Greater Than Angels

Anne Hutchings, a former elementary-school teacher-librarian with the
Durham Board of Education, is an educational consultant.

“If people keep the spirit of God dominant within them they are told:
You are greater than the angels.”

Truly, the people of Le-Chambon-sur-Lignon in southern France were
“greater than the angels.” Without hesitation they risked their own
lives and safety to care for the hundreds of Jewish refugee children
relocated to German-occupied France during World War II.

Anni, along with her friends Klara and Rudi, are among those deported
from Mannheim to Gurs, a refugee camp in France. Conditions are
deplorable and the threat of relocation to one of the death camps is
ever-present. Fortunately for Anni and the other children, when the
order to relocate does come, their destination is Le Chambon.

Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, the tone of the book is
far from depressing. Anni is interested in theatre and her gift for
comedy and music is evident. She is obviously intelligent and strong,
compassionate and caring in her treatment of those less able to fend for
themselves, and determined in her efforts to work with the resistance.
The good-natured sparring between Anni and Rudi makes them very
believable and human characters, while the actions of the townsfolk of
Le Chambon leave us with the conviction that good exists, even in the
presence of overwhelming evil.

This outstanding book is based on actual events and firsthand accounts
of survivors. Highly recommended.