Why you should read this book... Q&A with Tricia Goyer, author of Twice Rescued Child

1. What inspired or motivated you to participate in the writing of Twice Rescued Child?

I heard about Thomas Graumann years ago, and his story didn’t leave me. My husband, John, and I led a mission trip of 19 people—mostly teens—to the Czech Republic in 2009. We worked with an amazing Czech church, and one night during a conversation with the pastor’s wife we got on the topic of World War II.

I was writing WWII novels at the time, and as we talked about what Czechoslovakia had faced during the war—being invaded by the Germans and all of the Jews being taken to concentration camps—Gabi, the pastor’s wife gasped, “Oh, you have to talk to Thomas Graumann. He was rescued as a young Jewish child when his mother put him on a train and sent him to the United Kingdom. He was saved, but his whole family was killed in concentration camps.”

As Gabi continued to share that night, it was the first time I’d heard of Nicholas Winton and his efforts to rescue the Jewish children from Czechoslovakia. He was a mere man who heard of a great need. He knew that if Jewish children weren’t taken out of the country they would lose their lives. Nicholas Winton rolled up his sleeves and saved 669 of them, including Thomas.

Years later, when this story wouldn’t leave my mind, I contacted Thomas. Talking to him, I discovered that his childhood rescue was just a small part of his story. As a young boy, Thomas dedicated his life to God’s service and God used him in amazing ways, all over the world and within his own country.

I wanted to share Thomas’ story so it wouldn’t be lost. So many of those who survived World War II are gone now, and their stories are gone with them.

2. Who is this book for? And why should they read it?

Anyone who loves history will be fascinated by Thomas’ story. Also, anyone who is eager to hear about what God can do with an ordinary man will also be moved by this story. There are numerous God-surprises throughout this book all the way to the very end.

3. Without giving much away, what can the reader learn from the book? Take away from the book?

First, readers will learn an important part of history from one man’s point-of-view. Also, readers will learn how God can turn even hard, painful situations around for good. Also, as readers follow Thomas’ life, God’s faithfulness is evident over and over again. Through every season, there were men and women who helped, supported and loved Thomas. It’s not just one man’s story, but the story of how God uses fellow Christians to make a difference as we all work together.

4. Why is WW2 a subject of interest to you? Do you have a personal relationship with it?

My grandfather served in World War II, but he passed away before I had a chance to hear many of his stories. I became interested in World War II when I visited Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria. I was fascinated by the liberation of the camp, and I was able to interview many veterans who were involved in that liberation. Those true stories became the basis for my first novel, From Dust and Ashes, published in 2003. After that time I’ve continued to interview people and research to discover true stories. My hope is that through my writing a new generation will know more of history. It’s important not to forget.

5. What was it like to work with the author, Thomas?

Thomas is in his 80s, yet his memory is amazing! Thomas had been writing down details of his story for many years, so he gave me a great foundation to work from. We talked on the phone every week for many months as I went over the details of his story. He was able to answer my questions, remembering names and dates. He has a better memory than I do! I felt honored to be able to bring his story “to life” for readers.

Tricia Goyer is the mother of ten, grandmother of two, and author of more than 70 books, both fiction and non-fiction. In addition to her roles as mother, wife and author, she volunteers around her community and mentors teen mothers. More details at www.triciagoyer.com. 

Image of Tricia © triciagoyer.com