Customer Reviews

Abandoned and Forgotten: An Orphan Girl's Tale of Survival During World War II

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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This incredible book details the true survival story of a 9 year old girl orphaned in East Prussia, northeast Germany, at the end of WW2. Harrowing action, brilliant and sometimes heart-rendering trauma, and hilarious incidents give the book a fine page turning quality, the writing is also fast paced and of high quality given that English is the author's second language. It was a miracle that this little girl survived such tragedies as the invasion of the brutally vengeful Russian army, the reassigning of East Prussia to Poland for war reparations, much less the loss of both parents and her oldest brother. I cannot recommend this book enough. It is a work I will treasure and loan and give to friends for the rest of my life. This book comprises a slice of history seldom told from an eye witness to atrocities no less frightening than those engendered by Hitler's Nazi regime. For those of you who are not yet aware of the history of eastern Germany at the end of WW2 this book is a must.

Bill Schley, Author and Freelance writer

You won't forget this book, but you will recommend it to all your friends. From the first page, you are drawn into the world as seen through a little girl's eyes. And what she shares with you will make you realize that determination and an indomitable spirit can take even a small child through some terrible atrocities. The human spirit is truly an amazing thing, and sometimes courage is best exemplified by the words "never say die"....

Dr. Michael Clark

This memoir of growing up in East Prussia during World War 2 engaged me from the beginning through to the epilogue. She did not spare us any of the difficult parts but neither did she dwell on them. The story that emerges is rich in detail but balanced and sometimes funny. In the west we don't often get the perspective of Hitler from the German point of view. I have bought several copies of this book for my friends because I can't bear to loan them my copy.

This book is an excellent recount of what happened to forgotten victims of WWII. To see the developing end of the war in eastern Germany through the eyes of a young girl is truly unique and enlightening. From the normal days on this little girl's German farm in the early 1940's to her basic survival under the occupation of the Russian Army and eventual takeover by the Polish people, make this book a MUST READ. Many times I was unable to put this book down as I just HAD to know that this little girl was safe again. Factual, very descriptive, and well written makes Abandoned and Forgotten an excellent read.

This is an extrodinary recap of issues during the War. War is hell. This missive lets the reader understand better than the history books much of what actually happened to people.

Abandoned and Forgotten is a tribute to author, Evelyn Tannahill, and others like her, who survived personal tragedy and the horror of war during Hitler's invasion. Evelyn's affluent family never believed the war would reach them; certainly they did not envision being separated. Evelyn, the spoiled youngest child, must independently survive the harshness and brutality of war for several years until her eventual reunion with extended family members. Being personally acquainted with the author makes it almost impossible to reconcile this cruel childhood with the gentle and dignified author. Her autobiography resonates with the tragedy and triumph of the human spirit.

Abandoned and Forgotten is an amazing tale of survival during the last years of WWII in East Prussia. Told through a child's eyes, the author Evelyn Tannehill takes us on a journey showing us the horrors of war and the absolute cruelty that humans are capable of doing to fellow human beings, yet the compassion that we're capable of, as well. This book totally gripped me and broke my heart to read what this poor girl went through and survived. I met the author at a book signing and found her to be a lovely, gracious woman, so open to sharing her experiences.......no self-pity here. This book is a gift to us all and I highly recommend it

This amazing book is well written in a quick paced, exceptionally readable style. I found it difficult to put aside. It recounts the true story of a young German girl's survival in the province of East Prussia, Germany, toward the end of WWII. Her tumultuous world involved invasions by hostile peoples, becoming orphaned and serving as an ill-clad, starving slave laborer for a family now living in the very house where she had spent her early, idyllic childhood. Also, it provides insight into how innocent German people became victims of their tyrannical government, and the great suffering of survivors of the horrors of war. I treasure this book, am sharing it with friends, and highly recommend it to any thoughtful reader.
Ruth Dickerson, MD

This is a true story of a 9 year old German girl's survival during and immediately after World War II. It is very well written. The author's vivid memories, so many years later, bring the reader face to face with the horrible injustices and destruction caused by war. This book could provide the basis for a very moving film that wouldn't need gimmicks to make up for the lack of a realistic premise. The reality of her experience is completely evident and convincing as the reader is pulled along with her on her path of survival.

I bought this book having no idea how engaging it would be. I received the book yesterday afternoon, and today, the next day, I have finished it! I could not put this book down. This is an interesting book on a relatively unknown subject for most people. This is a part of history that many don't want to believe and have tried to sweep under the carpet. I would highly recommend this to anyone!