THE HIDING PLACE

A compelling account of the remarkable true story of Dutch watchmaker Corrie ten Boom, who sheltered Jews during World War II.

Amid the chaos, she courageously became part of the underground resistance and endured the horrors of the Ravensbrück concentration camp. Rooted in her unwavering Christian faith, this graphic adaptation of ten Boom’s 1971 memoir for adults, co-authored with the Sherrills, beautifully captures the essence of sacrifice, bravery, and love for others. Each section commences with either a Bible quote or a religious reflection from ten Boom herself. The narrative paints a vivid portrait of her life before, during, and after the war. The illustrations, both powerful and evocative, showcase the prewar Netherlands and the gradual descent into extremes of human cruelty and the harsh realities of wartime existence. A variety of techniques are employed in the visual storytelling, including dramatic cutaways, split panels, close-ups, layered cells, and panoramic views, enhancing the plot’s dynamic nature. Ragged-edged panels paired with scenes of violence and pain add a visceral element to the storytelling. To convey the sinister nature of Nazi-inspired dialogue, Castro skillfully utilizes angry, red-rimmed speech bubbles. The narrative unfolds as a sometimes tragic, often heartbreaking, and ultimately triumphant journey. The epilogue features photographs and an update on ten Boom’s postwar life, highlighting her missionary work worldwide until her death in 1983.

This accessible adaptation portrays a story of resilience, faith, and enduring impact.