This fast-paced book tells the
exciting story of their plight as thousands of East German and
Soviet troops chased them across swampland, forests, and fields
for thirty-one days. After surviving several pitched gun battles,
gunshot wounds, starvation, and the bitter cold, three finally
reached West Berlin. Prior to their escape, they had formed the
nucleus of an anti-Communist resistance group, inspired by the
testament of celebrated World War II resistance leader, Czech
general Josef Masin, father to two of the young men and grandfather
to the author of this book.
As she was growing up, Barbara Masin
heard parts of this story. Eager to learn more, she began to investigate.
The result of her efforts is this thriller, which makes use of
eyewitness interviews and extensive archival research in four
countries. Her book places events in their historical context
and analyzes the bitter present-day controversy surrounding the
group’s actions, examining the larger question of individuals
making moral choices. It is a dramatic tale of courage and daring
against overwhelming odds and a testament to American ideals of
freedom.
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