Gertrude’s Oath is an interesting tale which personalizes the WWII experience. It described a family’s journey from riches to dealing with the war. I especially liked the modern glimpses of Michael’s life to give you a perspective of what the journey led to. One thing which isn’t emphasized enough, in my opinion, was the story of SS officer Karl Rink. I was fascinated by his story as well and how he could justify his personal and professional lives.
I second the thoughts that perhaps due to the translation, the story/language seemed a bit simplistic. Overall however, it was a valuable story to emphasize and I quite enjoyed it. ( )

Gertruda's Oath is a fictionalized true story of, Gertruda, a polish peasant, and Michael Stolowitzy, a young jewish boy. The events of this story are set during the Holocaust. In the beginning of the story, Gertruda becomes a nanny to Michael. But as the story progresses the relationship between the boy and the nanny is one of love and devotion.

Michael's mother, on her death bed, insists Gertruda promise that she will take care of Michael, and get him to safety in Palestine.
This in essence is the detailed telling of their trials and tribulations during their travels to Palestine. It's also a tribute to Gertruda, for the love, devotion, and determination, in saving Michael.

by Emerald ( )

Poignant and heart breaking, my heart seemed to break just a little more with each chapter. The interconnecting stories truly come together to show just how each persons actions effect not only them but perhaps the entire world. ( )

I'm no great fan of creative non-fiction in general, especially when the author was not present in any of the events, instead just piecing together someone else's story. More often than not, I give up after a few chapters, because I can't stand any more of the "or so he might have said" sort of back-pedaling which these authors unfortunately tend to revert to and the passages of description (most irritatingly of personalities as well as objects and physical characteristics) obviously based on grainy black and white photos.

In Gertruda's Oath, Ram Oren does not employ this type of narration, instead presenting his story novelistically, inventing thoughts and dialogues which he doesn't seem likely to have sources for. And personally this didn't bother me in the least. Occasionally I did wonder how much of the tale is a fiction, but that did not spoil the verisimilitude of the book, and the facts all seem true to the accounts (historical as well as biographical) that I've read so far on the subject. Ultimately, I do recommend the book quite highly both to readers interested in the Jewish experience during World War II as well as to a more general audience wanting a realistic introduction to Holocaust accounts without particularly emphasis on the brutalities involved.

I got this book as an early reviewers copy. I don't know why but I really struggled with this book. I wanted to connect with the story of the people in it but wasn't able to. I'm hoping to try to take a second pass at in in the coming weeks. ( )