The Willow Wren by Philipp Schott

 Seen through the eyes of a 10-year-old child, the author takes us through war-torn Germany. Ludwig Schott was a shy, introspective child whose father was a fervent Nazi, who was in charge of his region. Both he and his brother were given no choice but to attend a Nazi Youth camp until the Russians and Americans defeated Germany. With their father in prison, their mother kept the six children alive until they were able to escape to the west. This is the family’s story.

A fascinating story of perseverance and hope in the darkest days of the last century. The author is the son of Ludwig and uses his father’s memory and historical interviews to bring that time to life from a perspective rarely heard. Most stories are told by the conqueror, but this is told elegantly by a survivor.

An excellent tale.