Book Review:
Surviving Hitler, Evading Stalin - I’m All In

by R.A. Miller
Published February 2, 2023.

Mildred Schindler Janzen and Sherye S. Green, Surviving Hitler, Evading Stalin:
One Woman's Remarkable Escape from Nazi Germany, (Mechanicsburg, PA: Sunbury Press, 2020). 

Surviving Hitler, Evading Stalin: One Woman’s Remarkable Escape from Nazi Germany is the autobiography of Mildred Schindler Janzen (b. 1929), which was written with the aid of biographer Sheyre S. Green. Born in the United States and growing up in Germany during World War II, Janzen survived the tyranny of both titular dictators. Along with her mother, brother, and father, the quartet struggled to stay together during this difficult time in Europe’s history. The book’s main message, to quote the final sentence, is “a reminder of God’s unfailing love and His sovereign control in the affairs of His children.”

Janzen recounts this story in thirty-three chapters, which are spread out over five sections. These five divisions separate Janzen’s journey nicely into different periods. For example, the first section explores her early life in rural eastern Germany during the 1930s and 1940s. She cites her parents as strong role models for her and her brother, as they were faithful Lutherans. While living on the family farm, they were visited by Nazi officers several times but were able to avoid too much trouble from them. You’ll have to read the rest to find out what happens from there.

The author includes many photos and letters in her work, which really helps to draw in the reader. It is quite amazing that these documents and pictures survived for so many years in such trying times. There is also an extensive notes section at the end of this publication, as there were many quotes employed throughout.

Written in an accessible and easy-to-read style, you probably won’t feel overwhelmed by the vocabulary of this book, but you might be brought to tears by the ups and downs of Janzen’s story. One standout moment from her journey is a detailed account of her conversion to Christ, which caused her to realize how God preserved her through both WWII and the Cold War. This story also provides a glimpse into the horrors of war and how it destroys families.

Since these events were of global importance, all students of history should be interested in Janzen’s account. This book should also be read by Christians, as it provides much spiritual encouragement due to the reader getting to step into her shoes and share in her struggles. This narrative is marketed as an autobiography, historical, and religious book. Surviving Hitler, Evading Stalin succeeds in all three of these aspects and would be a worthwhile addition to any Christian’s library.