When the War is Over, Anja May
When the War is Over, Anja May
2 Rating(s)
List: $19.99 | Sale: $13.99
Club: $9.99

When the War is Over

Author: Anja May, Linda Gaus

Narrator: Charlie Thurston

Unabridged: 9 hr 6 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 03/19/2019


Synopsis

During the last months of a brutal war, a sixteen-year-old boy must fight for survival.

The true account of a teenage soldier in World War 2 Germany.

Germany, 1945. Ever since Anton Kohler first heard the vibrant sound of the violin, he's dreamed of mastering the instrument. But when his father dies, the fifteen-year-old must give up his passion to support his seven younger siblings. As the Russian army marches closer to his hometown, Anton and his best friend Gerhard are pulled from their families and forced to help defend their home in a last desperate stand.

When Anton witnesses the slaughter of concentration camp prisoners, he vows to escape the war and find a way home to his family and his girl, Luise. In the chaos of impending defeat, Anton is torn between his promise to protect the life of his best friend and his desire to survive the war with his conscience intact.

Based on a true account, this coming-of-age story set in the last turbulent months of World War 2, Germany, is a tale of love and friendship, of hope and loss. Listen to When the War is Over now to experience the poignant journey of a teenage soldier.

About Anja May

Anja May is a German author born in Leipzig. After acquiring a PhD in astrobiology, she followed her passion for writing and became a freelance author and translator. Her first novel, When the War is Over, was originally published in German in 2016. The novel gives a fictionalized account of her grandfather's experiences during World War II when he was drafted at only sixteen.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Sarah on May 27, 2020

In the last months of a brutal war, a sixteen-year-old boy must fight for survival. The true account of a teenage soldier in World War 2 Germany. Germany, 1945. Anton always wanted to play the violin, but when his father dies, the fifteen-year-old must give up his passion to support his seven younger......more

Goodreads review by Maben on July 09, 2024

Mit "Am Ende dieses Jahres" begleiten wir den gerade mal 16-jährigen Uhrmacherlehrling Anton Köhler bei seiner widerwilligen Einberufung in den Kriegsdienst an der Ostfront während den letzten Wochen des 2.Weltkriegs 1945 und erleben was die Kriegsschrecken bei Jugendlichen anrichten, deren bedingun......more

Goodreads review by Cindy on April 05, 2019

Another side to WWII I found this story of a 15-year-old German boy during the latter part of WWII frightening, heartwarming and truthful. I needed to hear another side to the horrific WWII experience. I've read dozens of books on this subject, but never from this aspect. It's good to find out there w......more

Goodreads review by Bethany on August 18, 2019

This was a mesmerising and tragic story to read, following the journey of young Anton during the second world war. It is so important to be reminded of the brutalities of war, and the traumatic experience that most can only imagine. When the War is Over is beautifully written, with innocence and bra......more

Goodreads review by Maguire on April 21, 2019

Engaging, riveting, educational I couldn't put the book down! The most eye-opening and enthralling novel of WW2 I've read, and it's been informative given its from the perspective of a young German soldier. This book will help the reader appreciate history from a different perspective.......more