“auf Wiedersehen”
Author: Christa Holder Ocker
“auf Wiedersehen” by Christa Holder Ocker is a heartfelt recounting of the author’s early childhood growing up in Nazi Germany. It is a well written autobiography and I am grateful that Ms. Ocker has decided to share her story with us.
When I first decided to read this book my interest was piqued because of the subject matter. I was interested to read from a child’s point of view how Germany was affected by WWII. I also wondered if there would be any similarities between “auf Wiedersehen” and “Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl.” Of course I hoped “auf Wiedersehen” would have a much happier ending. I was not far off. Both are poignant stories and as children there is no guile or deception in their words. To quote Christa’s mother “black is black and white is white.”
It was eye-opening to read about Nazi Germany from the experiences of a German child. It reminded me that as children we do not start out filled with hate but rather learn this from those around us. Discrimination is not a way of life it is instead a choice. It was also interesting to read about Christa’s life in the outside world versus Anne Frank’s experiences as she and her family hid for their lives. Christa shared her memories of young men so proud to wear the uniform of the Third Reich while on the other hand many German women showed sorrow because of the men’s actions. Unfortunately as a woman what could they do except show love and kindness and lend a helping hand as able.
“auf Wiedersehen” is a poignant remembrance of Christa’s life as she was uprooted from her home, her friends, and everything else she had previously known. Her story shows the courage and love of her family and yet throughout the book there are sobering reminders of the horror the Jews and other victims of this world war went through. At times I honestly wondered who were the luckier ones? Those who lived or those who died?
Christa Holder Ocker has written a beautiful memoir and I highly recommend it. It is a shorter book consequently making it an easy read but its ultimate message is one of power. Simply that love can conquer all…