Haven: The Dramatic Story of 1,000 World War II Refugees and How They Came to America

While crossing the Atlantic on the Henry Gibbins, she encountered the sting of prejudice from the wounded American soldiers, (some who hated the fact that Jews took the place of their buddies who could have been on the ship) and amongst the refugees themselves. Nazi planes and U-boats threatened the ship as well. Throughout the voyage, Gruber earned trust from its occupants, photographed them and wrote down their horrifying stories of Nazi persecution and their will to survive.

Once at Oswego, she continued to fight for the refugees as their advocate. Their legal status was the biggest question. Gruber made it possible for them to choose to remain in the United States, once the war was over.

The conclusion of the book offers a list of the refugees with brief descriptions of their lives, after WWII. It's sad to read that many could never emotionally recover from the years of abuse they suffered.

This book reads more like a novel than non-fiction. Gruber's personal insight and writing style makes this a very approachable book for teens to read. It would make fine supplemental reading to students of WWII and the Holocaust. This previously little known, true story is also an important read to gain understanding of current events in Israel and Palestine. The television mini-series, Haven, starring Natasha Richardson, is available on VHS. Also recommended is another one of Gruber's books, Exodus 1947, which continues the postwar story of the displaced Jew's search for a country to call home.

I have had the good fortune to meet Ms. Gruber at the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust. She is in her 80's, and still speaks eloquently of her experiences.


An amazingly touching story   January 29, 2002
 4 out of 5 found this review helpful

After seeing the TV swpecial, I immediatly bought the book and began reading it. I recommend this book to anyone who is at al interested in WWII. I am only 14, but found this book to be very touching. It describes a young american reporter who risks her life and career to escort 1000 refugees from Europe to the US. The refugees aren't only Jewish, and this book tells of all the friends Ruth met. It's a true story, written by Ruth Gruber herself. The book describes of all the highs and lows of their journey, and even has a list of al the refugees in the back of the book. I found this book to be very touching, because i finally realized how hard it was for the refugees once they were away from the war.


A profound and emotional reflection   June 21, 2001
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Earlier this year, I went to see a screening of the CBS miniseries based off this book. Ruth Gruber, the author, eloquently spoke, as did New York Senator Chuck Schumer. The senator said that Mrs. Gruber's "valiance" was "enormous." One would have an incredible amount of trouble disagreeing with that. Similarly, the brilliance of "Haven," a reflection on Mrs. Gruber's efforts during the Second World War to assist 1,000 European Jewish immigrants come to America and then live here successfuly, is enormous. The language is humble but immensely warming. The beauty of the writing is only overcome by the power of the story. This book should be read. It deserves to be read, not just by those who are interested in the Holocaust or the history of American Jews, but by all Americans.


The basis for a minseries on Television; read the book!   February 22, 2001
 8 out of 9 found this review helpful

A poignant, true-life story of a woman ahead of her time, willing to risk her life and put herself in danger to save Jewish refugees. If you saw the tv series and were less than impressed with Natasha Richardson's performance, do yourself a favor and read the book. It tells a riveting story and you won't regret reading it. By the way,if you did see the tv series, the real Gruber has a cameo appearance as an immigrant, with a scarf tied around her head, smiling up at Natasha Richardson, who played Gruber in the film. Just a bit of trivia.


Photo request Email Correction   December 20, 2000
 1 out of 8 found this review helpful

My apology,

Please send requests for photos to NorthGuy13126@aol.com.

Thanx.- Joe C.