Independent Review

Dr. Henry Baerg, past President of The Bible Institute. Chilliwack British Columbia, Canada -January 2002.

"Elizabeth Lenci-Downs, I compliment you on the excellent, superb job you did in writing I Heard My People Cry, One Family's Escape From Russia. I cannot recommend your book too highly."

I Heard My People Cry by Lenci Studios, Inc. with Trafford Publishing

This is the story of Louise Huebert Toews Gerig (Lise in the book) and "Her People" who were originally Dutch-German Mennonites of the Crimea and South Ukraine. The focus is on the years 1918-1949, the Great Revolution, Lenin and the reign of terror under Stalin followed by three years of occupation of the southern Ukraine by the German army and the family's life in Poland as trapped Black Sea Germans.

The saga takes us from early Mennonite history to Ukraine in 1778, until Lise's family take refuge in the Crimea in the early 1900's. The theme, "My People", threads throughout the whole book and gives the reader the impression that young Lise appreciated and treasured her grandfather's Christian teachings.

The author writes about the manner of life, joys and prosperity of Dutch-German farmers in Ukraine and of those in the marine climate of the Crimean peninsula jutting into the Black Sea. The fruit and the flowers, meadows and mountains, the agricultural fields and gardens are described in exquisite picturesque language. . .

. . .Lise's poignant words tell how her people found a haven in the village of Tiege under Rumanian forces of the German Army where they were able to survive for two years. However, when the German Army was retreating from Stalingrad, Lise's people joined millions of others who fled on wagons, by train when possible and on foot to Poland and finally to West Germany and British protection. It is a breathtaking and agonizing story of flight and escape.

The author must be complimented on her use of words and language to engage your mind so thoroughly. You can just feel the suspense and pathos from the danger of being captured. The story ends with Lise's family able to come to Canada despite all the obstacles including detention in Poland. One cousin was granted asylum in the west after I Heard My People Cry, One Family's Escape From Russia was completed.

Interesting facets in the development of the story are the romance and finally marriage of Lise and Walter Toews. The fire of love and romance cannot be extinguished even in times of separation, oppression and danger. To appreciate our freedoms and affluence, I recommend the reading of this life story which is skillfully woven through the events of Russian history that affected Lise's people. And to read especially to our young people.