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Long Way Home

A Poignant Novel of Courage and Compassion in the Shadow of WWII

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Long Way Home

By: Lynn Austin
Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman
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Summary
 In this gripping portrait of war and its aftermath from bestselling author Lynn Austin, a young woman searches for the truth her childhood friend won’t discuss after returning from World War II, revealing a story of courage, friendship, and faith.

Peggy Serrano couldn’t wait for her best friend to come home from the war. But the Jimmy Barnett who returns is much different from the Jimmy who left, changed so drastically by his experience as a medic in Europe that he can barely function. When he attempts the unthinkable, his parents check him into the VA hospital. Peggy determines to help the Barnetts unravel what might have happened to send their son over the edge. She starts by contacting Jimmy’s war buddies, trying to identify the mysterious woman in the photo they find in Jimmy’s belongings.

Seven years earlier, sensing the rising tide against her people, Gisela Wolff and her family flee Germany aboard the passenger ship St. Louis, bound for Havana, Cuba. Gisela meets Sam Shapiro on board and the two fall quickly in love. But the ship is denied safe harbor and sent back to Europe. Thus begins Gisela’s perilous journey of exile and survival, made possible only by the kindness and courage of a series of strangers she meets along the way, including one man who will change the course of her life. 20th Century Christian Fiction Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Latin America War
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Told from two characters living very different lives, in different countries and a few years apart. Then their stories weave together to give a miraculous answer to horrific situations. A great mystery is solved for both. Hold on to your hearts though, this is not for the light hearted.

You won't be able to put this one down!

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Very insightful and well-researched account of life from a Jewish perspective during the rise of the Nazi regime with the historically documented desperate attempts by Jewish refugees to find a safe haven upon the St. Louis Ship, and other vessels, and not being allowed to dock. It clearly describes how antisemitism wasn't just practised by the Nazis but by many other countries as well.

The story also describes how warfare and the horrors of war and the liberation of the workcamps, also called death camps, affected the Allied Forces, in particular Jim, an American medical orderly and his wartime buddies, many of which lost their lives.

It discusses some very important issues to do with faith, questioning God, finding sense in a seemingly nonsensical, chaotic and broken world. Chapter 27 gives some brilliant answers to the eternal question of why would a loving God allow so much suffering. Questions that will help every person in every generation!

The ending is heart warming, in contrast to the dark mood of the main story!

Very moving and historically well-researched novel!

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Another amazing, intricate and thought provoking story. Highly recommended!! Thanks so much for another great read Lynn, you’re my very VERY favourite author!

Another Amazing Read

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This book was Oh so very sad, and I shed many tears of not only sadness but of joy also as the thread of God’s love held together the hope in people’s lives.It must be very hard to write of the atrocities of war but Lyn Austin once again shines in her ability,as she brings this story forth.The narration was skilfully and sensitively presented to this precious story.

The light defeats the darkness

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The stand out for me was seeing the good after so much bad. As well as the choices each one of us to make to fight for good and not evil. Outstanding!

Challenging read, but incredibly uplifting story

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