Wildflowers of Terezin

Given the nature of the historical events in this novel, it’s almost a given that the story would be gripping and dramatic. The author doesn't fail to deliver in this very engaging look at Denmark during WWII and the rescue of its Jews. The action doesn't wait to happen; the story opens on a showdown between Resistance and Germans, with poor Steffen caught in the crossfire. From that introduction, the story just keeps picking up steam with intense dashes across the sea to Sweden for Denmark’s Jews, heartbreak when those rescues fail, and the discovery of one’s self in a country controlled by tyranny. I thoroughly enjoyed how the author was able to keep the suspense up throughout the entire work.

Steffen and Hanne were fantastic show more characters. Filled with depth and character, I felt like they were very real and changed with the events as they happened. Steffen found his brand of resistance within religion and preaching out against the Germans. Hanne stayed to help with the rescue efforts and as a result became caught up in the danger herself. The changes in her spirit as the relentlessness of the Holocaust bore down on her was heart-breaking to read at times.

I enjoyed how the author handled their relationship. I was wondering how that would all work out, he being a Lutheran preacher and she a Jew, if not a very observant one. But it was handled with skill and a delicacy I enjoyed. I didn't feel like Steffen was ever forcing religion onto Hanne nor conversion, which is a trap I could see an author falling into very easily. The Christian elements were very much there, between philosophical discussions and inner reflections. Yet, they didn't interfere with this very beautiful relationship that developed between Hanne and Steffen. I liked how they found a reason to fight on and inspire each other.

There were some issues with minor characters. I felt that, at times, they were flat stereotypes or inconsistent characterizations that plagued the overall story tone. Henning flip-flopped between berating his brother for not doing enough and then he gets all pissy when Steffen actually does start resisting in his way. I can see where maybe he’s concerned for his brother and just doesn't know how to channel that. Yet, always doing this? Never coming to grips with Steffen’s activities? Then, there’s Aron, the stereotypical schmuck of a fiance-type figure who believes everyone should do what he says and doesn't feel the slightest bit of guilt in sacrificing everyone else for his safety. More than once I wished he’d fallen into the Baltic and drowned…

For a Christian fiction that handles a delicate subject matter like the Holocaust, I felt this novel does a admirable job. It’s a dramatic story with two main characters I grew to love and admire. Their relationship was beautiful to watch develop and mature. The Christian themes were handled with taste and didn't overshadow the story itself. And while there were issues with some of the secondary characters, I feel I could definitely recommend this novel to lovers of WWII-themes historical fiction. It’s truly a good book. show less

'Wildflowers of Terezin' by Robert Elmer was a great surprise. I say that because it was a free e-book. Now I feel a little bit guilty that I didn't have to buy it! I hope that Robert Elmer writes more adult historical fiction in the future.

Even though this book is fiction, Robert Elmer writes that the places are real and many of the situations like the Danish Underground like using an ambulance to rescue Jewish citizens were real. I picked this book out to read because I love to read about the underground groups during wars. Books like this always encourage me to think that even when the situation is abominable, you can still do something to help. This book is set during WWII and in Denmark and a concentration camp in Czechoslovakia. show more

Pastor Steffen Arne Petersen goes about his own business at the beginning of the story while his brother is actively involved in the Danish underground. But something changes him, he makes a visit to the local hospital to see a parishioner and he is captivated by a Jewish nurse. The news gets out that there were be a round up by Jews on a day that they will be home because it is a Jewish holiday. Pastor Steffen gets involved in sneaking them away and spreading the news.

Nurse Hanne Abramsen is the Jewish nurse, she always thinks of her family and her patients first but she starts to feel affection for the Lutheran pastor. She insists that she is safe from the roundup because she works for the hospital but eventually falls into the hands of the Nazis. There are several scary meetings for both the nurse and the pastor with the Nazis.

This book is a little predictable but I confess that I liked that because I loved the two main characters so much! I was completely on their side. I have left out a lot of memorable characters but I am hoping that you will read this book.

The bonus in this book is picking up a few words of Danish.

I really enjoyed reading this book and learning about the Danish underground and recommend it for all who like to read World War II historical fiction. show less

Maybe I couldn't get more than five chapters into this book because I've been recently spoiled by the beauty of "The Trees" (by Conrad Richter), but no matter what the reason, I ditched this book quickly. It was nothing but tripe, clichéd, unoriginal, vapid, hackneyed, banal, formula romance, with a plot that I could see a mile from the first mention of how the Jewish nurse noticed the nice teeth of her Christian patient.

Maybe it gets a little better, but life is too short to find out...

Ok story. Definitely worth the extra time I stayed up reading it the last two nights. This makes me want to read about the Danish Resistance during WWII.

It was an enjoyable read. The first half was riveting but the second became predictable and spend by quickly. That being said, you get the ending you want, so it did make it worthwhile

Free on Kindle. Spoilers. It was OK. I worry that she was supposed to be seeing the wonders of Jesus at a few points. Probably the book was soft and romantic. But I liked the characters and the story was interesting.

have ebook version