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Under a Leafless Tree: The Story of a Mormon Girl from East Prussia
Nobody was there. Nobody had time . . . We know how it is when the bombs are falling, and something is burning, and somebody dies Excerpt from Under a Leafless Tree I felt like I was eavesdropping on an exciting and intimate conversation and I didn't want to stop listening! Werner Bell You will feel like you are living Helga's adventures. You will enter her thoughts and gain insights into your own challenges. AJM A wonderfully crafted and engaging narrative! Helga Meyer captivated us with her story. A remarkable life, punctuated with marvelous photographs. Jill Mulvay Derr Former President of the Mormon History Association Professor of History This book is an incredible find. What's most extraordinary is that she does not dwell on the negative or morose elements of her story. An easy and engrossing read. James Marsh Her story leaves you thinking that maybe goodness and resilience aren't quite as rare as we thought, and perhaps we're all a little stronger than we know. Anne Woolstenhulme
234 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 14, 2021
Helga Meyer's life story is nothing short of amazing. Born in a faithful Latter-day Saint family in East Prussia in 1920, Meyer lived in both Nazi Germany and the German Democratic Republic, was married 3 times, survived starvation and assaults, survived shrapnel wounds after a bomb shelter door broke open, and displayed a resilience and determination that is nothing short of inspiring. Her story is simply amazing, from her unlikely childhood on the other side of the Danzig corridor to her death-defying escape on a U-Bahn train ride from East to West Berlin. It was hard to put down.
Meyer's story is not written with perfect grammar - which adds to the authenticity of the work. The English sentences are somewhat convoluted, the product of a elderly woman whose training in the language came largely after her arrival in the United States as a refugee. There's a warmth to the tone that this brings, however. This is not the product of an unbiased and discipline historian. The words are her words, and the book reads like a long conversation with a favorite grandparent - including the occasional diversion.
The photos are worth the price of the book alone. It's not only amazing that so much photographic evidence of Meyer's pre-immigrant life exists. Rather, it's amazing how good the quality of these photos are. They are clearer, better focused, and more attractive than my own family photos from the time period. It's one thing to read Meyer's description of her childhood; it's quite another to see her young, smiling, energetic face, as clear as any Facebook profile photo.
As a returned German-speaking missionary, I wish that the diary extracts at the end of the book were also available in the German original. The translation is beautifully done, and there is a certain literary poignancy to her descriptions of hiding from the Russians in the mission home (technically apartment). Part of me wishes that Meyer wrote the entire book in German, though I do think that what we have is a sufficient rendition of her innermost thoughts and memories.
On a personal level, this book really meant something to me. My maternal grandmother, almost exactly 5 years younger than Meyer, came of age during the Nazi occupation of her native Norway. Unfortunately, my grandmother died long before I was born, taking with her all of the emotions, fears, and feelings that Meyer describes so vividly, and leaving behind only the few stories that have passed down. I've always wondered what it would have been like to hear those stories straight from my Norwegian grandmother. Though I won't get that opportunity in this life, I sincerely feel that this book has given me a taste of what it would have been like.
All members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should read this book. It's simply marvelous.
Meyer's story is not written with perfect grammar - which adds to the authenticity of the work. The English sentences are somewhat convoluted, the product of a elderly woman whose training in the language came largely after her arrival in the United States as a refugee. There's a warmth to the tone that this brings, however. This is not the product of an unbiased and discipline historian. The words are her words, and the book reads like a long conversation with a favorite grandparent - including the occasional diversion.
The photos are worth the price of the book alone. It's not only amazing that so much photographic evidence of Meyer's pre-immigrant life exists. Rather, it's amazing how good the quality of these photos are. They are clearer, better focused, and more attractive than my own family photos from the time period. It's one thing to read Meyer's description of her childhood; it's quite another to see her young, smiling, energetic face, as clear as any Facebook profile photo.
As a returned German-speaking missionary, I wish that the diary extracts at the end of the book were also available in the German original. The translation is beautifully done, and there is a certain literary poignancy to her descriptions of hiding from the Russians in the mission home (technically apartment). Part of me wishes that Meyer wrote the entire book in German, though I do think that what we have is a sufficient rendition of her innermost thoughts and memories.
On a personal level, this book really meant something to me. My maternal grandmother, almost exactly 5 years younger than Meyer, came of age during the Nazi occupation of her native Norway. Unfortunately, my grandmother died long before I was born, taking with her all of the emotions, fears, and feelings that Meyer describes so vividly, and leaving behind only the few stories that have passed down. I've always wondered what it would have been like to hear those stories straight from my Norwegian grandmother. Though I won't get that opportunity in this life, I sincerely feel that this book has given me a taste of what it would have been like.
All members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should read this book. It's simply marvelous.
February 23, 2016
What a wonderful account of one woman's life in East Prussia during WWII. I loved reading about her faith and courage during a horrible time of her life and what life was like for LDS people in Europe during this time period. It's a true story and reads more like a journal than a novel, which I didn't mind but I know some would.
April 9, 2022
I have read UNDER A LEAFLESS TREE: THE STORY OF A MORMON GIRL FROM EAST PRUSSIA twice. The second time was even more rewarding. I realize the book could have been written by the native English speaking author but, for me, there is real power in learning about Helga’s life through her own words. Most of the book describes Helga’s life from childhood through WWII, but you learn several important details following the war. Helga suffered regular loss and the huge grief that accompanied the death of many she loved dearly. I could feel the intensity required to stay present while navigating the constant terror and uprooting that accompanies war. Amazingly, Helga also demonstrates astounding resilience and the ability to make rapid fire decisions based on her faith and guidance from God. Her faith was both anchor and guiding star to her. It was hard for me to absorb that all these experiences belonged to one person. Finally, I was impressed Helga was able to extract meaning and impart counsel from her very challenging life. She chose life and to keep moving forward. The final, unexpected chapter in her life was so heartening! I’m grateful Helga survived the war because I continue to be inspired by her life and her deliberately faithful, resilient attitude toward it. What a treasure to have Helga tell her story.
December 7, 2013
Heidi Parker sent me a link to this book recently because we are fellow writers of family stories and this is a beautiful personal memoir about life and family. I am serving a mission in the Canary Islands right now but, through the glory of the internet, I downloaded the Kindle version. I can sneak a little time here and there for worthwhile reading.
One of my favorite books is one reviewed years ago by Heidi, “German Boy,” and this was another glimpse into the personal lives of the German people during World War II. The tragedies of war both physical and emotional play out in both of these stories. This was especially poignant because Helga told her story as a Mormon girl and I felt her faith, and the way the Lord guided the LDS community in Germany at this time, to help and love each other. I had a strong sense of how important that group of saints were to each other and how difficult for those that did not have such a faith based community. I enjoyed the pieces of Helga’s diary, at the end of the book, where she told of the fasting, praying and singing they did together. How do you get through these things without the Lord and human support?
I had so many thoughts about Helga’s life, her mistakes, her divorce, even though she was trying to do the right things, we still make mistakes and our trials go on even when the “war” ended. But she never lost her faith and God never stopped helping her, and that is the beautiful thing. And then she got married again at 91 and felt so joyful still! For me, who is fast becoming an old lady, I love her aging spunk and ability to tell her story. We never want to lose that. The writing is simple and straight forward but I felt her voice, at times I even heard her German accent. It was a good, uplifting read.
Helga’s Life before the war:
"We went to my grandparents’ apartment in between Sunday School and sacrament meeting….It seems like the days or the hours didn’t go by fast. Somebody was at the piano, and we sang the whole hymnbook, one song after the other. Do you think we were happy? We were! How do I explain that it was heaven on earth."
After losing her grandparents and aunt in a fire bombing: It was quite a heartache to lose three at once. Anyway, we took it. We had to take it. There was no other way. What can you do? You have to live. You have to go on.
"We fought for life. We were heartbroken. We cried and we were sad, but we didn’t need everybody to come to support us. Nobody was there. Nobody had time. We have gone through certain things, and we have the feeling of it. We know how it is when the bombs are falling and something is burning and somebody dies."
September 17, 2013
This book is an incredible find.
Helga tells us of her life, growing up in East Prussia, the difference in growing up Mormon, the rise of Hitler, the war from the perspective of a common German citizen and her eventual escape to America.
What's most extraordinary is that she does not swell on the negative or morose elements of her story. She is not interested in sensationalism but just to tell her story so that others will understand what she went through.
The book is made up of short sections containing vignettes. There are photographs throughout and helpful footnotes.
It was an easy and engrossing read.
Helga tells us of her life, growing up in East Prussia, the difference in growing up Mormon, the rise of Hitler, the war from the perspective of a common German citizen and her eventual escape to America.
What's most extraordinary is that she does not swell on the negative or morose elements of her story. She is not interested in sensationalism but just to tell her story so that others will understand what she went through.
The book is made up of short sections containing vignettes. There are photographs throughout and helpful footnotes.
It was an easy and engrossing read.
June 10, 2015
While tending my grandkiddies and after I tucked them into bed, I picked this up off the counter and was engrossed for the rest of the evening. Wonderful, true voice describing her experiences during the war. Highly recommend it!
December 23, 2016
A warm and personal history
I loved the intimate view I got into Helga's life. Her optimistic and honest story has thrilled me. Her German style of speech reminds me of my own Prussian grandfather!
I loved the intimate view I got into Helga's life. Her optimistic and honest story has thrilled me. Her German style of speech reminds me of my own Prussian grandfather!
June 23, 2013
I know both these wonderful women, I haven't read the book yet, but I know the story. Helga is the most incredible woman and so loving and generous. She is an absolute Angel! As is Lark.
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April 30, 2022As a history major I’ve learned the importance of what kind of sources people use to interpret history. Any good scholar knows that primary sources are the cream-the very best. This memoir is what that is; Helga’s story in her own words. It doesn’t read like a memoir that’s been gone through with a fine tooth comb to make itself pretty for the reader, but the raw spirit of Helga and her incredible life is marvelously preserved. Her story inspired me.
I suspect many more people will want to pick this up after reading the latest installment of “Saints” where Helga is one of the featured stories. To those readers wanting more I would say be patient with the first 80 pages or so. The way it bounces around chronologically (within her childhood and youth) and seems to wander without clear purpose may not be the most encouraging of beginnings but i believe there is value in these early days. So much of the war, post war, and even the America portion to some extent are heavily weighed down with hardship that the early years provide a nice contrast.
I suspect many more people will want to pick this up after reading the latest installment of “Saints” where Helga is one of the featured stories. To those readers wanting more I would say be patient with the first 80 pages or so. The way it bounces around chronologically (within her childhood and youth) and seems to wander without clear purpose may not be the most encouraging of beginnings but i believe there is value in these early days. So much of the war, post war, and even the America portion to some extent are heavily weighed down with hardship that the early years provide a nice contrast.
August 12, 2022
This is a captivating story--a TRUE story, told in the words of Helga Meyer herself. From the Preface:
"Everybody has stories...it is a great gift to think back...to have a memory." Helga's life story is such an amazing series of world-changing events. Her little hometown of Tilsit, East Prussia--disintegrated around Nazi and Russian occupation--she speaks of how her world seemed to be falling apart.
In the process, she discovers her curious new faith, finds herself befriending Jews, surviving bombs in the streets, and, ultimately lost nearly all of her family.
I love WWII memoirs, and this one is exceptional--mostly because it blends the history, the early saints in communist-block eastern Europe, and Helga's true/personal story.
I love this read and highly recommend it.
"Everybody has stories...it is a great gift to think back...to have a memory." Helga's life story is such an amazing series of world-changing events. Her little hometown of Tilsit, East Prussia--disintegrated around Nazi and Russian occupation--she speaks of how her world seemed to be falling apart.
In the process, she discovers her curious new faith, finds herself befriending Jews, surviving bombs in the streets, and, ultimately lost nearly all of her family.
I love WWII memoirs, and this one is exceptional--mostly because it blends the history, the early saints in communist-block eastern Europe, and Helga's true/personal story.
I love this read and highly recommend it.
January 22, 2020
While the overall info had some interesting parts, the way the book was put together was very difficult to read and follow. I gathered that the info came from recordings that were made of her sharing her memories. I wish the author would have taken the time to put the stories in some kind of organizational order, rather than leaving it in the "stream of consciousness" mode as transcribed from the recordings. Made it very chaotic and difficult to follow.
April 21, 2022
Timely and inspiring, a quick read.
Helga’s wartime stories as a German girl—then woman—in the middle of Berlin during bombings, and behind iron curtain under Russian rule. Written in vignettes that show what bravery and personal faith look like in times of uncertainty and danger.
Helga’s wartime stories as a German girl—then woman—in the middle of Berlin during bombings, and behind iron curtain under Russian rule. Written in vignettes that show what bravery and personal faith look like in times of uncertainty and danger.
April 24, 2024
I’ve never written a review before but I just HAVE to for this book.
It is one of my new all-time favorites.
I loved the stories, miracles, perspectives, etc.
I found this book to be beautiful and inspiring and I highly recommend it!
It’s definitely a book I will read more than once!
It is one of my new all-time favorites.
I loved the stories, miracles, perspectives, etc.
I found this book to be beautiful and inspiring and I highly recommend it!
It’s definitely a book I will read more than once!
December 26, 2024
I was certainly impressed that apparently the Church functioned in East Prussia, with a little spark added from missionaries, about the same as in Utah where I grew up. The story lead, with gripping suspense, up to my most informative reading to date about living through a war zone -- Berlin at the end of WW II. The author was living and working at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Berlin headquarters of the German Mission. The historic details were extremely enlightening. The only weakness preventing a five-star rating was that the author, Sister Helga Meyer, dictated to the co-author, Lark Evans Galli, as he interviewed her, and from time to time she rambled about times and locations. He largely used her own words grouping them in chapters as to time and pertinent subject. Even so, the narrative sometime was a little strung out.
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March 14, 2016The book was written as Helga told the story. Not sure that was the best way to do that. I had trouble following the story in the first several chapters.
But as for Helga's story, it was amazing. Good for those of us who have never experienced any sort of privation to read and reflect on what people are capable of when they have to be.
But as for Helga's story, it was amazing. Good for those of us who have never experienced any sort of privation to read and reflect on what people are capable of when they have to be.
November 24, 2013
A fascinating look at WWII from the perspective of a LDS woman. She's had a fascinating life with some amazing experiences and I thought the way it was told in her "native tongue" was really interesting and added to the character of the story.
May 7, 2014
I liked that the author's words were written as she spoke them. Since English is her second language, her word order was sometimes a little different, but leaving everything in her original voice made it more real. Interesting story.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews