REVIEWS
What Readers are Saying
“Rosemarie ‘Rosel’ Lengsfeld was an American girl trapped in Nazi Germany during World War II.
In 1934, Rosel and her immigrant parents left New York City to visit German relatives. However, when it was finally time to leave, her family—now including her new baby sister—learned that Hitler had closed the borders to German citizens, forcing them to remain in Breslau. As Lutherans, they were lucky enough not to be fully aware of the atrocities occurring in German-occupied territories. Her parents, however, emphasized that she should not believe antisemitic propaganda. When the war ended, 15-year-old Rosel was able to secure passage back to the States due to her American citizenship, painfully leaving her parents and sister behind. As the horrific truth about Hitler’s Final Solution came to light, Rosel had to deal with anti-German sentiment, grappling with her perception of the Nazis as the enemy and her awareness that her accent would make Americans believe she was one of them. Her situation presents readers with difficult questions about collective responsibility and good versus evil, and they are given the space to come to their own conclusions. Co-authored by Rosemarie and her son, this is a haunting, harrowing memoir. Rosemarie’s time in Nazi Germany is recounted through recurring nightmares during her 10-day shipboard voyage; while this structure feels a bit forced at times, it is a useful tool for conveying her story.
A remarkable and thought-provoking memoir.”
“A vividly told, viscerally affecting story of heart wrenching loss, terror, and, ultimately, triumphant victory of good over evil.”
—Twesigye Jackson Kaguri, author of A School for My Village and Victory for My Village
“The harrowing tale of one family’s struggle for survival in WWII Germany cinematically told through the eyes of a young girl forced to grow up far too young, American Shoes offers a powerful message about trauma and redemption. In these trying times, Rosel’s story reminds us that we must confront the darkness of our history, or we risk repeating it.”
—George Kitson, television writer, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
“Heartbreaking yet hopeful, American Shoes is a riveting true story that captured my heart while taking the journey with Rosemarie. All ages will enjoy learning about the power of the human spirit through her story.”
—Antriece Hart, motivational speaker and author of Anointed Visions
“American Shoes is one of the most poignant books on the market. It’s a page-turner that should be read by every age.”
—Brit Elders, writer, editor, and CEO at ShirleyMacLaine.com
“American Shoes is an enlightening and personal perspective on what you learn in your history books. Captivating from the start. Raw and emotional.”
—Danielle Clark, Wine and Words Book Club
“Stories of terror and profound sadness about World War II are not new, but to follow Rosel as she navigates the horror, endures the challenges, and boards the Marine Flasher very much alone…it is a journey we all need to take. American Shoes has a power I will not forget.”
—Mary Ellen Wood, Schuler Books, Okemos, Michigan
“American Shoes will encourage and ever so gently challenge you to enlarge your vision and create a healthier future for you and for those around you. Powerful, intense, hopeful!”
—Gerard Mauzé, educator and juvenile justice trainer
“This gripping real life story is about unpleasant experiences, perseverance, hope and love of family. A book you will always remember.”
—James M. Wahl, retired family court specialist
“American Shoes is a labor of love on so many levels: A loving son recounting his mother’s journey from a sunny childhood in New York City to the darkness of war and homeless refugee camps of Nazi–infected Germany; Rosemarie’s mother selflessly guiding the family’s survival without really knowing what will come next—until the day her courageous oldest daughter Rosel is offered return to America aboard a rescue ship—alone, her one chance to finally achieve her dream to return home and succeed in America.
—John Campbell, professional musician and recording producer
“My parents asked me to read this book about Nazi Germany, and I am glad they did! I found my questions about what is happening in today’s world answered inside the pages of American Shoes. My mind kept switching between 1930s Germany and what is happening today. A must read and a warning for us all.”
—Yusuf Abbas, 19 year-old college student
“The book American Shoes was wonderful and well-written. Its scenery pulled me in, and I just could NOT put it down. I think this story would make reading historical books in the classroom fun again!”
—Caleb Hart, 15 year-old high school student
“A powerful book for understanding life and justice…with important lessons for our times. American Shoes is a powerful, emotional, sensual, intimately woven story teaching us how wounds morph into wisdom.”
—Carla Guggenheim, physician and former professional dancer
“American Shoes will quickly draw you into the life of a teenage girl and her family during World War II. A memoir of courage and determination.”
—Stefanie (Salter) Kyte, one of Rosemarie’s ex au pair charges
“American Shoes is a beautifully written, powerful story. I was drawn into the account from the first page…and inspired throughout.”
—Ruth Seagull, lifelong friend
“Rosemarie Turke, with Garrett’s help, has given us a tremendous gift. I hope that we can accept and fully appreciate it. We must guard against the kind of horrors she experienced and relates. To paraphrase Rosel: Maybe America is still out there, alive and well, ready to help us.”
—David Hopkinson, citizen and patriot
“Rosemarie’s stories are treasures, and I am so glad she has shared them with the world in American Shoes.”
—Carla Starrett-Bigg, one of Rosemarie’s ex au pair charges
“A sobering look at the far-reaching effects of war, American Shoes is an enlightening and painful reminder that wars forever damage those who are forced to live through them.”
—S. Russick, parent and grandparent
“American Shoes shows how destructive political division can be, but also how people can pull together to provide help and support between one another regardless of nationality or origin. This is how the world should operate, and the blueprint for that is found within these pages.”
—Mody Diagne Diop, entrepreneur and businessman
“American Shoes is the reflection of all immigrants from all over the world. As an immigrant from West Africa, I found myself inside the mind of young Rosemarie chapter after chapter. Captivating, exciting, educational, and ultimately uplifting—a life changing read!”
—Amadou Nikhor Mbenge, cyber security specialist, Montréal, Canada
“A lesson on life from a most horrific and terrible time, this is the story of a small child, now a grown woman, who opened her scars and wounds to the world. May we move forward from her journey inspired to make this world peaceful!! American Shoes is a must read for all ages.”
—Norma M. C. Myers, mother, grandmother, and care provider for children
“I just absolutely loved this book. It is so evident how much care went into presenting Rosemarie’s story. The story alone is riveting, but the way it is structured is so tantalizing that you won’t be able to easily put it down until you reach the very end. When you reach the end, you’re going to be thinking that you want to read even more! But the authors did not leave us in suspense and you do get a sense of how Rosemarie’s life has been. I am so so so very glad that she has shared her story with us. It’s an unusual one and a must read for anyone who interested in the effects of war on children. This is a real story by a real person. It will give you all the feels. Thank you, Rosemarie! PS. The title is perfect!!”
—Sara Aoyama, reviewer (5 out of 5 stars)
“American Shoes is the story of a little girl born in the USA to German immigrants who return to their homeland after the Nazis come to power. They find themselves unable to return home and rather than the peace and liberty of the USA they are forced to experience the horrors of Hitler’s tyranny. The book starts one year after the war has ended with the family forced into another division as Rosemarie, being the only American Citizen in her family, faced with a choice to either remain or get on a transport ship returning to New York. She chooses to get on board leaving all that is dear to her and we then get to hear a series of recollections of the past 10 years interwoven with new characters and adventures on what proves a harrowing voyage to “freedom”.
What makes this book unusual is that it gives a German perspective of civilian life during WWII including the pressure to conform and support a regime she despises, the persecution of those who do not fit the Nazi ideals, the terror of allied bombing raids, flight from advancing Russian troops and the hopelessness of life as a refugee. It is also written through the eyes of a young girl who is naturally inquisitive and optimistic but who has to mature quickly when the world and those around her do not match her ideals.
The story on its own captures your attention but the skill of the Authors really brings the characters to life and makes this a real page turner. This is one of those stories which we all need to read in our lifetimes if only to remind us of how precious are the many things we take for granted living in a free democracy.”
—Michael Neill, reviewer (4 out of 5 stars)
“I’ve read many WWII books but one written from the perspective of Germans who wanted no part of Hitler and Third Reich is something for me. I love this book. It is very well written. I felt like I was there right along side Rosemarie and all she was experiencing.
It seems like the writing of this book was also healing for Rosemarie. She is absolutely wonderful for bringing her story to light.”
—Kelly Long, reviewer (5 out of 5 stars)