This is a remarkable book. It chronicles the lives of the author and her family in the years prior to, during, and after World War II, ending with the author's life today. The description of her family's escape from East Prussia into Allied territory is full of the details of the constant, hard work that filled their everyday lives and allowed them to survive. Their struggle continued as the German people faced difficult post war conditions, and each member of the family forged a different path. The author recounts all of these experiences and shares her thoughts about what those experiences have taught her about human activity and human resilience in the face of great adversity. This is a great read!
Suzanne
Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down!
What an awesome book of a Christian family's escape and journey from their home East Prussia and the approaching Russian army during the later part of World War Ii. Through God's interventions and protection their large family of eight escaped the bombing and bullets from enemy fire to safety. Read about their escape and kindness from total strangers and very kind-hearted people along their long journey by wagon trail. It wiil be hard to put this book down until it is finished. I would love to see this book put into a movie some day! J.C.
Jimmy C old school
Such a God-Centered, inspirational book of a family's struggles during World War Ii.
Hildegard will bring you back into another time along with her memories of a most inspiring story of challenges, trials, moments of happiness and most importantly true family love, all of which she has lived through on her incredibly life journey.
Amazon Customer
A Most Inspiring Momoir
This book is an amazing accounting of a family escaping East Prussia during WWII, staying just ahead of the Russian army, traveling across Germany to safety. The author’s writing style draws the reader into the story with her vivid descriptions of the surroundings; I found myself walking in the forests, through the fields and the streets. Not only was the book entertaining but very informative. It provides insight into pre and post WWI and WWII Germany from a unique and totally different perspective.
Ron D.
Gone With The World Wars, as enjoyable and interesting read.
A view through the stained glass windows of Hildegard Bonacker Bruni's life... Follow this large family as they escape from East Prussia during the wars and overcome many obstacles, while embracing the kindness of strangers and townspeople along the way. Through the dead of winter, hunger and many obstacles, Mrs. Bruni chronicles her family's new life and, as the war causes them to move forward, never to return to their homeland. The children grow into young adults and make their way through new lives while overcoming the loss of their home and worldly possessions. Through hard work, this brave family overcomes many obstacles both during and after the war, while awaiting word of their father, a POW. This book is a well-written, page-turner that you won't want to put down, as you hope for the best in the end. I hope it will be made into a movie worthy of the journey.
BK
A Beautiful and Moving Memoir
I was very impressed (and I read a lot of non-fiction.) This previously untold reality story of the family and friends of a very young refugee within war-torn Germany is from a personal and researched standpoint. It includes escaping from the WW2 war zone, surviving in the post-war remnants of Germany, arriving in the 'New World'-America, and building a completely new life. It was based on God, fate, happenstance, and personal choices and is quite dramatically rendered. The author's inspiring real-life story of overcoming real-life trials and tribulations provides a refreshing perspective of wisdom on 'the important things in life.' This work should really serve as a model of practical wisdom, hopefully in many languages. It exemplifies perseverance, overcoming insurmountable obstacles, and ultimately an ability to thrive. Longlasting Inspirations abound in this non-fiction work of literary art. I highly recommend it.
Davedoc
The exquisite detail is only exceeded by the engrossing personal true story of the survivors!