Through Innocent Eyes: The Chosen Girls of the Hitler Youth - Hardcover

Sandor, Cynthia A

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0999755005 ISBN 13: 9780999755006

Publisher: Bdm History, 2018

Synopsis

The National Socialistic upbringing in the League of German Girls uses paramilitary-like disciplinary measures to build their loyalty and moral character. Coupled with pagan rituals, songs, and folklore, "Through Innocent Eyes" captures the self-actualiation of ten-year-old Gertrude as she progresses from childhood and living in poverty to adolescence and becoming "one" with her country. By age thirteen, Gertrude is chosen for Country Service Year Camp, called "Landjahr Lager." Here, she will receive the very best rural education for the Reich only wants the healthiest and strongest girls. In 1941, there are one-hundred thousand girls serving in Landjahr Lager and Gertrude Kerschner is one of them. Based upon the original journal of the author's mother and anchored in historical facts. Includes 51 photos.

About this title

About the Author

Cynthia A. Sandor was born in New York and raised in Greenwich, Connecticut. She was employed with Cherry Lane Music Publishing Co., Inc. as the Manager of Copyrights, Administration, and Licensing. She studied at St. Petersburg College and received her bachelor's degree in business from Eckerd College. She survived a horrific motorcycle accident, which propelled her to produce the Lady Rider Show, The Business Forum, and Travels with Cindy, on Pinellas County Public Access Television. She is an accomplished world traveler visiting over twenty countries. She has written for Guitar for the Practicing Musician, Biker Ally magazine, and the Tampa Bay New Times magazine. An article about her parents' journey appears in the 50th Anniversary Maiden Voyage Edition – S.S. United States – Fastest Ship in the World by Frank Braynard and Robert Hudson Westover. Ms. Sandor lives with her two Chihuahuas, Nicky, and Harley, in Oldsmar, Florida.

Review

Reviews:

"Cynthia has presented in pedantic detail the daily experiences of her mother during her mandatory service in the Hitler Youth in the most compelling and easy to read way. From the time of her initiation until her completed training at Landjahr Lager Seidorf, the book brings to the reader new perspectives and an intimate first-hand accounting of the purpose, ideology, and daily routines of the Hitler Youth Movement as experienced by Gertrude Kerschner. These details will dispel many possible misconceptions or skewed perspectives of the League of German Girls." Paul E. Fischer - President The German Cultural Society of Erie, PA

"Through Innocent Eyes" is the fascinating biography of Gertrude Kerschner and her time as a BDM girl in the elite rural educational program called Country Service Year Camp. I was captivated by the steady indoctrination of Gertrude as she progressed from her time in the Young Girls League to becoming a "Girl in Service" for her country. The reader is given a chronological account into the progress of what the BDM girls learned every step of the way. Every chapter builds upon the prior, giving an insightful look into Gertrude's personal world." Jeanne M. Onuska - CEO - European Military Historical Society, Conneaut, Ohio

Edition details

• Publisher: Bdm History
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 0999755005
• ISBN 13: 9780999755006
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 366
• Editor: Onuska Jeanne M