away so that the child will not be killed. Rachel agrees to save Amelie. In doing so she discovers much about her own life which shocks her.
As she takes Amelie into hiding, an American journalist, Jason Young, assists Rachel and they settle in the town of Oberammergau, famous for it's Passion Play. While trying to outwit the SS, Rachel finds family, love, and faith in the small village.
There is so much more to this novel, but I don't want to give away too much of the story. There are many other characters in the book, some who actually lived during the time period. The entire plot is excellent and well researched, and will keep the reader turning the pages.
In conclusion, Saving Amelie is a wonderful story about a terrible time in history. I highly recommend this book!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.
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LibraryThing member alekee
You may need the tissues handy, this book will grip you and not let go, and all the while I'm wondering how can some people be so cold hearted?
Through the eyes of the author we find those who are willing to give everything to help save another life. Why, is this happening, there are many answers
Be sure to read the author's notes at the end of this book, I love how the author put so much truth and actual people in this read.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale, and was not required to give a positive review.
Through the eyes of the author we find those who are willing to give everything to help save another life. Why, is this happening, there are many answers
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and we will probably never know why some would do the evil that they do, but there are those who really live their faith, and we are there to see their ultimate sacrifice.Be sure to read the author's notes at the end of this book, I love how the author put so much truth and actual people in this read.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Tyndale, and was not required to give a positive review.
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LibraryThing member cbcmedia
I am at a loss for words. This book is so good. And saying that sounds so lame. I was changed by reading this book. It touched my heart & soul.
The characters were so well developed. The story flowed beautifully. The author brought it to life, this story lives & breathes. It’s a wonderful
I highly recommend this book and please read the Epilogue and the Note to Readers.
The characters were so well developed. The story flowed beautifully. The author brought it to life, this story lives & breathes. It’s a wonderful
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historical novel that has a great message. The message from the past, such as, hatred, race, religion, is just as relevant today as then. We were all created by God and not one of us is a mistake. We should not take any life for granted. Life is precious and even though this book is fiction, the author did her research and brought real events and feelings to life and we should heed the warnings.I highly recommend this book and please read the Epilogue and the Note to Readers.
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LibraryThing member vintagebeckie
Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke was included in my Audible subscription. I had read other books by Gohlke that were excellent, so decided to give this one a try. This WWII-era novel set in the early years of the war was riveting. Eugenics theory and research, the harsh and hostile treatment of the
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(This audiobook was included in my Audible subscription. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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Jews, and the many women and men who worked secretly to undermine the Nazis within Germany are the focus of this book. I found the plotting to be complex, the characters well-drawn, and, on the whole, a thorough page turner! Main character Rachel is especially compelling as she learns the truth behind her upbringing, her father’s work, and the message of a sacrificing savior that was hidden from her. If you like historical fiction with a bit of romance, then check this one out.Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(This audiobook was included in my Audible subscription. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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Awards
INSPY (Winner — General Fiction — 2015)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2014
Physical description
453 p.; 5.5 inches
ISBN
9781414383224