Customer Reviews
A wonderfully written memoir 
2007-08-10
In my hands is a wonderfully written account of the difference "only one girl" can make. Irene Opdyke lived 7 years through the war and was subjected to many wrong doings herself, but she continued to put herself in mortal danger without thought to herself for the sake of saving the lives of a group of Jews.
A very important book in helping to teach the next generation of the horror of the second world war, but also in teaching us that one person can make a great deal of difference to the lives of others.
Amazing Polish Perspective 
2007-07-15
I've read a good number of books on World War II, but this one had tons of new information and thoughts to consider. We often look at the issues from the perspective of Germans, Jews, or Americans, but rarely do we ponder how the war must have been for the Polish. If you're interested in World War II, this is a must-read.
Extraordinary biography and memior 2007-07-14
of what Poland went through during the occupation of the Germans and Russians. I checked this book out at the library for our WWII unit study to read to my family. It is not for the faint of heart. There are many situations in this book that I did have to leave out because Irene tells the whole truth. It is a great book and needs to be read by all. Courage always takes the hard road but thank God there are those in our midst willing to stand up for those that can't.
Irena is my hero 2007-07-10
This is my favorite book about the Holocaust because even though it Irena is honest about the horrors of what the Nazis and the rest of the civilians did, her story ends with strong hope. The way she gambled her life over and over again and took such amazing risks is a brilliant inspiration to us all. Irena really is one of the righteous among the nations for what she did to save her Jewish friends. She stuck to her faith and her convictions in the face of death. This is greater than any work of fiction; no author could have dreamed up the adventures and horrors she endured, from her rape and incarceration to her involvement in the Polish resistance, she is a fighter and a survivor. She has led such an astounding life! If every person who saw what the Nazis were doing had stood up and made the kind of sacrifices she did, the holocaust would have been stopped. Out of all the literature I have read regarding the shoah, this is the one I hold most dear; Irena is my hero.
Response to Mr. "Truthteller's" review - what an ironic name 2007-06-13
How catty (and ingenious) to call this "historical fiction" and then praise it as well written. It is in fact a memoir and for the reviewer to rename it fiction and then praise it so as not to look biased is downright nasty.
This is a serious piece of history and should be treated as such.
Loved it so much got the book and the audio book. 2008-06-02
First I listened to the book on audio. I liked it so much I got the book a year later andit it. Amazing story of survival. Hiding right in a Nazi officers home. WOW. What courage.
A must read for those who what to never forget.
Uplifting to what we can and will do for others when we have to.
Much better than "On Hitler's Mountain" 2008-04-08
Whereas the novel I mentioned in my title left me feeling cold (not to mention the author was a small child when she writes about her experiences, which must be grainy), this powerful account is simply written, but also written well. It's deliciously descriptive and emotional. I felt like I did walk in Irene's shoes, for I saw everything through her eyes (true, it was written in first-person point-of-view), instead of like watching a movie.
By the way, I think this would make a great film, though I am not sure if there is an actress beautiful enough to play Irene (who really should be played by a young, unknown girl, age appropriate, not a trashy pop starlet, who would degrade).
Through it all (being raped by two Russian soldiers and left for dead, becoming a German officer's mistress to protect her Jewish friends, etc.), Irene maintains an innocence that is refreshing, and when she loses her first truelove before they have a chance to marry, it broke my heart.
I will say I have an even dimmer view of the Catholic Church than I did before (not Catholics in general, just some of the politics of the religion), because when Irene goes to a priest to confess being a German's lover to save the lives of her friends, he says, "They are Jews", and I could actually hear the inflection in his voice that said, "They're just Jews", like they weren't worth saving. This un-Christlike priest refuses to give her absolution, which, from a doctrinal standpoint I understand, but not from a spiritual standpoint. Yes, Irene was sinning, but she was not committing crimes against humanity, and I believe my God is a merciful and just God and that He understands for He can see Irene's soul.
This deeply religious, courageous woman has earned my respect and her chronicle is hardcover worthy.
A book for both Mothers and Teen Daughters 2008-03-31
My 14-year-old daughter read this book and insisted that I read it. When I finally agreed, I could not put the book down. The story is so well told that you can can truly understand the experience of a 17-year-old girl in the midst of the horrible events. A compelling book that everyone should read and discuss.
inispirational person 2008-02-02
I often think of this woman in my day to day life. She serves as a testament to all mankind that we must put others first and fight for the just cause. What she went through herself is quite harrowing. I am happy that she has been honored with a tree planted in her name at Yad Vashem in Israel. An easy read and a book that you cannot put down. She is truly inspirational.
Interesting right through the very end. 2007-08-13
Unlike most characters featured in such books, Irene Opdyke had no vested interest in helping the Jews during the Nazi occupation of Poland. She began her work in small, timid steps, gradually growing more bold and forceful as she matured. The story is told in an entirely credible and sympathetic way, without forcing young readers to wade though long narratives of graphic atrocities. I found the afterward to be the most moving and memorable part of the entire book.
