The Power of God's Love: A Book Review of Corrie ten Boom's "The Hiding Place"

Original cover

Germany takes control of Holland...Jews are persecuted...the darkness of Nazi tyranny is overwhelming. Casper ten Boom (a watch-maker) and his daughters Corrie and Betsie have a powerful weapon against the Nazis: their faith in Christ. Will they risk their lives to protect the lives of Jews, or will they live in peace?

The Hiding Place is the biography of Cornelia "Corrie" ten Boom, as well as an amazing historical account of the Holocaust. When I first read the novel, I was surprised by how wonderful the story was; it became an instant life-long favorite. 

SUMMARY

   The first four chapters of The Hiding Place cover Corrie's earlier life (up to her late twenties). They provide a good background for not only Corrie herself, but also her entire family. But then comes chapter 5, entitled "Invasion." Things quickly spiral downward as the Nazis inflict their strict laws. Jews are suddenly persecuted for being genetically or religiously Jewish.

   Corrie, Betsie, and their father Casper make a fateful decision: they will house Jews. They quickly learn, though, just how dangerous this work really is. It is made clear to them that they must build a secret room for their Jewish occupants. The ten Booms are faced also with other challenges, such as ration cards for the Jews.

   One day, a man comes out of the blue and mysteriously asks for money, claiming to be in trouble. Corrie gives it to him, but was that such a wise choice?

CONTENT

   I will start by saying that The Hiding Place is not a story for young children. When Nazi soldiers enter the ten Boom house/watch-shop, they are very brutal toward the inhabitants (Corrie is slapped in the face). The last six or seven chapters of the book are focused on the concentration camps. Deaths, injuries, and other Nazi atrocities are clearly depicted here.

35th Anniversary Edition

   There is not much sexual content. There is one chapter, however, when Corrie develops feelings for a young man named Karen, but it ends as quickly as it started. Also, as a child, Corrie tells her father they recited poetry in school, and she asks him what "sexsin" is. Casper uses this to demonstrate how God gives us what knowledge we need, when we need it (one of the most memorable scenes, I think).

   I recall that the soldiers are at least mentioned using swear words, though I don't recall any specific language. If so, it was very scarce and only uttered by the "enemies."

   In my opinion, The Hiding Place is one of the most important works of the later 20th century. Not only does it provide an excellent tale from history, but it also relays important spiritual lessons, such as faith in God, thankfulness, loving our enemies, and prayer. 

   If you can get a hold of the 35th Anniversary edition, I would highly recommend you do so. It includes new photos, the family tree, and the ten Boom family timeline. Of course, that is just the "icing on the cake;" the actual work is the best part. 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Number of pages: 241 (original edition), 271 (35th Anniversary edition)

Author of book: Cornelia "Corrie" ten Boom (with Elizabeth & John Sherrill)

Published in: 1974 (original), 2008 (fifth printing)

Primary audience: Teens, adults