Description
Overview
Immerse yourself in a gripping tale of heroism and resilience with "The Last Train to London," a novel that intricately weaves history and fiction into a captivating narrative. This compelling work, reprinted by Harper Paperbacks, invites readers on a poignant journey through the heart of World War II Europe. Set against the backdrop of impending war, the story chronicles the remarkable efforts of a Dutch resistance worker who risks everything to save Jewish children from the horrors of the Holocaust. With a blend of historical accuracy and emotional depth, this novel stands out as a testament to human courage and compassion, offering readers both a thrilling and educational experience. Its engaging characters and gripping plot make it a must-read for those who appreciate historical fiction enriched with authentic details and profound themes.
Key Features
- Publisher and Edition: Brought to you by Harper Paperbacks, this edition is a reprint released on June 16, 2020.
- Language: Available in English for a broad readership.
- Print Details: A substantial read with 480 pages, making it perfect for those who love to dive deep into a story.
- ISBN Information: ISBN-10: 0062946943, ISBN-13: 978-0062946942.
- Physical Attributes: The book measures 5.31 x 0.77 x 8 inches and weighs 2.31 pounds, making it a solid addition to your bookshelf.
- Genre and Rankings: Highly regarded in its genre, it ranks #82 in Historical World War II & Holocaust Fiction and #123 in World War II Historical Fiction. It’s also a notable contender in Literary Fiction, ranking #1,404.
- Customer Satisfaction: With an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 3,300 reviews, readers have praised its engaging narrative and historical authenticity.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Rich Historical Context: Provides a detailed and accurate depiction of World War II, educating while entertaining.
- Emotional Depth: The characters are well-developed, allowing readers to form strong emotional connections.
- Critical Acclaim: High customer ratings and rankings indicate widespread appreciation and trust.
- Engaging Plot: The storyline is both thrilling and heart-wrenching, keeping readers hooked from start to finish.
- Educational Value: Offers insights into the lesser-known aspects of the Holocaust, providing an educational experience alongside entertainment.
Cons:
- Lengthy Read: At 480 pages, it may be daunting for those preferring shorter novels.
- Heavy Themes: The subject matter can be intense and may not suit readers looking for lighter content.
- Complex Characters: Some readers might find the intricate character development challenging to follow.
Why You’ll Love It
"The Last Train to London" is more than just a book; it is a journey into a pivotal moment in history, offering readers a chance to experience the bravery and sacrifice of those who stood against tyranny. Its masterful storytelling and rich historical context make it a standout choice for anyone interested in World War II fiction or stories of human endurance. Whether you’re a seasoned history buff or just looking for a compelling story that will stay with you long after the last page, this novel is sure to captivate and inspire. Dive into a world where courage knows no bounds, and let "The Last Train to London" transport you to a time of both darkness and hope. Don’t miss the opportunity to add this remarkable piece of literature to your collection; click to learn more and embark on an unforgettable reading adventure.
Avid readermisshen –
On a plane with All the Light We Could Not See and The Nightengale
The Last Train to London is a fascinating and well written book about the children who were rescued from an uncertain future and probable death in Nazi-occupied Vienna. We come to see how quickly Austria yielded to Hitler’s aggressive occupation of the country and Vienna in particular. Horrifying to see through the eyes of Jewish children was the ease with which Hitler and his henchmen took over the country, appropriating Jewish assets, money, artwork, homes and businesses, and just as frightening – how swiftly most Austrians turned violently against the Jews.The structure of the story is also fascinatinely told. The chapters are short, some no longer than one paragraph, but the vividly drawn characters are interwoven to give an accurate and even exciting picture of the effort to rescue hundreds of Jewish children from the cruelty of the Nazi regime. The heroine of the rescue, Tante Truus, a real person , steps off the pages into your heart as she overcomes heartbreak in her own life while she shepherds these children to safety in England.I highly recommend The Last Train to London. I would have read all night had not my Kindle died at 1:30 a.m. The sadness of the book is that these horrific events actually happened! Never again!
Monique Cashmere –
Terribly Sad But An Amazing Story.
This wasnât quite what I was expecting but I enjoyed the story a lot. WWII has always fascinated me as both my parents were in Europe at the time as young children, and they had lasting effects from it. As my mum was from The Netherlands Iâm surprised this story of courage from a Dutchy never came up but as with a lot of people from that era, things were best not talked about and left in the past. So Iâm glad this author has taken a truly remarkable woman, and those others that helped rescue 10,000 children to safely, and brought it to light.Although the beginning was crucial and very interesting, I did have to concentrate on the multi characters and how they were going to cross paths. It took me longer than normal to read the whole book, as I had to put it down a few times and go chat with my husband on how sad this book was making me due to itâs reality. I also had a couple of late nights saying, just one more chapterâ¦just one more chapterâ¦.because I needed to know the outcome.This is a work of fiction with some true events included but most of the characters were fictional. As a hopeless romantic I was hoping for more closure with the kids. Especially between Stephan and Zofie who I wished the happiest of HEAâs ever. Little Walter too, and of course Peter, that they too found contentment. This would have bought me peace of mind and a complete closure.
Helen Bennett –
Great Subject, Poor Writing
I agree with the reviewers who gave it one or two stars. The story is so worthwhile, and should have been a cliffhanger. Instead it was a slog, so hard to get through because of disconnectedness and poor writing. There was too much advanced math and too many scenes in an unspeakable tunnel below the ground. Every time Ste;phan returned to the tunnel to hide, I thought “Oh no, not again!” I am glad that the main characters finally got to England, although they certainly didn’t settle in London.
Vicki Lawrence –
Great book
It seemed slow at the very beginning but after I became quite interested and enjoyed it very much. I highly recommend this book for those interested in knowing what happened during the few years right before WW2 broke out.
John J. leanse –
A Difficult Read
Reading this book was one of the more difficult Kinder-transport books I have read. It made me very angry and emotional as I was drawn in.
C. E. –
Gripping, powerful historical fiction
Gripping novel that simultaneously breaks your heart while causing it to beat out of your chest uncontrollably. Historical fiction accounts of children transported (Kindertransport) by real life heroine, Geertruida Wijsmuller-Meijer, affectionately known as Tante Truus by the multitude of children she helped save during the Nazi atrocities of World War 2. Exceptional story, though heavy and heartbreaking. The constant switching back and forth from multiple characters made it a little difficult to connect to any one character, but given the sadness of the story lines, it was probably a welcome reprieve. Even so, I found myself having to step away from the book several times throughout, if for anything, to catch my breath.
Wendy Blumfield –
The Tragedy and the Bravery.
A heartbreaking story of a period of evil and inhumanity. Highlighting the incredible people who did not stand by and do nothing
J. Mccready –
Add this to your must read list
Meg Waite Clayton has composed a beautiful, heart wrenching story of a time we must never forget. The heroes from this era are many and Truus is one whose story should be known by all. The atrocities committed during WWII are as unbelievable as the acts of bravery by ordinary, everyday people who became heroes. These stories seem unbelievable yet me must know them and honor them so that we will not repeat them. May there never be a time again when we need a hero like Truus and may we all live up to her example.
Stephie –
I loved this book. So many things that we already know about this horrific time in history but Meg Waite Clayton wrote about it so well that you felt like you were experiencing it along with the characters in the book. I will look for more of her books.
Niki –
Ich war erst etwas erschrocken da es gröÃer ist als ich dachte.Ein paar Seite sind nicht ganz so Sauber abgeschnitten wie man es sonst von Büchern kennt.Aber erstmal den kleinen Schock überlebt ist es ein wunderschönes Buch.Schön geschrieben auch die Buchstaben sind in einer guten GröÃe damit man nicht irgendwann mit Lupe unterwegs ist.Ganz wichtig zu wissen dieses Buch ist auf Englisch wer also groÃe Schwierigkeiten bzw. Ãberhaupt kein Englisch spricht/lesen kann sollte es vielleicht nicht kaufen.
Mandy –
Book arrived in good condition. I ended up with a gift of same book. It would cost $8.73 to return this one. Not a free return!
Joanna Howard –
The author masterfully portrays a story of love and hope and goodness during one of humanity’s darkest hours. The growth in the author’s craft is evident and appreciated. WARNING: have Kleenex nearby.
Juel Howse-McLean –
I loved this book. I have 4 granddaughters with 1 Dutch parent and 3 nieces with a Dutch parent. None had ever heard of Gertrud Wijsmuller so I recommended this book to all 7 young women. Everyone I tell about this book has never heard of her and is amazed at what she accomplished. She is a heroine for all ages for all time.