Innocence Denied: A Holocaust Childhood

By Johannes Krane

The dark clouds of terror and grief are all over the sky. There's pain, hunger, and sorrow taking up human lives. "Hunger Winter," one of the greatest tragedies in human history, occurred during World War II. It was when thousands of innocent Dutch nationals were starved to death by the brutal Nazi forces forcing them to live just enough to die every day. It was when the streets of the Netherlands were terrorized by Nazi invasion and fear. With death and hunger dancing at every doorstep, there was no escape. Yet, in the darkness, lit hope for a dawn that brought the people a glimpse of happiness. INNOCENCE DENIED is an inspiring story of a family with everything to lose--their happiness, their bond, and the life they had manifested in the good times. The book tells the story of 10-year-old Johannes Krane and his older brother Dick who lived in Beverwijk, a small-town northwest of Amsterdam. Living amid the fears of war and hunger, there's only little that these two can do. Having deaf and mute parents is a sadness no child deserves. The odds are stacked against the brothers. Little do you know that sometimes, nature conspires for you in secret. Will Johannes Krane and his brother be able to ensure their family survives? Or will they fall prey to the atrocities thrown at them by their barbaric oppressors? Questions flood the little minds of the brothers every day, and they are desperate for answers. This true story is a heart-wrenching tale of sorrow, misery, and helplessness faced by the little children. These kids had no answer to the issues surrounding them but to support their mother's efforts to trade on the black market and steal from businesses and the authorities - crimes punishable by death. This memoir chronicles the haunting experiences of a boy who survived to save his family through cunningness and desperation, thus being robbed forever of his innocence and happy childhood. It's a tale that reminds us of the truthfulness you find in Holocaust survivor stories. This historical nonfiction book reminds you of the price that natives had to pay to ensure their survival. It remembers all of the brave people of Amsterdam who stood against the darkness, protecting the Jews even when it was a heinous crime payable only by their lives. Johannes Krane was born and educated in the Netherlands. After World War II and the Nazi occupation of his country, he emigrated to the United States and finished his education. Mr. Krane eventually became a successful businessman in Silicon Valley and founded several organizations, including art galleries, inspired by his profound love of art. He also established an online used bookstore, Elephant Books, during the early days of Amazon, and published several well-received self-help books.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0BW3HQYWS
• ISBN13: 9798378332472
• Release Date: February 2023
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 236 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.6" x 5.5"