Not All Looked Away: A Novel
Prologue- Munich- June 10th, 1942
Johann Klein held the draft papers in his hand but could not believe what had just happened. It had been like any other morning except for the constant presence of Hitler's henchmen in Munich. ''What is it ,son''?, his father asked. I have been called up, Papa. What will you do, Johann? I despise the Nazi's and what they stand for as much as you do, Papa. It's horrible what they are doing to God's chosen people and others. Both here and elsewhere in Europe. In God's eyes it is murder and I will not be part of it. If I must go into the Army, I will use my position to undermine this evil and save as many lives as I can. So far no one knows about our resistance activities and I pray no one finds out. May the Lord bless you and keep you, Johann. And may you be able to save many lives. Never give up your faith in Jesus Christ, Johann. I will never stop believing, Papa. Jesus Christ is Lord, not Hitler. And He is the lord of my life. As He is in my life, Johann. May God keep you, my son. A week later, Johann joined his unit and they were sent to the Russian front. He was eyewitness to crimes committed against Jews by the SS. He was horrified and disgusted by what he saw and he helped as many as he could escape death. One month later, since he had mechanical training, he was transferred to Heerskraftfahrpark 562, Major Karl Plagge's unit. He wrote in his secret diary that his unit had been sent to Vilna, Lithuania. And Johann knew that the Major was of a like mind in regards to God's chosen people.
Johann's Diary- July, 1942
We have been assigned to Vilna. There is a girl I have seen with her family. They are some of the Major's workers. She is beautiful. I wish I knew her name. -Johann
Johann's Diary - July 30th, 1942
Her name is Rivka and she is lovely. We have fallen in love. She does not mind that I am a German. Her parents know that I am not a murderer and am one of God's flock. When the war is over I will marry her. - Johann