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The Hiding Place summary
Brief summary
The Hiding Place is a memoir by Corrie ten Boom, detailing her experiences during World War II. It explores her family's efforts to hide Jews from the Nazis and their subsequent imprisonment in concentration camps. It is a story of courage, faith, and the power of forgiveness.
Table of Contents
The Hiding Place
Summary of key ideas
A Time of Fear and Courage
In The Hiding Place, the author, Corrie ten Boom, guides us through a harrowing time in history. Set in Haarlem, Holland during the Nazi occupation, the ten Boom family, devout Christians, bravely defy their conquerors by hiding Jews in a secret room in their house. They believe in the sanctity of human life and quietly fight back against the evil regime that threatens the world.
The underground effort is going well until a Dutch informant betrays the ten Boom family. Corrie, her father, and her sister, Betsie, are arrested and their secret sanctuary is discovered. While their father tragically dies in custody, Corrie and Betsie are transported to Ravensbruck, a fearsome concentration camp in Germany.
Strength in the Midst of Suffering
At Ravensbruck, Corrie and Betsie endure extreme hardship, yet they don't let the bleakness of their surroundings overcome them. Despite their circumstances, they still manage to hold Bible study sessions in their barrack, inspiring hope and faith in their fellow prisoners. Betsie's positive attitude and unwavering belief in the goodness of humanity deeply influence Corrie and the women around them.
Unfortunately, Betsie's health deteriorates rapidly in the unsanitary, brutal conditions of the camp, and she does not survive. Before she dies, she tells Corrie about her vision of a post-war world, a place where former captives would come to heal, learn, and forgive. Betsie's dream becomes the driving force behind Corrie's post-war efforts.
Freedom and Forgiveness
Remarkably, Corrie is released due to a clerical error in late 1944, just days before all women her age are exterminated. She returns to the Netherlands to heal and recuperate. Recovering from her ordeal, she begins to fulfill Betsie's vision by transforming the ten Boom house into a refuge for those traumatized by the war, including former concentration camp prisoners and even Dutch collaborators seeking shelter from revengeful compatriots.
During her travels to share her experiences and spread the message of love and forgiveness, Corrie encounters one of the former guards from Ravensbruck. He has since converted to Christianity and asks for her forgiveness. Demonstrating a profound act of grace, Corrie forgives him, realizing that forgiveness is the only path to healing from such trauma.
Impacting the World through Faith and Forgiveness
Spurred by the teachings of her faith, Corrie dedicates her life to helping others recover from the brutalities of war. She sets up rehabilitation centres to fulfill Betsie's dream, and she travels internationally to share her experiences. Her message emphasizes how love and forgiveness can help overcome the worst of life's trials.
Overall, The Hiding Place is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transforming power of faith. Corrie ten Boom's life serves as an inspiration to us all, especially through her courage, her unwavering faith, and her commitment to love and forgive amidst unthinkable circumstances.
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What is The Hiding Place about?
The Hiding Place is a memoir by Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch woman who, along with her family, helped hide Jews during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. The book recounts their courageous acts of resistance and the harrowing experiences they faced in a concentration camp. It is a powerful story of faith, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The Hiding Place Review
The Hiding Place (1971) is a powerful memoir that takes readers on a journey through the horrors of the Holocaust and the triumph of faith and resilience. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With heart-wrenching personal stories and firsthand experiences, it offers a deeply moving account of human strength and the power of forgiveness.
- Through the remarkable bravery of the ten Boom family, who risked their lives to hide Jews, the book highlights the extraordinary acts of compassion amidst darkness.
- By shedding light on the indomitable spirit of Corrie ten Boom and her unwavering faith, it provides a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Who should read The Hiding Place?
- Anyone seeking inspiration from a true story of courage and resilience
- Readers interested in learning about history and the impact of World War II
- Individuals looking to gain insights on forgiveness, faith, and the power of hope
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The Hiding Place FAQs
What is the main message of The Hiding Place?
The main message of The Hiding Place is about the power of faith and forgiveness in the face of unimaginable adversity.
How long does it take to read The Hiding Place?
The reading time for The Hiding Place varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Hiding Place a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Hiding Place is a deeply moving memoir that captures the resilience of the human spirit. It is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of The Hiding Place?
The author of The Hiding Place is Corrie ten Boom.
What to read after The Hiding Place?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Hiding Place, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- Gang Leader For A Day by Sudhir Venkatesh
- Do No Harm by Henry Marsh