Out of the Hitler Time trilogy is semi-autobiographical novels by Judith Kerr. The first book When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit is about 9 years old Anna and her family’s escape from Hitler in 1933. Her father was a fierce anti-Nazi writer, the Nazis burned his books and put a price on his head. All he said was:
“Very upset… It’s such a very small price… I think I’m worth a lot more, don’t you?”
“Along with the works of various other distinguished authors,” said Papa, “such as Einstein, Freud, H.G. Wells… ” (he felt rather privileged, regarding to his books burned by Nazis)
The family went on their adventure as refugee, with all kind of unimaginable challenges and life threatening situation. But Anna said:
“I’ve never minded being a refugee … ”
“I don’t really mind where or how. I don’t mind things being difficult … just as long as we’re four together.”
Bombs on Aunt Dainty is the second book set in wartime London, Anna was 16 years old visiting her brother Max in Cambridge who held a major scholarship there. On the train to Cambridge, from a conversation with a woman, Anna realized the complexity of her identity as an anti-Nazi Jewish German in enemy country UK. Later, Max was arrested because of being a German and Anna was rejected from almost every job for being a German. This shows me again how irrational and disastrous is it to make decision based on one’s race, religion and nationality. I am very upset that today, this blindness has led to unchecked violence.
The resilience mother kept the family alive and the brilliant writer father diligently wrote every day although none of his work could be published.
“The last years haven’t been all unhappy, you know. You and Max have given us great joy. And I’ve always had Mama.” Papa said.
“I think that the only times they don’t feel like refugees is when they’re with us.” Max said.
A Small Person Far Away is a 7 days diary of Anna visiting the ill mother in Berlin after war. There she faced her old fears, visited the house she once lived with her family, the shop that she bought her colour pencils and etc. Papa has passed away, Mama was frail like a child, Max got married and has his family to care. However, her nightmares melted away by the love she found in her husband. At the beginning of this book, she dreamed …
“How did I come to be so alone? She thought. Surely there must be someone to whom I belong?”
And this is how the story of refugee Anna trilogy ended.
“There were no more doubts. This was where she belonged. She was home.”
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