The School That Escaped the Nazis

This is the inspirational story of how Anna Essinger, known as Tante Anna, moved her progressive school from Nazi Germany to Bunce Court in Kent. Anna had trained in America and was herself Jewish. When she was asked to fly a swastika over her school, and realised that her views were too well known, she recognised the danger and hatched a daring plan. She began with seventy children, moving secretly to the safety of the Kent countryside. However, the danger in Europe was increasing and, even in Kent, there were issues with illness, school inspectors and later internment.

By 1938 the Kindertransports arrived, bringing children torn from their families and way of life to uncertainty. Anna, and her staff, provided safety and security and later had to provide overspill accommodation to take the children fleeing Germany while the borders remained open. This book then follows events through, and after the war, when Anna made room for those children left displaced by war, who had spent their time on the run in Nazi occupied territory or who had survived concentration camps.

The story of Anna Essinger is an amazing example of how one person can make such a difference. Although she did not work alone, obviously, she was quick to recognise the danger posed by the rise of Hitler and she responded with practical solutions and strong resolve, that saved the lives of many children and gave them a safe haven, when their lives had fallen apart. This is particularly encouraging and heartening, when Europe again finds itself in a time of conflict and reminds us that individuals can inspire change and save lives. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.

Featuring moving first-hand testimony, and drawn from letters, diaries and present-day interviews, The School That Escaped the Nazis is a dramatic human tale that offers a unique child's-eye perspective on Nazi persecution and the Holocaust. It is also the story of one woman's refusal to allow her beliefs in a better, more equitable world to be overtaken by the evil that surrounded her. Begs to be read in one sitting… really tugs at your emotions, one minute I was breathless with anticipation, the next I had tears running down my face…

A fascinating and heartwarming read about a dangerous and daring escape from Nazi ideals.

The bravery that it took to move an entire school and get more pupils from the well known Kindertransport is outstanding and written with great reverence for Tante Anna and her staff.