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The True Story of Hansel and Gretel summary
Brief summary
The True Story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy is a captivating historical fiction that reimagines the classic fairy tale in Nazi-occupied Poland. It follows the harrowing journey of two Jewish children and explores themes of resilience and the power of storytelling.
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The True Story of Hansel and Gretel
Summary of key ideas
The Unfolding of a Dark Tale
In The True Story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy, we are transported to the heart of the Second World War in Nazi-occupied Poland. Here, the story of Hansel and Gretel is reimagined, with two Jewish children, renamed Hansel and Gretel by their father, fleeing their home to escape the atrocities of the Holocaust. Their father and stepmother, unable to care for them, leave them in the woods, advising them to find their way to safety.
As they struggle to survive, they stumble upon the cottage of Magda, an enigmatic woman known as a witch. She takes them in, offering them refuge, and the children gradually begin to trust her. In the meantime, their father, a doctor, is forced to assist the Nazis in their war efforts, and their stepmother, a vain and selfish woman, is preoccupied with her own survival.
A Story of Survival and Sacrifice
As the war rages on, the siblings' survival becomes increasingly precarious. Their stepmother, driven by her own survival instincts, betrays them to the Nazis, leading to a series of tragic events. The children, who are eventually captured, are saved from certain death by the intervention of a German officer who is drawn to Gretel's beauty.
Meanwhile, Magda, who has been accused of harboring Jews, is tortured and sentenced to death. However, she manages to escape and returns to the cottage, only to find it burned to the ground. She then takes refuge in the woods, living off the land and nursing her wounds, both physical and emotional.
Redemption and the Power of Love
While their father, who has been forced to work in the concentration camps, grapples with his own guilt and moral dilemmas, Gretel and the German officer develop a complex, albeit forbidden, relationship. Their bond becomes a source of strength and hope for Gretel, who is determined to protect her brother at all costs.
As the war comes to an end, the siblings are reunited with their father and stepmother, who have also survived the horrors of the Holocaust. However, their reunion is bittersweet, overshadowed by the loss of Magda and the trauma they have endured.
Reflections on a Harrowing Past
In the aftermath of the war, the characters in The True Story of Hansel and Gretel are forced to confront the devastating impact of the Holocaust. Their experiences have left them scarred, and they struggle to come to terms with the choices they made and the actions they witnessed.
The novel concludes with a poignant reflection on the enduring power of love and the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the overwhelming darkness of their past, the characters find solace in the hope for a better future, one that is free from the horrors of war and persecution.
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What is The True Story of Hansel and Gretel about?
The True Story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy is a gripping and haunting novel that reimagines the classic fairy tale. Set in Nazi-occupied Poland, it tells the story of two Jewish children who escape into the forest and are taken in by a courageous woman. Filled with themes of survival, resilience, and the power of storytelling, this book offers a unique perspective on a familiar tale.
The True Story of Hansel and Gretel Review
The True Story of Hansel and Gretel (2003) by Louise Murphy is a gripping novel set during World War II, reimagining the classic fairy tale in a historical context. Here's why this book stands out:
- It offers a unique perspective on wartime hardships and resilience, blending fiction with historical events for a captivating narrative.
- The characters' emotional depth and moral dilemmas add complexity to the story, engaging readers on a profound level.
- With its haunting atmosphere and poignant themes of survival and sacrifice, this book ensures an immersive and thought-provoking reading experience.
Who should read The True Story of Hansel and Gretel?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction set during World War II
Those interested in reimagined fairy tales with a darker, more realistic twist
People who appreciate stories of resilience, survival, and the human spirit
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The True Story of Hansel and Gretel FAQs
What is the main message of The True Story of Hansel and Gretel?
The main message of The True Story of Hansel and Gretel revolves around resilience, survival, and the endurance of hope in dark times.
How long does it take to read The True Story of Hansel and Gretel?
The estimated reading time for The True Story of Hansel and Gretel is a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in minutes.
Is The True Story of Hansel and Gretel a good book? Is it worth reading?
The True Story of Hansel and Gretel is a compelling read, blending historical context with emotional depth. It's definitely worth picking up.
Who is the author of The True Story of Hansel and Gretel?
Louise Murphy is the author of The True Story of Hansel and Gretel.
What to read after The True Story of Hansel and Gretel?
If you're wondering what to read next after The True Story of Hansel and Gretel, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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