Reviews - Reflections - The Story of Dorothy Swanson
Sam Uhl - CheerfulWord.com
"Dorothy Swanson gives us light and hope having lived through the horrors of WWII as a child and a meandering life as a military wife. Reflections is a gripping read; you will fall in love with Dorothy's courage, perseverance, and joy for living. A book to enlighten and encourage us all."
Tim Heath - Military Historian/Author - Hitler's Girls - Doves Amongst Eagles
"The voice of women in the realms of military literature has been largely silent over the decades following the end of the Second World War in 1945. Dorothy Swanson's remarkable memoir which spans some 84 years begins with a largely happy 'Cockney' London childhood and culminates in a successful career as a nurse despite having endured privations most men would have found unbearable. Dorothy's memoir has been vividly yet skillfully brought to life by Cynthia A. Sandor, in what is a journey of happiness, pain, sadness, extreme hardship and pure determination often against all odds. Reflections presents not only an important literary work from the perspective of the struggles many women have faced throughout the last century, but also a bare knuckle brawl of female social history which makes for powerful and emotional reading. Reflections is a superb piece of work which I highly recommend."
Linda Lee Greene - Author - A Chance at the Moon
"With frankness tempered by sensitivity, Cynthia A. Sandor renders the true story of a woman's untiring faithfulness in her intrinsic worthiness and her heroic striving toward personal actualization."
Jeanne Onuska - European Military Historical Society
"A beautiful read that touches one's senses to the core."
Elin Toona Gottschalk - "Into Exile: A Life Story of War and Peace"
English, Estonian and American author - nominated Best Memoir of 2013 by The Economist Magazine, plus nine other book awards
"Dorothy Swanson and I have quite a lot in common. Although I did not arrive in England until 1948, from a DP Camp, with other Estonian WWII refugees, my experiences in post-war England were tumultuous. Like Dorothy I ran the gamut of being ‘filthy foreign goods' in an orphanage and a textile weaver at fifteen until I got a scholarship to a London drama school and became an actress and writer for the BBC. I am now an international author. Like Dorothy, ever step forward was a milestone achievement. I recommend Dorothy’s book to everyone who understands that a hard climb uphill is exhausting but the view from the top usually worth the struggle. Definitely an inspiring book!.
Reviews - Through Innocent Eyes - The Chosen Girls of the Hitler Youth
Susan Gill - 4 Star Review on Amazon
"Before actually reading this book, I assumed I would be reading a sort of apologetic. Girl gets all carried away with Nationalistic pride and then comes to a startling revelation that what she was following was nothing short of text book evil. Surprisingly, however, the book is not that predictable. Far from deriding the activities of Bund Deutscher Madel (League of German Girls) she allows us an unvarnished look at the optimistic and vigorous life of the feminine side of Hitler Youth. Cynthia Sandor, using the journals left behind by her mother Gertrude, recounts the innocent hopefulness her mother enacted while participating in the activities that had become standard fare for these young women. It is story that is largely innocent of the realities of that War. Gertrude is unaware of the atrocities Nazi German was enacting upon Jews. All she can see is the extra money that makes life easier for her mother and its provision by the Third Reich. Gertrude swells with national pride throughout the book and her enthusiasm for linking the natural world with her allegiance to Germany never wanes. The action of the story is exclusively in the countryside where the girls lead healthy and active lives learning the types of skills ignored generally by the mid 20th century world. The book is a fascinating primary source account of one girl's life within the Nazi regime. It is unique in its unapologetic stance towards Gertrude's exuberance , making it an indispensable source for historical inquiry."
Paul E. Fischer - President - The German Cultural Society of Erie, PA
"The author has presented in pedantic detail the daily experiences of her mother during her mandatory service in the Hitler Youth in a most compelling and easy to read way. From the time of her initiation until her completed training at Landjahr Lager Seidorf, the book brings to the reader new perspectives and an intimate first-hand accounting of the purpose, ideology and daily routines of the Hitler Youth Movement as experienced by Gertrude Kerschner. These details will dispel many possible misconceptions or skewed perspectives of the League of German Girls."
Jeanne Onuska - CEO European Military Historical Society, Conneaut, Ohio,
Previous Sponsor & Promoter of D-Day Conneaut, Conneaut, Ohio
“Through Innocent Eyes” is the fascinating biography of Gertrude Kerschner and her time as a BDM girl in the elite rural educational program called Country Service Year. I was captivated by the steady indoctrination of Gertrude as she progressed from her time in the Young Girls League, to becoming a “Girl in Service” for her country. The reader is given a chronological account into the progress of what the BDM girls learned every step of the way. Every chapter builds upon the prior, giving an insightful look into Gertrude’s personal world.”
Linda Evans - "This book is a piece of secret history ...the content tells a view on these special girls and the life they lived in the Hitler Youth...I found it very easy to read and understand as the information was " informative." I liked this book so much I bought four... I strongly think this book is and should be a must read for children in history classes! My son is reading it now as a project to do a report on...he chose the book and really likes the story it unveils ... Thank you for writing such an informing and strong yet gentle book...."
Sam Uhl - CheerfulWord.com
"Dorothy Swanson gives us light and hope having lived through the horrors of WWII as a child and a meandering life as a military wife. Reflections is a gripping read; you will fall in love with Dorothy's courage, perseverance, and joy for living. A book to enlighten and encourage us all."
Tim Heath - Military Historian/Author - Hitler's Girls - Doves Amongst Eagles
"The voice of women in the realms of military literature has been largely silent over the decades following the end of the Second World War in 1945. Dorothy Swanson's remarkable memoir which spans some 84 years begins with a largely happy 'Cockney' London childhood and culminates in a successful career as a nurse despite having endured privations most men would have found unbearable. Dorothy's memoir has been vividly yet skillfully brought to life by Cynthia A. Sandor, in what is a journey of happiness, pain, sadness, extreme hardship and pure determination often against all odds. Reflections presents not only an important literary work from the perspective of the struggles many women have faced throughout the last century, but also a bare knuckle brawl of female social history which makes for powerful and emotional reading. Reflections is a superb piece of work which I highly recommend."
Linda Lee Greene - Author - A Chance at the Moon
"With frankness tempered by sensitivity, Cynthia A. Sandor renders the true story of a woman's untiring faithfulness in her intrinsic worthiness and her heroic striving toward personal actualization."
Jeanne Onuska - European Military Historical Society
"A beautiful read that touches one's senses to the core."
Elin Toona Gottschalk - "Into Exile: A Life Story of War and Peace"
English, Estonian and American author - nominated Best Memoir of 2013 by The Economist Magazine, plus nine other book awards
"Dorothy Swanson and I have quite a lot in common. Although I did not arrive in England until 1948, from a DP Camp, with other Estonian WWII refugees, my experiences in post-war England were tumultuous. Like Dorothy I ran the gamut of being ‘filthy foreign goods' in an orphanage and a textile weaver at fifteen until I got a scholarship to a London drama school and became an actress and writer for the BBC. I am now an international author. Like Dorothy, ever step forward was a milestone achievement. I recommend Dorothy’s book to everyone who understands that a hard climb uphill is exhausting but the view from the top usually worth the struggle. Definitely an inspiring book!.
Reviews - Through Innocent Eyes - The Chosen Girls of the Hitler Youth
Susan Gill - 4 Star Review on Amazon
"Before actually reading this book, I assumed I would be reading a sort of apologetic. Girl gets all carried away with Nationalistic pride and then comes to a startling revelation that what she was following was nothing short of text book evil. Surprisingly, however, the book is not that predictable. Far from deriding the activities of Bund Deutscher Madel (League of German Girls) she allows us an unvarnished look at the optimistic and vigorous life of the feminine side of Hitler Youth. Cynthia Sandor, using the journals left behind by her mother Gertrude, recounts the innocent hopefulness her mother enacted while participating in the activities that had become standard fare for these young women. It is story that is largely innocent of the realities of that War. Gertrude is unaware of the atrocities Nazi German was enacting upon Jews. All she can see is the extra money that makes life easier for her mother and its provision by the Third Reich. Gertrude swells with national pride throughout the book and her enthusiasm for linking the natural world with her allegiance to Germany never wanes. The action of the story is exclusively in the countryside where the girls lead healthy and active lives learning the types of skills ignored generally by the mid 20th century world. The book is a fascinating primary source account of one girl's life within the Nazi regime. It is unique in its unapologetic stance towards Gertrude's exuberance , making it an indispensable source for historical inquiry."
Paul E. Fischer - President - The German Cultural Society of Erie, PA
"The author has presented in pedantic detail the daily experiences of her mother during her mandatory service in the Hitler Youth in a most compelling and easy to read way. From the time of her initiation until her completed training at Landjahr Lager Seidorf, the book brings to the reader new perspectives and an intimate first-hand accounting of the purpose, ideology and daily routines of the Hitler Youth Movement as experienced by Gertrude Kerschner. These details will dispel many possible misconceptions or skewed perspectives of the League of German Girls."
Jeanne Onuska - CEO European Military Historical Society, Conneaut, Ohio,
Previous Sponsor & Promoter of D-Day Conneaut, Conneaut, Ohio
“Through Innocent Eyes” is the fascinating biography of Gertrude Kerschner and her time as a BDM girl in the elite rural educational program called Country Service Year. I was captivated by the steady indoctrination of Gertrude as she progressed from her time in the Young Girls League, to becoming a “Girl in Service” for her country. The reader is given a chronological account into the progress of what the BDM girls learned every step of the way. Every chapter builds upon the prior, giving an insightful look into Gertrude’s personal world.”
Linda Evans - "This book is a piece of secret history ...the content tells a view on these special girls and the life they lived in the Hitler Youth...I found it very easy to read and understand as the information was " informative." I liked this book so much I bought four... I strongly think this book is and should be a must read for children in history classes! My son is reading it now as a project to do a report on...he chose the book and really likes the story it unveils ... Thank you for writing such an informing and strong yet gentle book...."
Desiree A. Spano - Reference & Adult Services Librarian II - Safety Harbor Public Library
I have read your book and was really amazed at the extensive research you have done into the learning curriculum for the girls, and the whole historical context behind it you were able to give. I think many people will enjoy it and maybe some may remember the times as well. Thanks again for your book and look forward to your program here on May 8th, at 6:30 pm.
I have read your book and was really amazed at the extensive research you have done into the learning curriculum for the girls, and the whole historical context behind it you were able to give. I think many people will enjoy it and maybe some may remember the times as well. Thanks again for your book and look forward to your program here on May 8th, at 6:30 pm.
Deanna Bennett - Organizer/Host - East Lake Community Library Author Showcase -
Tuesday, 21 January 2014, at 6:30 p.m. my guest speaker will be Cynthia Sandor, author of Through Innocent Eyes. This book is based on the diary of her mother when she was a young girl in Austria just after the Nazi Germans took over in approx 1938. It follows Trudel (Gertrude) as she becomes a member of an organized group for young girls and then spends a year “working in a farm camp.” Cynthia has a fascinating story, and she iis an outstanding speaker. We look forward to hearing her mother's story.
Tuesday, 21 January 2014, at 6:30 p.m. my guest speaker will be Cynthia Sandor, author of Through Innocent Eyes. This book is based on the diary of her mother when she was a young girl in Austria just after the Nazi Germans took over in approx 1938. It follows Trudel (Gertrude) as she becomes a member of an organized group for young girls and then spends a year “working in a farm camp.” Cynthia has a fascinating story, and she iis an outstanding speaker. We look forward to hearing her mother's story.
Matthew Jerabek - President - Mr. Dry Out "Through Innocent Eyes is a book unlike most you will find on the subject of National Socialism, it tells an unbiased view of that of a child growing up during that time. I enjoyed the setting and the truthful story from a child's perspective which clearly looking at what was going on. The author does a great job reveling the programs of National Socialism and how people were benefiting from the new National Socialist government. Anyone interested in the National Socialist period will enjoy reading this book."
Marco - St. Polten, Austria
"Dear Cindy: I just finished reading your book "Through Innocent Eyes - The Chosen Girls of the Hitler Youth" and I want to let you know that I liked reading your book because for me, (and for the other people living here for whom I told them about your book ) the historical circumstances, poverty and hardship, and the effects of the propaganda machinery are in part not new as a lot of facts came to my notice during history courses and especially the stories told by older generations living in this area. This is what made the book come alive for me. For me, you actually met the spirit of the people and of that time frame 1931 - 1941. This book is very valuable in that you documented the facets, not only of your mother and your family, but for many other JM and BDM girls, who today, are still alive and in their 80's. Those elderly women who live in Kleinzell still to this day, remember your mother's kindness and compassion and they are very happy to hear her story come to life in your book. I am so grateful that you added the general impression to a broad audience with your documentation, whereas the interesting stories told from many grandparents have vanished for consecutive generations as they are not narrated without interruption, nor were they documented such as your mothers. I wish you all the best of success on your book! Sincerely, Marco."
Marco - St. Polten, Austria
"Dear Cindy: I just finished reading your book "Through Innocent Eyes - The Chosen Girls of the Hitler Youth" and I want to let you know that I liked reading your book because for me, (and for the other people living here for whom I told them about your book ) the historical circumstances, poverty and hardship, and the effects of the propaganda machinery are in part not new as a lot of facts came to my notice during history courses and especially the stories told by older generations living in this area. This is what made the book come alive for me. For me, you actually met the spirit of the people and of that time frame 1931 - 1941. This book is very valuable in that you documented the facets, not only of your mother and your family, but for many other JM and BDM girls, who today, are still alive and in their 80's. Those elderly women who live in Kleinzell still to this day, remember your mother's kindness and compassion and they are very happy to hear her story come to life in your book. I am so grateful that you added the general impression to a broad audience with your documentation, whereas the interesting stories told from many grandparents have vanished for consecutive generations as they are not narrated without interruption, nor were they documented such as your mothers. I wish you all the best of success on your book! Sincerely, Marco."
Sharon Bressen - Goodread Review - 4 out of 5 stars
At a local Florida library at an Author’s Showcase gathering, I meet the author, Cynthia Sandor, and offered to read her book about her mother Gertrude Kerschner for the next meeting in 2014. For the past two years, the book publishing industry has issued numerous novels about World War II subjects. This would be my first narrative about the training of Hitler Youth, in particular the Bund Deutscher Mädel (BDM), the League of German Girls.
The German Youth Movement started in 1896 as a cultural and educational movement and by the 1930’s; nine hundred local groups in Germany were given the formal title of the Bund Deutscher Mädel (BDM), the League of German Girls in the Hitler Youth. When the author’s mother was dying from cancer, she found her mother’s handwritten diary and began this story about training her mother received in Austria beginning in 1938 when she was an impoverished 10 year old girl. It was mandatory that Gertrude join The Young Girls’ League where she faced paramilitary like disciplinary measures and uniforms to develop her loyalty, character, and dedication; all in the effort to becoming a future pure blood German mother and carry on the noble German Race.
By athletic competition, vocalizing, hiking, working on farms, performing parade marches, and neo-pagan rituals, these young girls learn to follow orders and want to be outstanding citizens. Gertrude moves through the various groups and by 1941 is chosen to participate in Landjahr Lager in Seidorf, Niederschlesien, Germany. After Landjahr, Gertrude returned home to discover her two older brothers were serving at the Russian front and her younger brother was in Hitler Youth. Together with her sister and a friend, she travels to Mariazell, Austria to work as a waitress. But when the Russians attack, they flee under the hail of bullets and get to the American Zone in Linz, Austria.
The novel does have a happy ending so you will have to read the book to learn how Gertrude gets to America.
I feel this book was thoroughly researched and detailed so many aspects of the indoctrination of these young girls. It is frightening how a whole generation of girls and boys were lead into following Hitler’s dreams. Read the book and learn about one of “The Chosen Girls of the Hitler Youth”.
At a local Florida library at an Author’s Showcase gathering, I meet the author, Cynthia Sandor, and offered to read her book about her mother Gertrude Kerschner for the next meeting in 2014. For the past two years, the book publishing industry has issued numerous novels about World War II subjects. This would be my first narrative about the training of Hitler Youth, in particular the Bund Deutscher Mädel (BDM), the League of German Girls.
The German Youth Movement started in 1896 as a cultural and educational movement and by the 1930’s; nine hundred local groups in Germany were given the formal title of the Bund Deutscher Mädel (BDM), the League of German Girls in the Hitler Youth. When the author’s mother was dying from cancer, she found her mother’s handwritten diary and began this story about training her mother received in Austria beginning in 1938 when she was an impoverished 10 year old girl. It was mandatory that Gertrude join The Young Girls’ League where she faced paramilitary like disciplinary measures and uniforms to develop her loyalty, character, and dedication; all in the effort to becoming a future pure blood German mother and carry on the noble German Race.
By athletic competition, vocalizing, hiking, working on farms, performing parade marches, and neo-pagan rituals, these young girls learn to follow orders and want to be outstanding citizens. Gertrude moves through the various groups and by 1941 is chosen to participate in Landjahr Lager in Seidorf, Niederschlesien, Germany. After Landjahr, Gertrude returned home to discover her two older brothers were serving at the Russian front and her younger brother was in Hitler Youth. Together with her sister and a friend, she travels to Mariazell, Austria to work as a waitress. But when the Russians attack, they flee under the hail of bullets and get to the American Zone in Linz, Austria.
The novel does have a happy ending so you will have to read the book to learn how Gertrude gets to America.
I feel this book was thoroughly researched and detailed so many aspects of the indoctrination of these young girls. It is frightening how a whole generation of girls and boys were lead into following Hitler’s dreams. Read the book and learn about one of “The Chosen Girls of the Hitler Youth”.
Verlagszagentur, Mag. Michael Hlatky - Austria
“Cynthia A. Sandor brings history to life without sacrificing accuracy. She is significantly breaking new ground by chronicling the hidden history of the emotional toll that World War II exacted on the Bund Deutscher Mädel (BDM) girls who participated in the Landjahr Lager (Country Service Camp) program, and those who loved them. I did not think there was anything good or fresh to say about the Hitler Youth to the modern world and Sandor has proven me wrong---very wrong indeed. This is such an important and engaging piece of work that should become a valuable part of WWII history. Thank you for writing “Through Innocent Eyes – The Chosen Girls of the Hitler Youth.” Verlagszagentur Mag. Michael Hlatky
“Cynthia A. Sandor brings history to life without sacrificing accuracy. She is significantly breaking new ground by chronicling the hidden history of the emotional toll that World War II exacted on the Bund Deutscher Mädel (BDM) girls who participated in the Landjahr Lager (Country Service Camp) program, and those who loved them. I did not think there was anything good or fresh to say about the Hitler Youth to the modern world and Sandor has proven me wrong---very wrong indeed. This is such an important and engaging piece of work that should become a valuable part of WWII history. Thank you for writing “Through Innocent Eyes – The Chosen Girls of the Hitler Youth.” Verlagszagentur Mag. Michael Hlatky
