The Path

The Path is an unusual German novel for young readers as it is about World War II which is normally a taboo subject in Germany. It has been described as the story of a flight to freedom. Der Pfad has been a bestseller in Germany and made into a film in 2022.

It is set in 1941 with 12-year-old Rolf, his dog Adi and his father Ludwig, who are fleeing from the Gestapo. They are in Marseille and plan to escape from France by crossing the Pyrenees with the help of their teenage guide Manuel. Their aim is to get to New York where Rolf's mother is waiting for them. Ludwig is captured on the road leaving Rolf and Manuel are on their own to face a daunting and dangerous journey. It is a journey which develops a bond and a friendship between the two young boys as they learn to trust each other and learn from one another.

The Path is inspired by true events.

Rudiger Bertram was born in 1967 and studied history, economics and philology at university in Germany before becoming a freelance journalist. He is one of the most successful children’s writers in Germany. He considers The Path to be his most important book so far as well as his most successful

Claire Storey translates from German, Spanish and Catalan into English, specializing in middle grade and young adult literature.