Facing The Lion: Memoirs of a Young Girl in Nazi Europe [Hardcover]

Simone Liebster (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 28, 2000

Simone Arnold is an ordinary French schoolgirlspirited and stubborn. Then the Nazis march in, demanding complete conformity. Friends become enemies. Teachers spout Nazi propaganda. School officials recruit for the Hitler Youth. Simone'ss family refuses to hail Hitler as Germany's savior. They are Jehovah's Witnesses, and they reject Nazi racism and violence. The Nazi Lion makes them pay the price.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Their courage is among the few truly bright moral examples during those dark times." -- John K. Roth, Russell K. Pitzer Professor of Philosophy, Claremont McKenna College; co-author, Different Voices: Women and the Holocaust; and Approaches to Aushwitz: The Holocaust and Its Legacy

...a shining example for the power of the spirit to triumph over evil... -- Ernst Rodin, author, War & Mayhem: Reflections of a Viennese Physician

As Simone's daily life changes ... we see, with her, the corrupting impact of German occupation. -- Christine E. King, President Staffordshire University, United Kingdom

From the Back Cover

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 418 pages
• Publisher: Grammaton Press LLC (April 28, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967936659
• ISBN-13: 978-0967936659
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (57 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #756,976 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

83 of 83 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An important and inspiring book!, September 30, 2001

By 

richard gibble (elizabethtown, pa United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Facing The Lion: Memoirs of a Young Girl in Nazi Europe (Hardcover)

This book paints a portrait of life under Nazi rule that most people would otherwise never see. We are all aware of the treatment of the jews in world war II but this is the first book I've read concerning the treatment of Jehovah Witness's during this time. I knew very little about their faith when I started reading this book and even less about how they were treated by the Nazis.

This book was not only informative but the story is very compelling and very hard to put down. The writer has a wonderful writing style and many times I felt I was actually reading the thoughts of this young girl as she struggled on a daily basis with her life as a prisoner while at the same time tried as best she could to live a life that her faith required.

74 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you liked Anne Frank, you'll love Simone Liebster!, July 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Facing The Lion: Memoirs of a Young Girl in Nazi Europe (Hardcover)

This excellent auto-biography provides a glimpse into the life and trials of a girl and her family who found themselves facing the wrath of Hitler. As members of the Jehovah's Witnesses, they refused to support Hitler's war machine and so the Nazis vowed to exterminate the group. Persecuted for their beliefs, not for their ethnicity, this story tells of Simone's quiet fight for right. Sustained by her hope and faith, she overcame opposition of the strongest kind and has found the strength and courage to share her story. For anyone who loved Anne Frank, this is a must read!

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Facing the Lion : Memoirs of a Young Girl in Nazi Europe, October 23, 2000

By 

"zingles" (Omaha, NE) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Facing The Lion: Memoirs of a Young Girl in Nazi Europe (Hardcover)

A fascinating read. Never wanted to put it down. The life experience of not only a young girl dealing with the Nazi regime, but the experience of someone standing up for their beliefs, no matter what the cost. Also, this book shows the importance parents play in the moral and character development of a child. We learn that Simone, even at an early age, could not only identify truth, but make a solid decision to hold firm to what is right even though it meant persecution for herself and her family. There's much one will discover about themselves as they read this book. Definitely add this to your list and your children's list of "must read" books!