Review of Innocence Denied, A Holocaust Childhood

Post by **Seetha E** » 25 Oct 2023, 01:10

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Innocence Denied, A Holocaust Childhood" by Johannes Krane.]

4 out of 5 stars

Share This Review

Johannes Krane and his older brother Dick resided with their parents in Beverwijk. This part of Holland, like the others, was also seized by the Nazis. For both brothers, especially for the author, a typical childhood did not exist. Both parents were mute and deaf. Their father had mental impairments, which limited his capacity to earn a regular livelihood. The additional income from their mother's assignments as a seamstress did not help much. Hence, the two siblings had to figure out ways to manage the family's daily requirements. Johannes was just ten, and his brother was a year older.

There could not have been a finer title for Johannes Krane's Holocaust memoir, Innocence Denied. The author describes events and daily life from 1944 to 1945. Throughout World War II, people had to endure inconceivable atrocities at the hands of German armies. He talks about the overall terror that pervaded society throughout the Nazi era. Execution or being sent to slave camps for the tiniest offenses, like stealing a loaf of bread, was standard practice. Food was restricted, which worsened with the onset of the harshest winter in the history of Holland. Being bombed was a constant worry. This represented daily survival challenges for everyone.

The author and his brother had to ensure their parents' safety over and above dealing with the atrocities committed by the Nazis. It was depressing to learn of the restrictions imposed by the parents just because they themselves were deaf and mute. It was also distressing to learn about his mother's unreasonable behavior. She often pushed him to engage in criminal activity despite being informed that doing so could result in his arrest or even death. He served as his parents' spokesperson. Whether it was to defend them in front of soldiers brandishing guns or to defend his mother's activities before a judge, I am left amazed at the way he articulates every situation at the tender age of 10. It was heartbreaking to learn how things took a turn with Lavinia.

The author's love for his family is evident. He communicates all the emotional conflicts with a simple yet touching writing style. I could feel the reader's distress and anxiety about making it through that period. I was impressed by how he managed to create happiness for himself despite adversity. The incident related to Lavinia and the money saved for the guitar brought tears to my eyes. He always displayed integrity.

Follow his journey as he endures near-death encounters, starvation, life in a dysfunctional family, and the war. How did things turn out for him and his family after the war? Was he able to make peace with his mother? Did he resign to the adversities?

I appreciate the author sharing his story. I do not have anything negative to say about it. However, I did notice some spelling and grammatical errors. To ensure an error-free book, I humbly suggest a re-edit. Due to these errors, I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars.

I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages. It provides a captivating insight into the Holocaust, making it an ideal choice for those interested in learning more about it. Additionally, the book is an immense source of motivation, teaching readers about values such as morality, perseverance, optimism, and maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity.

******
Innocence Denied, A Holocaust Childhood
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Bettny Andrade · Post by **Bettny Andrade** » 27 Oct 2023, 11:31

This book seems really interesting, but it is not a book I would read because it is not my reading style. Thanks for your review

Arzoo zahid · Post by **Arzoo zahid** » 28 Oct 2023, 11:51

I read the review ..This explain the whole story.If I am at the place of author I really can't imagine how I could have survived at that time and in that situation.The author had a big and kind heart.He is not only taking care of his brother but also his deaf and mute family at such a young age.Its quite difficult but as the others says that we have to face difficulties in order to be mature, sensible and successful.I really appreciate the courageous,and resilient personally of the author.Many people can't be able to hold on in that kind of situation and environment at the whole and also in that kind of family.

Chi Chiu Michael Mak · Post by **Chi Chiu Michael Mak** » 06 Jun 2025, 20:18

Seetha E wrote: ↑25 Oct 2023, 01:10 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Innocence Denied, A Holocaust Childhood" by Johannes Krane.]

4 out of 5 stars
Share This Review

Johannes Krane and his older brother Dick resided with their parents in Beverwijk. This part of Holland, like the others, was also seized by the Nazis. For both brothers, especially for the author, a typical childhood did not exist. Both parents were mute and deaf. Their father had mental impairments, which limited his capacity to earn a regular livelihood. The additional income from their mother's assignments as a seamstress did not help much. Hence, the two siblings had to figure out ways to manage the family's daily requirements. Johannes was just ten, and his brother was a year older.

There could not have been a finer title for Johannes Krane's Holocaust memoir, Innocence Denied. The author describes events and daily life from 1944 to 1945. Throughout World War II, people had to endure inconceivable atrocities at the hands of German armies. He talks about the overall terror that pervaded society throughout the Nazi era. Execution or being sent to slave camps for the tiniest offenses, like stealing a loaf of bread, was standard practice. Food was restricted, which worsened with the onset of the harshest winter in the history of Holland. Being bombed was a constant worry. This represented daily survival challenges for everyone.

The author and his brother had to ensure their parents' safety over and above dealing with the atrocities committed by the Nazis. It was depressing to learn of the restrictions imposed by the parents just because they themselves were deaf and mute. It was also distressing to learn about his mother's unreasonable behavior. She often pushed him to engage in criminal activity despite being informed that doing so could result in his arrest or even death. He served as his parents' spokesperson. Whether it was to defend them in front of soldiers brandishing guns or to defend his mother's activities before a judge, I am left amazed at the way he articulates every situation at the tender age of 10. It was heartbreaking to learn how things took a turn with Lavinia.

The author's love for his family is evident. He communicates all the emotional conflicts with a simple yet touching writing style. I could feel the reader's distress and anxiety about making it through that period. I was impressed by how he managed to create happiness for himself despite adversity. The incident related to Lavinia and the money saved for the guitar brought tears to my eyes. He always displayed integrity.

Follow his journey as he endures near-death encounters, starvation, life in a dysfunctional family, and the war. How did things turn out for him and his family after the war? Was he able to make peace with his mother? Did he resign to the adversities?

I appreciate the author sharing his story. I do not have anything negative to say about it. However, I did notice some spelling and grammatical errors. To ensure an error-free book, I humbly suggest a re-edit. Due to these errors, I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars.

I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages. It provides a captivating insight into the Holocaust, making it an ideal choice for those interested in learning more about it. Additionally, the book is an immense source of motivation, teaching readers about values such as morality, perseverance, optimism, and maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity.

******
Innocence Denied, A Holocaust Childhood
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Holocaust stories tend to follow a similar structure and showcase the same themes, but they make the reader feel because the event actually happened, proof that cruelty is ingrained in history. Will Johannes get his happy ending? I'll have to read to find out.

Post by **Anu Anand** » 05 Jul 2025, 07:35

The strength and clarity shown at such a young age are unbelievable. It’s heartbreaking yet inspiring to see how he handled so much with such integrity. This review really brings that out. I’d really like to read this book. Thank you for sharing this well-written review. @Seetha E