24 Hours: The Trade

Based on true events - a companion novella to 47 Days: The True Story of Two Teen Boys Defying Hitler's Reich

Solingen, Germany, December 19, 1944: Günter has had it-he is starving. After the bombing of his hometown, even the few food rations, they were getting, are no longer available. On the eve of his sixteenth birthday, he and his friend, Helmut, come across a battalion of returning German soldiers. One offers them his downtrodden military horse, if they can trade civilian clothes. Günter immediately agrees, even if he doesn't quite know where to find something suitable. All he wants is the horse, which means survival for him, his mother and little brother. He and Helmut set out on a treacherous night excursion-getting caught, means certain execution.

Based on my father's memories as a youth in World War II, 24 HOURS explores what a person is willing to do to survive. In December of 1944, the war had been raging for more than five years and most civilians were famished. My father saw a chance to fill his stomach and took it. The task of doing so would bring him to the edge of his abilities. But true hunger overcomes just about any obstacle, no matter how dangerous or cruel it may seem to our modern-day sensitivities.

1144446706
24 Hours: The Trade

Based on true events - a companion novella to 47 Days: The True Story of Two Teen Boys Defying Hitler's Reich

Solingen, Germany, December 19, 1944: Günter has had it-he is starving. After the bombing of his hometown, even the few food rations, they were getting, are no longer available. On the eve of his sixteenth birthday, he and his friend, Helmut, come across a battalion of returning German soldiers. One offers them his downtrodden military horse, if they can trade civilian clothes. Günter immediately agrees, even if he doesn't quite know where to find something suitable. All he wants is the horse, which means survival for him, his mother and little brother. He and Helmut set out on a treacherous night excursion-getting caught, means certain execution.

Based on my father's memories as a youth in World War II, 24 HOURS explores what a person is willing to do to survive. In December of 1944, the war had been raging for more than five years and most civilians were famished. My father saw a chance to fill his stomach and took it. The task of doing so would bring him to the edge of his abilities. But true hunger overcomes just about any obstacle, no matter how dangerous or cruel it may seem to our modern-day sensitivities.

7.99 In Stock
24 Hours: The Trade

24 Hours: The Trade

by Annette Oppenlander
24 Hours: The Trade

24 Hours: The Trade

by Annette Oppenlander

Overview

Based on true events - a companion novella to 47 Days: The True Story of Two Teen Boys Defying Hitler's Reich

Solingen, Germany, December 19, 1944: Günter has had it-he is starving. After the bombing of his hometown, even the few food rations, they were getting, are no longer available. On the eve of his sixteenth birthday, he and his friend, Helmut, come across a battalion of returning German soldiers. One offers them his downtrodden military horse, if they can trade civilian clothes. Günter immediately agrees, even if he doesn't quite know where to find something suitable. All he wants is the horse, which means survival for him, his mother and little brother. He and Helmut set out on a treacherous night excursion-getting caught, means certain execution.

Based on my father's memories as a youth in World War II, 24 HOURS explores what a person is willing to do to survive. In December of 1944, the war had been raging for more than five years and most civilians were famished. My father saw a chance to fill his stomach and took it. The task of doing so would bring him to the edge of his abilities. But true hunger overcomes just about any obstacle, no matter how dangerous or cruel it may seem to our modern-day sensitivities.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9783948100506
Publisher: Oppenlander Enterprises LLC
Publication date: 12/05/2023
Pages: 92
Product dimensions: 5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.19(d)
Age Range: 13 - 18 Years

About the Author

Annette Oppenlander is an award-winning writer, literary coach and educator. As a bestselling historical novelist, Oppenlander is known for her authentic characters and stories based on true events, coming alive in well-researched settings. Having lived in Germany the first half of her life and the second half in various parts in the U.S., Oppenlander inspires readers by illuminating story questions as relevant today as they were in the past. Oppenlander's bestselling true WWII story, Surviving the Fatherland, received eight nominations/awards. Uniquely, Oppenlander weaves actual historical figures and events into her plots, giving readers a flavor of true history while enjoying a good story. Oppenlander shares her knowledge through writing workshops at colleges, libraries, festivals and schools. She also offers vivid presentations and author visits. The mother of fraternal twins and a son, she now lives with her husband and mutt Zelda in Germany.
From the B&N Reads Blog
Page 1 of

Customer Reviews