About A Book: The Hiding Place

By Corrie ten Boom

Paperback, 242 pages

First published January 1, 1971

There are some books that I wish I’d read earlier in life and when I finally read them, I’m almost resentful at my younger self for not reading them! One such series was Harry Potter. I’m still on Book 7 (because I just really don’t want it to end).

I read The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom this spring while on vacation. It’s not a poolside read, but I couldn’t put it down. There is so much wisdom in these pages!

The Hiding Place is the story of Corrie ten Boom and her family’s attempt to hide Jews during the Holocaust. The ten Booms lived in Haarlem, Holland and were a successful watchmaker family.

The thing I loved about this book, which was really just Corrie’s life story, was how despite every circumstance, she relied on God in every way. I wish I had read it as a young woman, because Corrie’s tone is one of trust and understanding that God has her every day of her life. Her maturity would have really spoken to me in my immaturity. It spoke to me even now! The family’s faith led them to house those who needed to hide, and their good standing in their community made them able to lead a double life for the sake of the safety of others. Corrie states of her father, “That was Father’s secret: not that he overlooked the differences in people; that he didn’t know they were there (p. 37).” I loved the perspective of civil disobedience and subversion. The ten Booms followed a power higher than any government; they obeyed God every step of the way.

Her disappointments and trials weren’t limited to those experienced during the Holocaust. I won’t share specifics because then you won’t be able to appreciate the book for yourself. I loved the picture of relationship between Corrie and her sisters. I fully intend on having my children read this when appropriate, especially as my daughters mature.

I would encourage you to read it and discuss with others. This book will speak to you in many ways.

“There are no ‘ifs’ in God’s kingdom. I could hear her soft voice saying it. His timing is perfect. His will is our hiding place. Lord Jesus, keep me in Your will! Don’t let me go mad by poking about outside it (p. 221).”