My Enemy's Cradle

by Sara Young

Paperback, 2008

Status

Available

Call number

F YOU My E

Genres

Collections

ADULT COLLECTION, Adult Fiction

Publication

Mariner Books (2008), Edition: 1, 384 pages

Description

Cyrla's neighbors have begun to whisper. Her cousin, Anneke, is pregnant and has passed the rigorous exams for admission to the Lebensborn, a maternity home for girls carrying German babies. But Anneke's soldier has disappeared, and Lebensborn babies are only ever released to their father's custody-- or taken away. A note is left under the mat.Someoneknows that Cyrla, sent from Poland years before for safekeeping with her Dutch relatives, is Jewish. The Nazis are imposing more and more restrictions; she won't be safe there for long. And then in the space of an afternoon, life falls apart. Cyrla must choose between certain discovery in her cousin's home and taking Anneke's place in the Lebensborn--Cyrla and Anneke are nearly identical. If she takes refuge in the enemy's lair, can Cyrla fool the doctors, nurses, guards, and other mothers-to-be? Can she escape before they discover she is not who she claims? Mining a lost piece of history, Sara Young takes us deep into the lives of women living in the worst of times. Part love story and part elegy for the terrible choices we must often make to survive, MY ENEMY'S CRADLE keens for what we lose in war and sings for the hope we sometimes find.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50

My Enemy’s Cradle by Sara Young is a book that I probably shouldn’t have liked as much as I did. I had to swallow some very big coincidences and set-ups in order to let the story work, and more than a few times I had to shush my inner voices that were saying “Huh? That couldn’t have

happened!”. But I totally got caught up in both the story and the romance and the pages flew by.

The story is of a half-Jewish girl, who in order to keep herself and the family that has sheltered her safe during WW II, gets herself impregnated, impersonates her cousin, and enters a Nazi Lebensborn. The plan being that she will be rescued and taken to safety well before the baby is born. Of course, as with all war-time plans, things change.

Although this story tends to romanticise the period, I found the author’s descriptions of the Lebensborn to be fascinating. Touted as a safe haven for girls who get pregnant (either willingly or by rape) by German soldiers, in fact, this was one more institution that the Nazi’s carried to the extreme. Only girls with “pure” bloodlines were allowed this refuge, only healthy babies were accepted, the girls had no rights over their child (although the German fathers had first claim). Most of these babies were adopted into a Nazi home in the hopes that they would be reared to be future soldiers and solid citizens of the Third Reich.

My Enemy’s Cradle offers intrigue, suspense and romance in a very readable package but at no time did I ever feel I was reading anything but a fictional piece. Good escapism with a flawed ending that was too pat and too abrupt.

Show Less

15 more

LibraryThing member shaunnas

I hesitate to recommend this book because it has more sexual content than I would usually tolerate. However, I really liked this story. Cyrla tells this story entire from her point of view. She is a Jewish girl in the Netherlands during World War II who through some unusual circumstances finds

herself in the Nazi Lebensborn program. She is thought to be an "aryan" girl expecting the child of a German soldier. Cyrla is a character I still think about. The horrible choices people were forced to make at that time of history put Cyrla and others in this book in situations that bring out their inner character no other setting could. The resoluation of the story was unexpected but settling. Well written.

Show Less

LibraryThing member LibrarysCat

I read the uncorrected copy of this work by Sara Young, who has written a number of children's books undet the name of Sara Pennypacker. I loved this book.

This is the story of a young Polish girl who was half Jewish. She was sent by her father to live with Dutch relatives, including a cousin she

resembles in almost every way except perhaps temperment. It was her father's hope that she would stay safe during World War II. It is also the story of the Nazi machine and policies which encouraged young Aryan women to become pregnant, often by married soldiers, and give their babies to the Nazis to help populate Europe. The young girls' experiences and her understanding of how her safety and future were dictated by circumstances often beyond her control provide the reader with a somewhat different, and decidedly female, picture of the Holocaust.

I read this book very quickly and loved every minute of it. I think it would be appropriate for a wide age range and hope that it will be used in History classes at multiple levels. Thank you to the publisher for providing these copies at ALA.

Show Less

LibraryThing member brainella

This is a well written, wonderfully paced book about the life of a young (half) Jewish woman hiding in a Nazi Lebensborn home for pregnant women. The story of the Nazi homes for women pregnant by German soldiers is not well known. The whole concept surrounding the homes was horrifying, and this

story helps illustrate an aspect of WWII that many do not know. The story starts in Holland, ends in Germany and describes many of the opinions people in Europe had about the Nazis, war and perceptions of the world at that time. Intriguing story.

Show Less

LibraryThing member Sararush

My Enemy’s Cradle

Sara Young’s debut novel opens in Occupied Holland. After her mother’s tragic death and her father and brother’s disappearance, half Jewish and blond Cryla, is passing as Dutch and living with her mother’s family. As the rules for Jews become increasingly stricter and the

risk becomes too great, she finds a way into the exclusive Lebensborn program. Lebensborn, the cradle of life, is a German ran maternity house that breeds future soldiers for the glory of Germany. “The pram is mightier than the tank,” or so they say. In order to successfully navigate the program she will need to pose as her cousin, become pregnant, and hide her heritage. Everyday will be a fight to survive, and if she does she still has to escape… Though brave and determined Cyrla is left with very few people she can trust, many secrets, and certain death to her and her loved ones if she is caught.

The story is part historical romance and greater parts an uneasy reminder into one of history’s dark periods. Although the subject matter at time is unsettling, the novel is packed with suspense and surprises.

Show Less

LibraryThing member Natalie220

This is one of my favorite books in the world. I read it in three days. It's a story of a girl named Cyrla a half Jewish girl who lives with her aunt and cousin Anneke in the 1940's. Anneke is pregnant and one day kills herself when life wasn't turning out the way she planned. At the same the

Nazi's are close to figuring out that Cyrla is Jewish so Cyrla's aunt comes up with a plan to tell everyone Cyrla died and make her pass as Anneke. The only problem is that Anneke is expected at the Lebensborn a maternity home for girls carrying German babies, and Cyrla isn't pregnant. A MUST READ!!

Show Less

LibraryThing member Ozedasgirl

This is a great story, well worth your time. It has intrigue, suspense and romance. It brings to light the SS breeding nurseries and other Nazi atrocities. The story pulls you into history.

LibraryThing member berylweidenbach

I looked forward to reading this book, a part of WWII that I new nothing about. German women encouraged to have as many children as possible for the fatherland and women, pregnant by German soldiers who met certain criteria sent to a maternity home run by the Nazi's. It was called the "Lebensborn"

program which amounted to "SS breeding nurseries." Babies were confiscated with or without the mother's permission. The author gave what felt like an authentic peek into another form of autrocity perpetuated by the Nazi's
Cyrla, a young girl, half jewish, has found this, through a series of relationships, to be the only place to hide and hopes to survive without being found out by using the identity of a deceased cousin. But there is no place that is safe for a Jew in hiding. There are many twists in this story with all the relationships, and nothing is as it seems. Therein lies the genuine fear which builds the tension for the impossible decisions to be made.
The background and premise of this book are strong, and the story itself, well done. I had a problem with the main character Cyrla, and her recklessness. Yes, she was young (18) and inexperienced in life, much less war. But the reason she had been sent to relatives in Holland three years prior was because of the building fear of what would happen to Jews. Despite the tightening restrictions, and escalating fear, she never seemed to understand how serious the situation was and many times took unnecessary, foolish, dangerous chances that could have cost others their lives had she been caught. One of these chances resulted in her own brutal rape. It was extremely frustruating to watch her make so many bad decisions, right up until the very end of the story. Often she was willful and would not listen to reason, even holding on to evidence that proved she was Jewish. I liked the story very much, and I guess we all make unfortunate decisions at times, but others lives are usually not at stake. A suspenseful story, full of intrigue, heartbreak, hope, and the uncertain knowledge of what one would do to survive, and how you live with what you have done.

Show Less

LibraryThing member mayaspector

What a surprising book! Firstly, because it's by the author of the kids' Clementine series, which I love. Secondly, because she writes about an aspect of the Holocaust I was unaware of - the Lebensborn. These were German maternity homes for unwed mothers intended to increase the population of "The

Master Race." The novel tells the story of Cyrla, a half-Jewish gilr living with relatives in Holland, who decides to take the place of her dead cousin Anneke in the Lebensborn she was going to be sent to. A fasinating read about a young girl's choices in extremely difficult times.

Show Less

LibraryThing member silenceiseverything

I had a goal this year to read 100 books by December. And so as I reached book 99, I started to look for a book in my shelves to be number one hundred. You see I wanted my goal to end with a bang. And while some of the books I read this year were mere disappointments, I didn't want book 100 to end

up being one of those. So, I picked My Enemy's Cradle from my shelf. It killed two birds with one stone. Being my 100th book and satisfying one of my other goals which was to diminish the pile of books that I have had for more than a year.

My Enemy's Cradle didn't disappoint. I thought it was utterly amazing! I found myself feeling terrified for Cyrla with the danger she was in. This book had me enthralled and kept me turning the pages in record time. I was surprised that I actually liked the romance in the book. Usually I find myself not liking the romance in most adult books because it either comes out as cheesy or terribly contrived, but I thought the romance was intriguing and I found myself rooting for these two characters to make it through.

I actually had no idea about the Lebensborn Organization. And I love it when historical fiction books tell me about some part of history that I didn't know about, so that was a plus with this book. Anyway, if anyone is thinking about picking up this book, don't hesitate and just read it. It's a beautiful book with a fast pace and an intriguing main character that you root for until the end. This is definitely staying on my keeper shelf. No swapping for me.

Show Less

LibraryThing member bnbookgirl

I love when I learn things about history that I was unfamiliar with, or in this case totally oblivious of. The Lebensborn Organization was a home for girls who had gotten pregnant either by accident or on purpose, and their children were going to repopulate the Third Reichs future. I enjoyed the

protaganist Cyrla and her journey, the fears she faced being half Jewish, and her resiliance in this time of atrocities. It was interesting to follow her as she matured from the start of the novel to the end. One of my favorite Holocaust fiction stories is Jenna Blum's, Those Who Save Us, and I must say this one did not meet those expectations, but it came close. I did feel it was a bit predictable, but moved along at a nice pace. The story kept me interested. For those readers of Holocaust fiction this is a good choice because of the little known subject matter. A good title for book group discussions as well.

Show Less

LibraryThing member julie10reads

Yes, another WWII novel! My Enemy’s Cradle is a highly readable account of Himmler’s brainchild, the Lebensborn program: German maternity homes for the racially pure women who would give birth to future soldiers for the Reich.
Ms Young places a fictional heroine, Cyrla (does that look Welsh to

anyone else?) a half-Jewish Dutch woman, in one of these institutions and through her we hear the stories of the other expectant mothers and staff as well.

As I read, I checked the spine to see if this was a YA book. Officially it’s not, but the tone and pace give it that feeling. Just as well; the whole scheme is so creepy that I don’t think I could have handled a graphic/gritty telling.

I researched a bit more on the web and found that the Nazis did not stop at inseminating willing or unwilling women. They also kidnapped children from the countries they occupied and “Germanized” them.

In 1946, it was estimated that more than 250,000 were kidnapped and sent by force to Germany. Only 25,000 were retrieved after the war and sent back to their families.

During the ten years of the program’s existence, at least 7,500 children were born in Germany and 10,000 in Norway. from Jewish Virtual Library

Show Less

LibraryThing member Stembie3

I had never heard of Nazi Lebensborn before -- places where young German and girls from occupied countries went to give birth to "perfect German babies." Cyrla, a Polish-born Dutch girl of half Jewish parentage, goes to a Lebensborn in Hamburg after her cousin dies from a botched self-abortion.

There's a lot going on in this story on an emotional level, but not much action. In fact, once Cyrla reaches the home, there's a lot of inaction as she waits to be rescued by the Jewish father of her baby.

The writing reminds me of Girl with One Pearl Earring.

I got a little bored near the end, but on the whole, the story held my attention.

Show Less

LibraryThing member Sarah_Gruwell

3.5 Stars

The story for My Enemy's Cradle was very intriguing. I've never read a novel that centered on the Lebensborn program until now. And to have Jewish girl hiding in that setting?!?! Definitely a unique story. Once Cyrla got into the center, I was on pins and needles working my way through the

novel. I desperately wanted to know how, or even if, she survived the ordeal and what ever happened to her baby. The actual story was the strongest part of this novel. It sucks you in, all the way through to the end.

Now the characters? That's another story.... Pretty much most of them, I could live without. I thought Anneke was a flighty bit of fluff. Isaak was a cold SOB I wouldn't have put up with nearly the amount that Cyrla did. And Cyrla? Wwwweeelllll..... Her characterization pre-Lebensborn I found pretty awful. She's so hung up on her "love" for Isaak that almost nothing else registers. I found myself wishing for more depth something awful.

Yet, once she got into the Lebensborn program and was really on her own, I think her characterization improved over all. Besides burning hot and cold on Karl and making me want to smack her more than once, I found her to be far more "with the program" and have more depth of character. Being isolated in such surroundings, I think, helped her to find herself. She became smarter, more focused, and more aware of her environment, with all its inherent dangers.

The whole love story between Karl and Cyrla I actually found pretty sweet. It came with some heavy baggage, but in the end, they overcame it all to achieve a happy ending, post-war. I actually liked how realistically it was portrayed. The heavy guilt of their combined history, their backgrounds, and the hostile environment they were in provided obstacles they were able to overcome, strengthening their relationship in my eyes. It made the romance all the sweeter.

Overall, I found this book enjoyable. It had a captivating and unique story to tell and a sweet romance to divulge. Characterization was hit or miss, but at least the main character found herself for most of the book. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Holocaust fiction or fiction set in the domestic world of WWII. I'd recommend it if only for the portrayal of the Lebensborn world; I don't know of another novel that portrays it.

Show Less

LibraryThing member CarmenMilligan

This was a very easy book to read. And yet, it was a very difficult story to take in. The writing was exceptional, drawing me in from the beginning. The characters were very sympathetic and real and the situations in which each found themselves were harrowing.

I had no idea that there truly were

Lebensborn facilities during the war; but it makes perfect sense, knowing what we now know about how the Nazi regime thought and worked. The fact that these women had a place to go for excellent care and safety was a good thing, but the fact that many of these children were taken from the beginning to be raised as potential soldiers seemed as cold as a munitions factory. I was also saddened by the lack of physical contact for the babies, and wonder how that affected those who survived the war into adulthood.

I liked the characters immediately. Of course, Anneke and Cyrla were irritating as almost all late-teen girls are. They were perhaps to little too naive and full of wanderlust for the tone of the story, especially given Anneke's mother and father's stern dispositions, and Cyrla's difficult past. I would have thought that, realistically, they would have been more subdued and in touch with the reality of war. I became irritated over and and over by Cyrla's persistent refusal to see the danger she was in.

Karl and Isaac were excellent characters on both sides of the spectrum. One loving and forthright, a Nazi soldier. The other a Jew, but very stoic and stiff with people.

This was a very humanizing story and intriguing part of history that I want to learn more about. A great read, and highly recommended.

Show Less

LibraryThing member Bookish59

During the Nazi occupation, parents often sent their children to what they considered safer areas. Cryla's father sends her to her aunt, uncle and cousin's home in Holland where they are safe...but only briefly until Nazis arrive and change everything. Food, jobs, money becomes scarce, and soon

curfews and racial laws against Jews are implemented. Because Cyrla's father is Jewish, (but she is blond like her mother), the family has to be extra vigilant. Cryla is anxious because her uncle's behavior toward her has changed for the worse.

When Cyrla's beautiful and sweet older cousin Anneke comes home pregnant, the situation worsens. Her furious father makes plans to send her to one of the Nazi Lebensborn maternity homes for girls and women impregnated by Nazi soldiers. The women are fed well and their babies adopted out to loyal German families with the plan to increase Germany's future military. Some women choose to remain after giving birth to become impregnated again during periodical orgies held at these maternity homes.

When Anneke learns her boyfriend Karl has left Holland supposedly to return to his fiance she feels abandoned and devastated. Her father's frightening behavior and plans drive her to take an action that will change life for all of them forever.

My Enemy's Cradle is about Cyrla's coping with a horrific situation, forcing herself to maintain a calm exterior while experiencing deeply troubling feelings. But because she is young, smart and a naturally caring person, she is able to quickly grasp other people's feelings and situations, and provide friendship and support. She is trusted by some of the staff, and is able to carefully request unconventional favors.

Before long, she is challenged with a new set of circumstances that include Anneke's boyfriend Karl. Not trusting him, she uses her instincts to deal with him, and remains wary, careful and alert.

While frightening I was glad I read this and learned about the Lebensborn homes. I plan on learning more about this German program.

Show Less

Fewer