At just six years old, Gretl escapes with her sister from a train bound for Auschwitz. Having been sheltered by a Polish freedom-fighter, after the war she is sent away to a new life in apartheid-era South Africa. There she faces new prejudices, and, eventually, the prospect of a transcending...
At just six years old, Gretl escapes with her sister from a train bound for Auschwitz. Having been sheltered by a Polish freedom-fighter, after the war she is sent away to a new life in apartheid-era South Africa. There she faces new prejudices, and, eventually, the prospect of a transcending love.
**A sweeping international love story that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit over the inhumanities of war and prejudice.**
Six-year-old Gretl and her sister jump from a train bound for Auschwitz, her mother and grandmother unable to squeeze between the bars covering the windows. The daughter of a German soldier, Gretl understands very little about how her grandmother's Jewishness brought her first to the ghetto, then to the train, and now, to the Polish countryside where she wanders, searching for food and water for her dying sister.
Soon, Gretl finds refuge with Jakob, a Polish freedom fighter, and his family, where she is sheltered until the end of the war. Gretl is then sent away to a new life, a new name, and a new faith in Apartheid-era South Africa. As she comes of age in this strange place, she confronts its prejudices as she hides the truth of her past from her new family.
When Jakob makes his way to South Africa many years later, Gretl and Jakob are reunited in a love story that transcends time and distance and survives the ravages of hatred and war.
At just six years old, Gretl escapes with her sister from a train bound for Auschwitz. Having been sheltered by a Polish freedom-fighter, after the war she is sent away to a new life in apartheid-era South Africa. There she faces new prejudices, and, eventually, the prospect of a transcending...
At just six years old, Gretl escapes with her sister from a train bound for Auschwitz. Having been sheltered by a Polish freedom-fighter, after the war she is sent away to a new life in apartheid-era South Africa. There she faces new prejudices, and, eventually, the prospect of a transcending love.
**A sweeping international love story that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit over the inhumanities of war and prejudice.**
Six-year-old Gretl and her sister jump from a train bound for Auschwitz, her mother and grandmother unable to squeeze between the bars covering the windows. The daughter of a German soldier, Gretl understands very little about how her grandmother's Jewishness brought her first to the ghetto, then to the train, and now, to the Polish countryside where she wanders, searching for food and water for her dying sister.
Soon, Gretl finds refuge with Jakob, a Polish freedom fighter, and his family, where she is sheltered until the end of the war. Gretl is then sent away to a new life, a new name, and a new faith in Apartheid-era South Africa. As she comes of age in this strange place, she confronts its prejudices as she hides the truth of her past from her new family.
When Jakob makes his way to South Africa many years later, Gretl and Jakob are reunited in a love story that transcends time and distance and survives the ravages of hatred and war.
I loved this novel - right up there with the best I have ever read. Irma Joubert is a beautiful writer and Girl From The Train is a nice feel good story
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Anonymous
I recommend this product
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
6 years ago
Great story but lacked clear spiritual direction
Whilst I loved reading this historial fiction book, I was disappointed with the spiritual direction of the book. I felt it was leading the reader somewhere, however that somewhere never eventuated. I came away not really knowing with clarity what the author was trying to say. Great read if you're not so interested in the spiritual content.
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Anonymous
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
8 years ago
Well worth it
I loved this book. It was one that you can't put down. You feel as though the characters (Gretl and Jakob) are your own family and that you know love them well. I have re-read it and also purchased some to give as gifts. I would highly recommend reading it to anyone who enjoys a good novel filled with suspense, but based on truth.
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Anonymous
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
8 years ago
BEAUTIFUL
This is definitely worth a read! I LOVED IT. It is beautifully written and a pleasure to read. I think it is the sort of story that you remember long after you've finished it. Highly recommend.
