Things We Couldn't Say: A dramatic account of Christian resistance in Holland during WWII [Paperback]

Diet Eman (Author), James Schaap (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 25, 2008

This is the true story of Diet Eman, a young Christian woman who joined the resistance movement in the Netherlands during WWII. Together with her fiance' and other Dutch men and women, "Group Hein" risked their lives to save the lives of Jews who were in danger of becoming victims of Hitler's "final solution."

Things We Couldn't Say is an endearing and moving love story that occurs in the midst of extreme danger and often unbearable circumstances and loss. Before the war ends, Eman, her fiance', and several in their group are arrested and sent to concentration camps - many of them lose their own lives.

This story will help us remember a time in history that should not be forgotten and will inspire us to live more courageously and stand for what is right, doing so by the power and grace of God. Things We Couldn't say is a beautiful illustration of II Corinthians 12:9, which states: "And he [the Lord] said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Diet Eman lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Today, at 88 years old, she continues to speak to groups and on radio about her experiences during WWII.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Lighthouse Trails Publishing; 1st Lighthouse Trails Edition edition (August 25, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 097913157X
• ISBN-13: 978-0979131578
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #323,315 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Poignant account of Dutch courage and heroism during WW II, January 9, 2009

By 

Z Hayes (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Things We Couldn't Say: A dramatic account of Christian resistance in Holland during WWII (Paperback)

I had watched "Making Choices", a compelling documentary of Dutch resistance during WW II and was immensely touched by Diet Eman's story of selfless heroism. I knew I had to read more about her WW II experiences, and this book does that and more. It truly encapsulates how people of faith, the Dutch Christians who joined the Resistance put their own lives at great risk in order to save countless numbers of Jews fleeing the Nazis during WW II.

Diet's story is poignant and you get a sense of the immense faith and courage this lady possesses - she was only a young woman in her late teens when she undertook these heroic acts. Her fiance was also a young man of faith and courage - and I was saddened at his ultimate fate - but his words to Diet in a final letter written to her before he was transported to a German concentration camp is bittersweet - in it he affirms his love for Diet and also says he has no regrets. Diet carries that note with her till this day and uses in education classes about the war.

A must-read book for all those interested in the Dutch Resistance movement during WW II and also the Holocaust.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful Story, October 26, 2008

By 

Charles Slinkman "Slinlk749" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Things We Couldn't Say: A dramatic account of Christian resistance in Holland during WWII (Paperback)

A powerful story about a wonderful person. The book is great and true. I had the chance to hear Diet speak last month and her story is as powerful now as it was when she lived through it. A true love story, a powerful testimony to the many that worked to help others in WW2. If you have the chance to read this book, do not pass it up. It will move you.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Harrowing and inspiring, October 14, 2008

By 

James R. Eitel "Trane Lover" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Things We Couldn't Say: A dramatic account of Christian resistance in Holland during WWII (Paperback)

Diet Eman was in the Dutch resistance when the Nazi's occupied the Netherlands. As a 19 year old, she 'smuggled' Jews to safe houses under the noses of the Nazis. Later, she moved them on trains to the countryside, even more risky. A very important aspect of WWII history, inspiring.