Defying the Nazis

The Sharps' War

By: Artemis Joukowsky

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

In 1939 Rev. Waitstill Sharp, a young Unitarian minister, and his wife, Martha, a social worker, accepted a mission from the American Unitarian Association: They were to leave their home and young children in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and travel to Prague, Czechoslovakia, to help address the mounting refugee crisis. Armed with only $40,000, the Sharps quickly learned the art of spy craft and covertly sheltered political dissidents and Jews and helped them escape the Nazis. After narrowly avoiding the Gestapo themselves, the Sharps returned to Europe in 1940 as representatives of the newly formed Unitarian Service Committee and continued their relief efforts in Vichy France.

This riveting true story offers listeners a rare glimpse at high-stakes international relief efforts during World War II. Defying the Nazis is a fascinating portrait of resistance as told through the story of one courageous couple.

©2016 Artemis Joukowsky (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A clear, unpretentious volume that justly celebrates a couple who risked all for others." ( Kirkus Reviews)

Very moving history.

Sad book, so much loss of life. A very good portrayal of what it must have been like both just to live through WWII and to resist the Nazies. Good reader. Corny accents though.

Excellent Book!! Unbelievable Sacrafice for Others

This couple sacrificed their family life to help others. What an amazing story of bravery!! Ordinary people that were chosen by their church to go and help, and they had to learn everything about getting past the Nazis and surviving, so that they could help others survive!!! We all should be this unselfish and honorable!!!! A gripping tale that you cannot put down!!!!