A Portrait of Grandma's Dog

by Janet Ward

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1604520086
• ISBN13: 9781604520088
• Release Date: October 2007
• Publisher: BluewaterPress LLC
• Length: 88 Pages
• Weight: 0.41 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.2" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

A triumph of spirit

A Portrait of Grandma's Dog is a tale of hope and the resilience of the human spirit. Janet Ward well portrays her characters and their challenges during World War II in a story loosely based on the real-life tale of her mother-in-law. This was a good read - one that I would recommend to better understand the war from the point of view of a young woman.

Courage of Ordinary People in Extraordinary Times

If Judith Blume had written a coming-of-age novella about the growing fear and paranoia spreading in Weimar Germany just prior to the outbreak of the second world war, this would have been the book. There are several portraits, in addition to the sketch of the dog, that tie this work together. Ward's characters are real people. She creates a vivid picture of life in small German villages. Her accounting of Erna's escape helps to shed light on the resistance mounted by those who found themselves on the wrong side of Hitler's politics. Erna Ward as the young girl faced with an impossible choice is captivating. My only complaint is that the story ended. I'm waiting for more from Janet Ward.

An inspiring, touching story for readers of all ages.

Throughout the duration of World War II, as the Nazi's reign of terror extended throughout Europe, Hitler and his followers stole and destroyed every aspect of Jewish life. A "Portrait of Grandma's Dog," written by Janet Ward, is based on a true story and follows a young girl named Gertrude, who lives with her father and siblings in the city of Patschkau, Germany. As the war escalates, she is forced to flee Germany, leaving her loved ones and the only world she has ever known, to begin a new life as a nanny for a family in England. The story reveals to us her struggles and heartache. Years later, we find an elderly Gertrude living in the United States. Through an amazing coincidence revealed in the story, she is contacted by a former friend and neighbor from Patschkau. The very day of this occurrence, Gertrude's mind and heart is flooded with many forgotten memories. We then find her sharing her compelling family story with her two young granddaughters. This is a wonderful story that teaches history, empathy, and human strength. It is inspiring, well written, and will captivate the hearts of readers of all ages.

Kaitlyn

A Portrait of Grandma's Dog is a remarkable story about a young girl escaping Nazi Germany. It follows her character through the struggles she overcomes after the separation of her loved ones and the uncertainty she feels about their seemingly dismal whereabouts. It starts out with the girl in her old age telling her grandchildren about her memories of life long ago which were brought on by the portrait of a German shepard dog. I highly recommend this book to people on any age. You will find a sense of happiness in the characters and their strength and will to keep living and moving forward.

Review: A Portrait of Grandma's Dog

When we think of the Holocaust, we think of the worst event to occur in the 20th century. However, it is important to acknowledge some of the incredible stories that developed through those years of turmoil. Janet Ward offers a great tribute to her mother-in-law in her novel "A Portrait of Grandma's Dog". While a small section in a student's World History book will offer key names, dates, and statistics, this novel brings you closer as it exposes the struggle of a Jewish family during those times. This is a story that readers both young AND old will be able to find meaning in, and I would personally recommend it to any reader!