a book by Anne Holm
It’s no secret that I love reading, or that I read widely, eagerly embracing many different genres and enjoying books for all ages. In fact, I estimate that I’ve read over 3,000 books in my life. With so many books under my belt, it may be surprising that I remember any of them. It’s true, some books are quick reads, offering momentary pleasure, and are easily forgotten. But some books stick with me and have a lasting influence on the way I see the world.
One such book is North to Freedom, by Anne Holm. Published in Danish in 1963, and translated to English by L. W. Kingsland in 1965, it’s the story of a young boy, David, who was raised in an Eastern European concentration camp. In the beginning of the book, David lies awake, wondering if he should trust the Man who told him to escape that night. He worries that it’s a trick. He will be shot or electrocuted crossing the fence. Or he will be recaptured and punished for the attempt.
Life is the camp is horrible. Feeling he has little to lose, David does escape and his adventure begins. Though he expects to be killed at any moment, David gradually learns to value his freedom. I remember being totally caught up in his story as David first discovered beauty in the world and tasted his first orange.
I’m not really sure why this book drew me in so completely. I first read it in 5th or 6th grade, before I had any knowledge of the political climate of the day, the cold war, or any current events. I think I had heard or read of Nazi Germany and their concentration camps, but this was not about World War II. Really, nothing in young David’s life related to anything in my life. I had never been imprisoned, or gone without food, or had to travel secretly on my own, or worry about capture. I knew what it was like to be in a family.
True, I had tasted oranges. Growing up in California, I knew oranges well, and loved sucking the juice out of them. Perhaps it was my shock at the poverty of a life without such simple pleasures that made me connect with this book.
Or perhaps I was seduced by the writing, which is certainly compelling. As a reader, I cared for David from the first few paragraphs when the Man has told him he must escape, and David must decide whether or not to believe him.
In the end, I suspect I was drawn to the character of David himself, who in spite of all he’d been through, is fundamentally a good person. He can see good in others and in the world, in spite of all his hardships. I don’t know if I already believed this to be true before reading the book, but it is an attitude I still embrace. Bad things happen, and bad people exist, but there’s also a world of good around us, if only we open our eyes to it. David knew that, and so his story lives with me.
Whatever the reason I remember this book so well, it is a treasure I highly recommend. Perhaps you too will remember it fondly half a century after reading it.
BRIC-A-BRAC 