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92 of 93 found the following review helpful:
Hope for a Cynical World Apr 23, 2001
By The Rev. Dr. Daniel J. G. G. Block
Engrossing! I read this book in one sitting, because I could not bear to put it down. I'm not easily moved, but Ms. Opdyke's story of life as a young woman in Nazi occupied Poland moved me. I don't easily cry, but I shamelessly cried several times while reading this book.This is an inspiring tale of courage and resistence in the face of unambiguous evil. It is also the hope-filled story of grace found among the most surprising of individuals: two Soviet physicians consipring to help a young prisoner of war to escape; a Wehrmacht Officer's Club manager blithely feeding slave laborers with luxuries intended for the "master race;" a simple Ukranian priest openly preaching resistence; a Nazi officer sheltering Jews in the basement of his villa! Above all, this is a story of choices: a story of ordinary people immersed in a living hell, who chose to keep faith with each other, their ideals, their country, and their God. In a time when too many among us seek to avoid responsibility, here we find the story of a young woman who willingly took responsibility for herself and dozens of others. In a time when politicians conveniently twist "values education" to their own advantage, here we find the story of a woman whose religious and ethical heritage repeatedly demanded the best of her, even under the most dangerous of circumstances. Here we find a heroine on the order of Oscar Schindler or Raul Wallenburg. This life-affirming tale demonstrates that even under the most extreme circumstances, one righteous person can still change the world for the better. For that reason alone, this book is worth reading. If you have been wounded too often, and have become just a little too cynical about the world, read this book. If you enjoy a thrilling adventure story, laced with romance, read this book. If you want to inspire a child (especially a girl) to greater moral courage, read this book with her. If you wish to remember that glimmers of light shone through the darkness that engulfed the world from 1939 to 1945, read this book. Read this book.
44 of 45 found the following review helpful:
A True "Profile of Courage" May 27, 2000
By Stefanie Pawelczyk
I am so grateful for having read this book. It was deeply moving. I am a seventeen year old girl, as Irene was when the war began, and I cannot even imagine having to experience all of things she did....being raped, a mistress, etc. I admire this woman so much, her courage and determination are one in a billion. It's incomprehensible to know what she went through during those dreadful years, yet through it all her faith is what helped her to survive. I will never forget this book for as long as live...I've read so many books, and I have to admit that I think this one has truly moved me the most. I've read many Holocaust stories as well, but this had a profound effect on me. Please read this book--you'll gain not only a better insight of World War II and the Holocaust, but also how to appreciate life more and realize how much you take for granted.
28 of 28 found the following review helpful:
An extraordinary display of heroism and courage in adversity Sep 20, 1999
This short book is one of the more remarkable books on the Holocaust I have ever read. It details the life of one seemingly ordinary nursing student, thrown into adversity, who demonstrates extraordinary courage and heroism and humanity responding to the needs of a group of Jewish prisoners in her care. Against extraordinary odds, she manages to harbor the group in the basement of a house occupied by a Wehrmacht officer for whom she serves as housekeeper. The book is an easy read, written in a warm and direct style, very personal, and at the same time very intense. Reading this book helps answer some of the eternal questions about the survival of humanity in Nazi-occupied Europe, and is a must-read for students of the subject.
17 of 17 found the following review helpful:
"God Has Big Plans for your Daughter" Aug 24, 2005
By JMack
This quote begins Irene Gut Opdyke's tale of heroism and courage. The quote comes from the local minister after he learned the story of the family dog saving a young Irene from falling into the river. The priest's proclamation could not have come more true.
As a young adult in Poland, Irene's childhood ended with the Nazi invasion. Relocated from her family for her nursing skill, Irene was well traveled by the war's end. In the most unlikley of circumstances, Irene found herself as the housekeeper of a German officer. Just before this promotion, she had begun illegally sending food to the Jewish ghetto. So while working in the German officer's house, she took a bolder step. She hid several Jews in the cellar of the house. If she was caught, her execution would have been certain. She sacrificed dignity and humiliation in order to preserve the lives of those she protected. In a twist of fate, it was many of the same Jews that she helped survive the war that helped her to settle after the war.
It is often forgotten that many Germans and Europeans did not support the Nazis. With this in mind, many Christians were hiding Jews and helping them to survive until the fall of the Nazi regime. Because my own grandmother kept several Jews on her farm during the war in Poland, this book struck a personal chord in me. This is a side of the Holocaust and World War II that is not often told. For her bravery and her book, I commend Irene Gut Opdyke. Her story is so good, it is almost beyond belief.
25 of 27 found the following review helpful:
 An unforgetable story Feb 28, 2000
I have to say that I came upon this book by accident. I am an avid reader of WWII. I was completely impressed by the life of Irene. I could not put this book down and when I was done it made me yearn for more. The reason for the 4 star review, is that I felt that the book rushed to an ending and could have elaborated more on her partisan days. I could have read another 300 pages. This story had to be told and should be used as a teaching tool in all highschools. I would love to have a sequel to this compelling book. To the author, please bring us more of this lady's fascinating life. These stories must never be forgotten.
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