Hanneke and Fiet

Amsterdam, during World War II. Hanneke, age 3, is separated from her parents and goes into hiding. She is moved from one home to another because each family that hides her knows how risky it is. Hanneke is frightened, but then she comes to the home of Fiet, a Dutch girl just a little older than her. The two girls become friends, and Hanneke gets the warmth and love she missed so much. Fiet’s parents are also wonderful—they treat Hanneke like their own and promise her that when the war is over her parents will come and get her. Around them the war rages on, and they see soldiers through the windows. But inside the house, Fiet plays with Hanneke and tells her stories so she won’t be scared. Finally, three years later, Hanneke’s parents come and fetch her.

This is a very human story about good and brave people, about wondrous grace, friendship and a home in the midst of misery. Hanneke is actually the writer’s mother, and he tells the story of her survival with love and sensitivity.