Escaping the Russian Onslaught: A Family’s Story of Fleeing the Russian Army after Hitler’s Nazi Regime by Dorlies von Kaphengst Meissner Rasmussen is a story that begs to be told. Dorlies was just a toddler when her mother, Ruth, faced the hardship of keeping her family alive when her husband, Rudi, was sent to the front lines of Hitler’s army. World War II is presented with a different point of view when written from a German native perspective. You’ve read about the appalling events that dehu...

Just as the title suggests, it won't be easy if you choose this one. It will be a completely different experience, with intensely prominent emotions. "Escaping the Russian Onslaught" is an emotionally embedded family story set during the last months of World War II. It tells the true story of Ruth Meissner and her children — Susanne, Hans-Georg, and baby Dorlies — as they are forced to leave their home in Pomerania, Germany, when the Russian Army moves in.The author has perfectly captured the fe...

This was a different WWII book. It tells the story of the Meissner family fleeing their home to find refuge before the Russian army takes over their town. Ruth and Rudi are married, and while Rudi is at war, he tells Ruth she must get the family to safety. She takes their 3 young children and flees their home. For the next year or so, they attempt to get to safety, not bathing, begging for food, and keeping the children from harm. I was surprised to read about the potential kidnapping of childre...

Grave and harrowing, Escaping the Russian Onslaught by Dorlies von Kaphengst Meissner Rasmussen is the bittersweet recount of her German mother, Ruth Meissner, a mother of three, and her desperate attempt at saving her children from the oppressive hands of the Russian Army. Brave and committed to her family, Ruth meticulously plans her escape. This is Ruth's story.Unputdownable, Escaping the Russian Onslaught was quite the reading experience! Ruth's determination to see things through is admirab...

Escaping the Russian Onslaught: A Family’s Story of Fleeing the Russian Army after Hitler’s Nazi Regime by Dorlies von Kaphengst Meissner Rasmussen Love hearing this story as it's about a woman who has struggled during the way, like a daily journal of what happened to her and her family during the war.Vivid scenes the words describe has brought me to honor her. Strength she has comes through int eh words of the author. What a great legacy to have for the family. I can't even imagine the pain she...

Escaping the Russian Onslaught by Dorlies von Kaphengst Meissner Rasmussen is an unforgettable firsthand account of survival, resilience, and courage in the face of unimaginable danger. The author recounts her family’s dangerous escape from the advancing Russian army after the fall of Hitler’s regime, giving you an intimate glimpse into the chaos and heartbreak of war. This book reads authentically; every page feels raw and real. It’s heartbreaking and inspiring, a testament to the strength of o...

A very well-written book with its story set during the Second World War. It's about Dorlies von Kaphengst Meissner Rasmussen's Mother, Ruth Meissner. She is quite a strong and intelligent German Woman, whose husband is away at war. She is left to look after her 3 children while the threat of the Russian army comes closer every day. Fearing that her family might be next, Ruth takes it upon herself to move cities and protect her children.A very powerful book that highlights the problems during tha...

I love reading and learning about history, but I also love a good story. I've had the good fortune to stumble on a few books like this, and it's a treat every time. This book, penned by Ruth's daughter, is an incredibly detailed account of this family's struggle. It's not only a fascinating account of the author's family, but also a historically significant retelling of one of recent humanity's darkest ages, and the sacrifice and turmoil a mother would endure to secure her family's safety. The b...

"On this cold evening in late January 1945, a sharp whistle rang out throughout the village of Klein Pobloth." Some history books give you dates and facts. This one makes you feel what it was like to live through it. In Escaping the Russian Onslaught, Dorlies von Kaphengst Meissner Rasmussen shares the story of her mother, Ruth Meissner, and the terrifying choices she had to make to save her children in the final months of World War II.Ruth’s life at the family estate in Klein Pobloth is sha...

A very strong history lesson!Colorado author/ designer Dorlies von Kaphengst, with a great passion for the study of history, culture and human creation, is motivated by a promise made to her parents to record the remarkable story of her heritage. Among her books – Klein Pobloth Estate 1908 – 1937, Aristocracy to Ashes in six volumes including Hans-Rudolf’s Relentless Tenacity, The End of Klein Pobloth, Deceptive Evil, and The Lure of America. As she states, “It has been my good fortune to have a...