Portraits of a Soldier

The Extraordinary Life of Jon Lippens

By: Jon Lippens

Narrated by: Mark Deakins

At age 13, most boys are finding trouble in all its infinite forms. In 1939, 13-year-old Jon Lippens’ worst troubles found him in a predawn Nazi invasion that left his hometown of Ghent, Belgium, enveloped in mass death and destruction. His childhood ended that day.

Jon’s life thereafter was a series of traumatic events and close scrapes with death. He resisted Hitler Youth recruiters and avoided being sent to death in a labor camp, disappearing into the Belgian Underground Resistance, where he ultimately joined the Allied effort. Jon was witness to unspeakable horrors and suffering, but those years of clandestine struggles taught him not only how to survive but how to fight back.

Life in postwar Europe was a struggle, and ultimately Jon was able to emigrate to the United States, eventually settling in Texas. The horrors of World War II and his part in it still dogged his memories, but Jon learned to make peace with his past through painting and mapmaking. His artistic talent kept his belly full while newfound faith kept his soul alive. As he aged, Jon turned from his haunting memories to create beauty with his paintbrush. At once a remarkable hero and a very modest man, he finally decided, as his life neared its conclusion, to share his unparalleled story of survival and healing—a story largely unknown until now.

©2018 J.W.Wilson (P)2022 J.W.Wilson

An Extraordinary Life Indeed

Having had the great privilege of knowing Jon Lippens, this books rings true to life. Mark Deakins captures Jon's spirit so well, that I was transported back in time as if I walked alongside Jon in his journey through life. Jon was an extroadinary man, and this audio book is one of the best I have ever heard.