Beyond the Wall by Susan Allred

Removing his icy gaze from Irene and Karl, the soldier began looking over their paperwork. They both sat, barely breathing, trying to quell the fear that was fighting its way to the surface. The soldier suddenly beckoned Irene and Karl to follow him. Karl Berger and his family have survived Hitler's Reich only to again be devastated by Soviet rule. His parents decide young Karl must have a better future than the one offered him in East Germany. With his mother at his side, Karl sets out to make a daring escape across the border. He is desperate to leave his life
under communism and start a new life in America, but will he make it? Join Karl on a thrilling glimpse of life Beyond the Wall.

Available through Amazon, Tate Publishing, Deeper Shopping (best price)

About the Author:
Susan Allred grew up hearing her father tell the inspiring stories of his boyhood in Germany during World War II, and as an adult it became her dream to preserve her family's history in a book for future generations. Susan resides in Alabama with her husband, Greg and their four children.

A big thank you to Susan who provided this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not asked to write a positive review. 

My Thoughts:

This book is a short story and fascinating account of the author's father and his boyhood days in Germany. It is captivating and took me just a day to read. It begins with Germany at war and Karl as a young boy being rushed off to a bomb shelter. His father is off fighting in the war and he is being raised by his mother and grandmother. The challenges of war and post war problems are bought to life by this account. Will his father ever return? Will the soldiers take over their home? Can they survive the Russian post war take over and communism? Ordinary people become heroes. 

I was impressed that Karl's parents and grandmother were both believers. Their faith in God got them through and helped them make decisions that were difficult but would ultimately impact Karl's future as well as their own.  Would their attempt to smuggle him across the border into West Germany and then on to America be successful? If he makes it, will he ever see his parents or grandmother again? This small book will not only move you to tears, but also to laughter at times. It has just enough mystery and suspense to keep you engaged.  It will strengthen your faith, especially in the world we live in today.