Stories I had to Share: by Tricia Goyer

I am delighted today to have my dear writing friend Tricia Goyer join us. We share a passion for World War II. Today she's here to tell us about a new book and her passion. Here's Tricia.


I never thought twice about World War II. A stay-at-home mom, I enjoyed writing about parenting. With three kids under ten, I had plenty to write about.

Then came the trip to Europe with two friends. They were both novelists, researching for works-in-progress. And myself … I was still coming to terms with my grandfather's death from cancer. When we knew there was no use in Grandpa fighting any longer, I brought him home and cared for him for four months. After juggling hospice visits, housecleaning, and kids’ homework, a relaxing time with friends was just what I needed.


To be honest, when my fellow travelers told me the final research stop was Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria, it was the last thing I wanted to do. Why not stop by a museum in Vienna or attend a Mozart concert in the park? I’d witnessed death first hand. I didn’t need to hear about atrocities that took place decades ago.

But instead of giving us a tour of the camp, Martha—the historian—invited us into her home. She served us tea and biscuits. And then she started telling us stories.

“Near the end of the war, there was much confusion.” Martha’s thin hands spread jam on the flaky roll. “German guards knew both the Americans and Russians neared. Many officers fled. Of course, the approaching Americans had no idea what awaited them. Twenty-three GIs on reconnaissance came upon a camp filled with thin, skeletal men and women. They opened the gates, and 25,000 prisoners were liberated.”

I thought about my grandfather. During his last days we’d discussed many things. He told me about growing up in Kansas with ten brothers and sisters during the Great Depression. He told me about moving to California during the Dust Bowl. He’d mention the war—only briefly—but I noted the pain in his eyes and quickly changed the subject. Yet as I sat listening to Martha I wondered about those twenty-three men. Did they still live? Did horrific memories plague them? Did they realize that even after all these years a historian still shared their story?

My tea grew cold as I listened. Martha continued, telling us about the first person into the camp.
We left Martha’s home that day and my heart was full. It wasn’t rest I had needed, but a new passion. More than anything I wanted to write this amazing story.

When I arrived home, I contacted the 11th Armored Division and asked if any of the men were still alive. A short list of names and addresses was sent to me. Excitement, mixed with wonder, surged through me as I wrote them each a note. Would these men share their stories?

The first response arrived in my mailbox less than a week later. Not only did LeRoy wish to talk to me—he invited me to the 59th reunion of the 11th Armored Division, stating that many of the men were eager to talk to me.

I asked a friend to join me, and together we flew across the country. I assumed it would take a few days for the men to warm up to me. I never expected the line of men waiting to talk to me, photos in hand, when I arrived.

The first two men I talked to where Charlie and Arthur. They’d been friends during the war and sixty years later they still finished each other’s sentences. They laughed as they shared their antics, like the time Charlie’s boots accidentally got “baked” in the oven. And then they spoke of the camps.

Voices quieted. Eyes lowered. Hands trembled as the two veterans revisited the place that was never far from their thoughts. Other veterans shared their personal experiences, and although they were old men, I saw the look of young heroes in their gazes.

I took the many, many recorded stories and used them as the inspiration for my first novel, From Dust and Ashes. From that first reunion, I heard other stories too. One man’s story about an orchestra of camp prisoners at Mauthausen resulted in my novel Night Song.  Another about a man’s experiences in the Bataan Death March, led to Dawn of a Thousand Nights.  

Remembering You, my latest novel, was inspired by LeRoy Petersohn’s reunion with a baby, Hana, who he’d saved after liberating Mauthausen. (The two connected after Hana read From Dust and Ashes and contacted me – Amazing!) And while I loved writing the novels, even more meaningful were the amazing relationships with dozens of men—many, many grandpas.

Just last month I able to reconnect with John while on a book tour for another novel. It was so special to see him again—for both of us to be reminded of our connection built over shared letters and unbelievable tales. My time with John ended with me visiting with some of his family and friends, and then there was a final hug before I drove away. I smiled as I looked at his form in my review mirror, and I offered a whispered prayer to God. “Thank you. Thank you for this honor.”

God knew John—and the other veterans I've interviewed—had stories to tell. I’m so thankful I was the one chosen to receive those words as a gift. I’m thankful I was able to offer these veterans a gift in return. It was one I didn’t need to wrap. It was one that didn’t impact my checkbook. Sometimes the best gift we can give—I’ve learned—is a listening ear.

And because of that, my life story will never be the same.

Tricia Goyer is a homeschooling mom of four and an acclaimed and prolific writer, publishing hundreds of articles in national magazines. She has also written books on marriage and parenting and contributed notes to the Women of Faith Study Bible. Tricia's written numerous novels inspired by World War II veterans, including her new release Remembering You. Tricia lives with her husband and four children in Arkansas. You can find out more information about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.