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Those Who Save Us summary
Brief summary
Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum is a powerful novel that weaves together the stories of a German woman and her daughter, exploring the complexities of love, survival, and the choices we make in wartime.
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Those Who Save Us
Summary of key ideas
Survival Amidst War
In Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum, the story begins in Weimar, Germany, in 1940. Trudy, a young girl, witnesses her mother, Anna, being forced into a relationship with a Nazi officer, the Obersturmfuhrer. Anna, a widow, has no choice but to comply to protect herself and Trudy. They live in constant fear and deprivation, with the Obersturmfuhrer providing them with food and protection in exchange for Anna's companionship.
As the war intensifies, Anna's life becomes even more unbearable. To survive, she makes tough decisions, including collaborating with the Nazis and working as a nurse in a nearby concentration camp. Meanwhile, Trudy grows up in this harsh environment, witnessing the horrors of the war and the suffering of the Jewish prisoners, experiences that shape her future.
Post-War Life
As the war draws to a close, Anna and Trudy's life takes a dramatic turn. They help a Jewish doctor, who has been hiding in the camp, to escape. After the liberation, they are accused of being Nazi collaborators, and Trudy is taunted as the daughter of a Nazi. They flee to the town of Weimar, where they are shunned by the townspeople, who believe Anna was a Nazi sympathizer.
Struggling to survive amidst the ruins of their country, Anna and Trudy's relationship becomes strained. Trudy is ashamed of her mother's past and wants to distance herself from it. Anna, on the other hand, is haunted by her wartime experiences and the choices she was forced to make. She keeps a box of mementos from her time with the Obersturmfuhrer, including a Nazi uniform, as a reminder of her survival.
A New Life in America
The story then jumps to 1997, where Trudy, now a professor of German history at a Minnesota university, is conducting a research project on the role of German women during the war. She decides to interview German women who lived through the war, including her mother. However, the interviews with her mother are fraught with tension, as Anna is reluctant to talk about her past.
As Trudy delves deeper into her research, she uncovers shocking truths about her mother's wartime activities. She learns that Anna was not just a victim, but also a perpetrator. Anna had a Jewish lover, who she hid, and she also participated in looting Jewish homes. Trudy is horrified by these revelations and struggles to reconcile them with her image of her mother.
Confronting the Past
Trudy's research takes her back to Germany, where she tries to piece together her mother's story. She visits the concentration camp where Anna worked as a nurse and meets survivors who knew her mother. Trudy also learns about her mother's relationship with the Obersturmfuhrer and the sacrifices she made to protect her daughter.
As Trudy confronts her mother with these new revelations, Anna finally opens up about her past. She explains the impossible choices she had to make to survive and protect Trudy. Anna's story humanizes her, and Trudy begins to understand and forgive her mother's actions. The novel ends with Trudy finding closure and a deeper connection with her mother, despite the painful truths she has uncovered.
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What is Those Who Save Us about?
Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum tells the gripping story of a German woman living in Nazi Germany and her daughter in present-day America. As the daughter uncovers her mother's hidden past, the novel explores themes of survival, sacrifice, and the choices we make in the face of adversity.
Those Who Save Us Review
Those Who Save Us (2004) tells the tale of a German mother and her daughter, grappling with the dark secrets of their wartime past. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Explores the complexities of human morality during WWII, shedding light on difficult choices and their lasting impacts.
- Interweaves a heart-wrenching mother-daughter relationship, adding emotional depth and complexity to the historical narrative.
- It keeps readers engaged with its gripping storyline and unexpected twists, ensuring a captivating read till the very end.
Who should read Those Who Save Us?
Readers who are interested in World War II history, particularly the experiences of German civilians
Individuals who enjoy emotionally complex and thought-provoking narratives
Those who appreciate stories that explore the complexities of human nature, including themes of guilt, survival, and redemption
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Those Who Save Us FAQs
What is the main message of Those Who Save Us?
The main message of Those Who Save Us is about love, sacrifice, and resilience during WWII.
How long does it take to read Those Who Save Us?
Reading Those Who Save Us takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is Those Who Save Us a good book? Is it worth reading?
Those Who Save Us is worth reading for its gripping WWII narrative and deep exploration of human emotions.
Who is the author of Those Who Save Us?
The author of Those Who Save Us is Jenna Blum.
What to read after Those Who Save Us?
If you're wondering what to read next after Those Who Save Us, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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