A True Story that Never Made the History Books. In 1944 Yugoslavia, four-year-old Josie and her twelve-year-old brother, Andreas, breathed a sigh of relief when they hear of Hitler's defeat. It was short-lived. Their family and other loyal Yugoslavian citizens discover the new dictator wants to persecute them for Hitler's horrific crimes because they are of German descent. Susan Lowe, a first generation American, sheds light on this forgotten time in history by sharing JOSIE, her mother's story.
"Josie: A Story of Faith and Survival--is rife with horror but, through the telling of this tale, the reader is struck by the full expanse of the human spirit and the wondrous ways in which we can draw faith and inspiration from even dire circumstances.--the narrative is tightly woven and compelling, moving at a fast place while still allowing the reader to experience a true depth of characterization as they develop a full appreciation of the events as they take place." --Writer's Digest
"Stories like these need to be told. This book brings to life the woeful experiences of a family in Yugoslavia--in unforgettable vignettes told by the young girl, Josie Trollmann, memories touching in their humanity and at the same time historically significant as a chronicle of man's inhumanity to man. This book deserves a wide readership--more than that--it ought to be filmed. Too little is known about the human tragedies of the State terrorism that struck these innocent victims. Sixty-four years after the Second World War, we must come to grips with these injustices. We must not keep silent about them." --Alfred de Zayas, JD, PhD, UN Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order since 2012, Professor of International Law at the Geneva School of Diplomacy
About the Author: Susan Lowe is a licensed marriage and family therapist with an MS in counseling from CSU-Fresno and over twenty-four years' experience working with clients, many suffering from trauma. In addition to maintaining a private practice, she has also taught courses at CSU-Fresno, Reedley College, and Madera Community College Center. She previously served as the behavioral health compliance officer for Fresno county. A first-generation American on her mother's side, Lowe is married with an adult son and lives in California.
Diane Iverson has written and/or illustrated more than twenty books, primarily for children. She served for fifteen years as the director of a service for homeless and low-income families and helped found the Coalition for Compassion and Justice and Open Door. Iverson lives in Arizona with her husband. When the couple is not enjoying time with their two daughters and seven grandchildren, they volunteer for various Christian, environmental, and charitable organizations.
