In 1939 when Helmut Siewert was five years old, Germany invaded Poland. Life changed dramatically for a young boy growing up in the shadow Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich. For the next five years, he and his family lived with a constant threat of war, devastating food shortages, and fearful uncertainties even though Helmut’s area of Prussia was spared the worst of it–until the Russian invasion during the winter of 1945. It was one of the coldest seasons on record for Europe when Helmut’s mother was forced to run. His father had been drafted by the German Army leaving his family to fend for themselves. Like many Prussians, Helmut, his mother and younger sister, waited to be rescued by the German government. They were to be evacuated before the Russian soldiers arrived–at least that’s what they were told. When no one came for them Helmut’s mother made a momentous decision to take her children, leave her home, and flee. Their journey was arduous and complex as they joined others who were also trying to stay one step ahead of the Russians who were out for the deadliest of vengeance. Stay and be killed or run and take your chances. This was their choice. The group combined to form a ‘wagon train’ of sorts where death claimed many as they traveled over icy grounds and frozen rivers. Helmut’s story is unique as we follow him from war torn Germany to the wrong side of the Iron Curtain and finally on to America where he lives now. It is a story of bravery, determination, and hard work. If you want to be inspired by one man’s journey, I highly recommend you read this book. Even though it falls under ‘historical fiction’, the vast majority is based on real people and real events. It is hard not to be touched by Helmut’s story. He is not to be admired just for his courage during wartime, but for the many accomplishments he made afterward. A remarkable man with a remarkable story!
