Turning Tragedy into Triumph
A review of The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
By Julia A. Keirns
I have to admit that I have developed an interest in reading World War II novels. Something about this period of time piques my curiosity, but not just any books, mostly non-fiction. And one of the best World War II era non-fiction books has to be The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom.
I first read this book when I was in about the 7th grade. It was one of the first books that really made an impression on me – and to meet this author in person at a young age only added to the awe. I can still see her sitting in her chair on that stage. I read the book again in February 2017. Since that has been over two years ago, I figured I better get it back out and refresh my memory for the purpose of a good book review.
Reading the first chapter reminded me why I loved this book so much. Miss Ten Boom was a great writer. In this book she makes you feel as if you are there, her details are sharp, yet quick and flowing to keep the story moving along. The statement in chapter one that makes you want to read on is “How could we have guessed that in place of memories we were about to be given adventure such as we had never dreamed of? Adventure and anguish, horror and heaven were just around the corner, and we did not know.” Oh, if only we all could think of the tragedies of life as just adventures and turn them into triumphs.
There is humor and mischief in the lives of these girls before the war. Thankfully tragedy did not affect this writer’s memory. She takes us back through her childhood and family memories with joyful color and detail. There are hints throughout the beginning chapters of her faith and how it gets her through what is to come. Father reads from the Psalms, “Thou art my hiding place…” and Mother tells her, “Happiness isn’t something that depends on our surroundings, Corrie. It’s something we make inside ourselves.” I believe that how we are raised by our parents and families, has a lot to do with how we interpret events in our adult lives.
Corrie and her sister Betsie knew sorrow and death before the occupation of Germany in Holland. Corrie had fallen in love with Karel, who unfortunately did not return her love in that way and she was heartbroken. Their aunts who lived with them had all died, and their mother also died of a cerebral hemorrhage which had caused years of paralysis. Children came and went in the watch shop as they fostered many children over the years. And Corrie and her sister Betsie grew old alone, along with their father. They were in their late adulthood when war broke out.
As I read the words this author wrote expressing the German invasion and declaration of war breaking out, I found myself sitting on the edge of the seat feeling anxiety well up regarding the explosions that shook the beds. And then there is the dream she had regarding all of them being taken away. As time goes on, German soldiers wander aimlessly through the streets, frightened Jews begin knocking on the door of the watch shop, and the Ten Booms delve head on into the work of the underground.
The writing is compelling. I am literally on edge reading this book, feeling my heart pound with nervousness, and emotion welling up as I read about the raid, the transfers, the infamous interrogations, the humiliation, the questions, the hunger and starvation, the festered skin and illnesses, and the horrible deaths. Miss Corrie Ten Boom endured more than most humans can even fathom and was courageous enough to not only survive, but to tell the stories with vivid detail, memory and forgiveness. Yes, it is about forgiveness, but this is not a feel-good Christian story. Corrie struggles with her Christianity, and questions God at every turn. Even after her release, and during speaking engagements, she encountered hate and anger within herself…
“It was at a church service in Munich that I saw him, the former S.S. man who had stood guard at the shower room door…and suddenly it was all there – the roomful of mocking men, the heaps of clothing, and Betsie’s pain-blanched face. “How grateful I am for your message,” he said. “To think that He has washed my sins away!” His hand was thrust out to shake mine, and I who had preached so often about forgiveness…kept my hand at my side…as angry vengeful thoughts boiled through me.” (paraphrased)
To know the true details of what this family and woman endured you must read the book for yourself. This is a must-read book for every generation – but I recommend readers be age appropriate.