Summer of My German SoldierBy Bette Greene
In Bette Greene’s novel, Summer of My German Soldier, Patty Bergen lived through a summer she would never forget. This fictional novel set during World War II, takes you back to understand the hardships of was that everyone had to live through.
The summer that Patty Bergen turns twelve, the U.S. Army is ordered to set up a prison camp for the German Nazi prisoners in her home town, Jenkinsville, Arkansas. Throughout the summer, Patty finds herself growing fonder of one of the prisoners, a German soldier captured by the U.S. Army, named Anton Ricker. Even though Patty is a Jewish girl and Anton is a German Nazi, they both become friends instantly.
After Anton escaped from the prison camp, Patty did everything she could to keep him safe and away from the American soldiers. She found him a shelter, brought him food and clothing, and visited as often as she could.
Once the town found out about the escapee, the sheriff began questioning everyone in town. This became very difficult for Patty. She truly did go against everything she believed in to cover up Anton. She soon found out this would change her life forever.
I believe this is a good book for anyone who enjoys reading romance novels. The relationship between Patty and Anton just grows more every day. Together they find a way to stand all of the hardships of war. Patty even puts out herself to risk everything she has for the safety of Anton. It is a very interesting book and I really enjoyed it.
By Katie Porting
