I was at the library looking for a break from the thrillers I had been reading. So that was a no-no to James Patterson, Michael Connelly, John Grisham, Robin Cook, Sandra Brown or Nora Roberts .. My current favorites. So what then? My eyes happened to fall on "The Girl from the Train". With the current state of affairs in the world today - the war, the economy, the immigrant crisis, this seemed liked the perfect book. So as the story goes ...
It is World War II and Little Gretl Schmidt, all of 6 years, is a survivor. Born and raised a German Jew she managed to escape what would have been a cruel fate at the Auchwitz. But she's paid a heavy price losing her grandmother and her sister in the bargain. Mercifully she is rescued by Jakob, a Polish Catholic, who pities the beautiful child he sees and he takes her under his wing. Three years fly by strengthening the special bond they share. But war is cruel and life is tough and Gretl must flee. By divine providence Jakob decides to send Gretl to South Africa, so she can stand a chance to be adopted by rich, Protestant families looking for German orphans. Being one of the lucky few - Gretl, now christened Grietjie, is blessed with a privileged life and is surrounded with people who love her - a father who adores her, a mother who treasures her, a brother who is a brother and a grandfather who loves her. A loving family, a sound education and a career she adores as a translator is more than one could ask for. But there is something missing - her heart yearns to meet Jakob, after all these years.
Time, distance, language, cultural barriers and faith are the impediments that could keep Gretl and Jakob apart. But will it? A story of courage and determination to fight all odds amidst all conflict.
For a moment here and coming to recent times, I would like to remember the little 3 year old Syrian boy, found washed up the shores of a Turkish beach, dressed in a red shirt and blue shorts .. An image splashed and embedded deep within, never to be forgotten. A lifetime of possibilities and hope lost to this world ...
Just to remember the song and the singer that touched innumerable lives . Here is to a better world - to happy people 👴👵, happy children 💑 and a happier world 🌏.
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| It's a rainy morning and I have the perfect book in my hand, hot coffee to go with it too. |
Time, distance, language, cultural barriers and faith are the impediments that could keep Gretl and Jakob apart. But will it? A story of courage and determination to fight all odds amidst all conflict.
For a moment here and coming to recent times, I would like to remember the little 3 year old Syrian boy, found washed up the shores of a Turkish beach, dressed in a red shirt and blue shorts .. An image splashed and embedded deep within, never to be forgotten. A lifetime of possibilities and hope lost to this world ...
Just to remember the song and the singer that touched innumerable lives . Here is to a better world - to happy people 👴👵, happy children 💑 and a happier world 🌏.
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