THE BOY WHO DARED

Seventeen-year-old Helmuth Hübener, a German schoolboy, awaits execution for treason by the Gestapo. As he sits in his jail cell, he reflects on his childhood. Just 7 in 1935, he was caught up in the growing patriotism, full of promise and hope. However, the ensuing years find him sickened by the Nazis' oppression of the Jews, their invasions of neighboring countries, and their suppression of the truth. The story unfolds in the third person, which David Ackroyd narrates with an American accent. He deftly switches to a German accent during dialogue, adding richness to the listening experience. Ackroyd convincingly conveys Helmuth's courage as he dares to speak out for the truth. An author's note giving back story about the real Helmuth Hübener and a Third Reich timeline are included. L.A.C. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2009]