I have read 100's of Holocaust survivor stories. I was impressed with Horsts ability to care for his mother and grandmother. A child not really wanted, became their saving grace. Really powerful story .

In Defying Death on the Danube, Debbie Callahan gives readers a glimpse of the meaning of survival. Although the subject is one of sadness toward the inhumanity of mankind, the story is wonderful and light. As the readers follow Henry’s journey through life, they can easily visualize the places, experiences, and, most importantly, the personal connections. Callahan used Henry’s story and words as a foundation for this masterpiece and then infused it with her own emotions. Overall an unforgettable read.

"War is Hell,” General William Tecumseh Sherman. This was a major understatement. The real hell reveals itself when the shooting ceases. It is the turmoil and conflict which has seeped so far into the crevasses of the victims’ souls and hearts that it will never be completely purged. Horst Stern was raised in the shadows of poverty that covered most of Germany post-World War I. Though basic necessities were scarce his family was able to scrape by. Then came the Nazi regime and their sinister scheme to annihilate all Jews and Jewish sympathizers. Survival instincts were the only way to escape certain death. Scrounging for food became a daily occurrence, not food that most would consider edible, rather any substance that would fill the stomach. This is a psychological journey that paints the depth of which a man will go to survive. The story outlines Horst Stern's journey through life and how he continues to push the scars of the war out of his life. It’s a testament to his courage to not only survive but thrive. Though he admits to many times having a hollow feeling, he continues to seek ways to rise above. With his determination and persistence, he made a better life for his mother, grandmother, and self. It speaks to me about all the victims of war, not just the obvious one, such as the Stern family. When I was living in Tampa in the late 70s, the company I worked for did business with a German machinist, who lived through World War ll. He related to me how wonderful Hitler was. That he was good for Germany. He acknowledged the concentration camps and felt the Jews needed to be sent there. The man was a victim of hatred that undeniably altered his destiny. I knew another man in the 1980s, who was a pilot for the Luftwaffe. At one point his plane was shot down and was a prisoner of the Allied Forces. Whereas he didn’t believe Hitler was right, he denied that there was a massacre of the Jews. The man was a victim of psychology denial, which undoubtedly ruled his life in many areas. After the war, Horst has met people like these two men, further reminding him of what personal torture he went through. Debbie Callahan has masterfully retold Horst’s story. Through his eyes we are able to smell, taste and feel all trials he endured. The unprovoked persecution an entire group of people suffered. The rage and aguish he felt pour from the pages. Thankfully, so does the hope and determination. In the end this is a story of triumph. In order to make it a total victory we must read and understand the perils of hatred. We must be the shield that protects our world from a repeat of this tragedy.

Defying Death on the Danube is an amazingly detailed story of a SURVIVOR!! Horst (Henry) Stern. Incredible! I am so thankful his story is being told. We watch movies and documentaries of men and women who have endured horrifying circumstances and have fought to survive in life. Henry's story gave me such a beautiful inside perspective of a life that started off with similar challenges that we as humans face such as parental failures, children being moved to Grandparents/family members, financial struggles - all things that we may be able to relate to. However, this story moves very quickly to events that are so difficult to even comprehend! The Holocaust was beyond human "normalcies". Henry's story is so real. Just to have a firsthand account in such details of this man's day to day life is remarkable! I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. I found myself rushing through parts to get to the end of that paragraph or page to see what happened. I love the author's writing style. She brings out the humanness of Henry and his family. I could feel Henry's sense of humor as he talked with Mrs. Callahan. I could feel the powerful bond that Henry, his Mom and Grandmother had from start to finish, even with the barrier between Henry and his Mom due to the "unknown" Dad. As I read of Henry's many escapes and moments of good-luck, I just knew he had to have an Angel helping him along the way. Another highlight I want to make is when Selma recited the poem she had memorized from her childhood and how emotionally overwhelming it was. So beautiful! I appreciate that Mr. Stern was willing to be transparent and vulnerable to the world. It is also astounding that Henry remembered this incredible story in such detail. Amazing! Debbie has written this book with such honor and respect for the family and all Holocaust survivors.