The Winter Orphans

By: Kristin Beck

Narrated by: Lisa Flanagan

A poignant and ultimately triumphant novel based on the incredible true story of children who braved the formidable danger of guarded, wintry mountain passes in France to escape the Nazis, from the acclaimed author of Courage, My Love.

Southern France, 1942

In a remote corner of France, Jewish refugee Ella Rosenthal has finally found a safe haven. It has been three years since she and her little sister, Hanni, left their parents to flee Nazi Germany, and they have been pursued and adrift in the chaos of war ever since. Now, they shelter among one hundred other young refugees in a derelict castle overseen by the Swiss Red Cross.

Swiss volunteers Rösli Näf and Anne-Marie Piguet uphold a common mission: to protect children in peril. Rösli, a stubborn and resourceful nurse, directs the colony of Château de la Hille, and has created a thriving community against all odds. Anne-Marie, raised by Swiss foresters, becomes both caretaker and friend to the children, and she vows to do whatever is necessary to keep them safe.

However, when Germany invades southern France, safeguarding Jewish refugees becomes impossible. Château de la Hille faces unrelenting danger, and Rösli and Anne-Marie realize that the only way to protect the eldest of their charges is to smuggle them out of France. Relying on Rösli's fierce will and Anne-Marie's knowledge of secret mountain paths, they plot escape routes through vast Nazi-occupied territory to the distant border. Amid staggering risk, Ella and Hanni embark on a journey that, if successful, could change the course of their lives and grant them a future.

What a story!

I really enjoyed this story based on true events of Jewish children in Nazi occupied France. The courage displayed by their caretakers & the children themselves was awe inspiring. An excellent book & story!

Heartbreaking

An amazing story of both tragedy and incredible courage. I can only hope through the telling of these stories that no one ever has to endure anything like this again. Unfortunately war still continues in our world and it’s the innocent that pay the price.

WWII about women and children’s

Great ww2 historical fiction.
Different twist that shows the discrepancy of the different countries and of course religions.

Devastation of War

This story shared the tragic results of WW11. The children who were left on their own and became orphans, fighting for survival. One moment I remember, two teenagers are being shot at by Greman soldiers while trying to escape them. This book was very well written and I recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Incredible story

This was gripping and heart wrenching, yet the efforts at keeping this fictional story as true to life as possible or not lost. Thank you for bringing this portion of history back to life.