Author Book Signing: Helene Munson
The true account of “the big secret.” Visit the new Barnes & Noble to meet Helene.
The story of 300,000 German boys brainwashed, trained, and sent to slaughter for Hitler's Third Reich.
Hans Dunker, Helene's father was one of those boy soldiers, recruited at age 9 with a promise of a better education and future opportunities for gifted children. And off he went, with his family's blessings.
The true story of trauma, abuse, and atrocity was largely hidden for decades, with Helene bringing it into the light through her meticulous research, and compassionate accounting of the story of her father's wartime life, which she learned about after his death. It seems her father wanted her to know about it, but couldn't bring himself to tell her. Some time prior to his death, he presented her with his wartime journal, which like many of us would, she put aside to read in the future, busy with her own life. After his death, as keeper of the family documents, photos, and her father's journal, and feeling remorse that she hadn't read it in his lifetime, she began reading, embarking on a journey that shared the terror, heartbreak, guilt, and shame experienced by her father, and the other Hitler's Boy Soldiers. Those that were fortunate to survive the ultimate sacrifice held the secret. At the end of World War II, with the War already lost, Hitler sent these children to the frontlines to defend the indefensible.
The book is written with Helene as narrator, and the journal driving the story. I believe the book is remarkable for the previously untold story it uncovers and documents, for the "real and true" words from Hans, and because Helene, an avid and experienced traveler actually retraces his wartime steps, so we gain the perspective of old and new. Hitler's Boy Soldiers is informative and compelling. A great read for history lovers as well as those that appreciate a meaningful, heartfelt story.
Meet Helene Munson at the newly opened Barnes & Noble in Riverhead
1470 Old Country Rd, Riverhead, NY 11901
Book Signing
Friday, January 27, 2023
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Helene Munson
Helene Munson, born in Germany, raised in Brazil and Liberia, British educated, has always traveled the world and loves writing about all the wonderful and not so great people and places she has encountered. She considers the North Fork, Long Island her home and she is a member of the North Fork Writers Group.
Helene Munson's nonfiction book, part memoir and part WWII and Third Reich history was published by The History Press in the UK in October of 2021 and by The Experiment in the USA in May 2022.
Helene reports that her family's surviving documents, photos and heirlooms in addition to her own travel mementos feature prominently in her writing which additionally includes published short stories. Helene Munson has been a guest contributor on thehummingbirdpost and will be joining HB as a regular contributor in the near future.
