A Time to Risk All

The incredible untold story of Mary Elmes, the Irish woman who saved hundreds of children from Nazi Concentration Camps

Biography & Memoir, Historical, Nonfiction, History, Military
Cover of the book A Time to Risk All by Clodagh Finn, Gill Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Clodagh Finn ISBN: 9780717175604
Publisher: Gill Books Publication: October 13, 2017
Imprint: Gill Books Language: English
Author: Clodagh Finn
ISBN: 9780717175604
Publisher: Gill Books
Publication: October 13, 2017
Imprint: Gill Books
Language: English

Clodagh Finn has travelled throughout Europe to piece together the story of this remarkable, unknown Irish woman, meeting many of those children Mary Elmes saved. Here, in a book packed with courage, heroism, adventure and tragedy, her story is finally remembered.

The children called her ‘Miss Mary’, and they remember her kindness still. She gave them food and shelter and later risked her life to help them escape the convoys bound for Auschwitz.

Turning her back on a brilliant academic career, Mary Elmes ventured into a war zone to help children in the Spanish Civil War. In 1939, she fled Franco’s forces but continued to work with refugees in France when the Second World War broke out. In 1942, when it became evident that Jews were being deported to their deaths, she smuggled children to safety in the boot of her car. She was arrested and imprisoned by the Gestapo, but went straight back to work after her release.

When the war was over, Mary married and settled down, never speaking about what she had done. Her story was forgotten. In A Time to Risk All her remarkable story is finally remembered as it should be.

'A compelling portrait of an unsung Irish heroine of two wars' Madeleine Keane, Literary Editor, Sunday Independent

‘Brings to light the life of Mary Elmes, showing a remarkable, independent and courageous woman whose compassion knew no borders.’ Yvonne Altman O’Connor, Culture and Education Director, Irish Jewish Museum

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Clodagh Finn has travelled throughout Europe to piece together the story of this remarkable, unknown Irish woman, meeting many of those children Mary Elmes saved. Here, in a book packed with courage, heroism, adventure and tragedy, her story is finally remembered.

The children called her ‘Miss Mary’, and they remember her kindness still. She gave them food and shelter and later risked her life to help them escape the convoys bound for Auschwitz.

Turning her back on a brilliant academic career, Mary Elmes ventured into a war zone to help children in the Spanish Civil War. In 1939, she fled Franco’s forces but continued to work with refugees in France when the Second World War broke out. In 1942, when it became evident that Jews were being deported to their deaths, she smuggled children to safety in the boot of her car. She was arrested and imprisoned by the Gestapo, but went straight back to work after her release.

When the war was over, Mary married and settled down, never speaking about what she had done. Her story was forgotten. In A Time to Risk All her remarkable story is finally remembered as it should be.

'A compelling portrait of an unsung Irish heroine of two wars' Madeleine Keane, Literary Editor, Sunday Independent

‘Brings to light the life of Mary Elmes, showing a remarkable, independent and courageous woman whose compassion knew no borders.’ Yvonne Altman O’Connor, Culture and Education Director, Irish Jewish Museum

More books from Gill Books

Cover of the book A Short History of the Irish Revolution, 1912 to 1927 by Clodagh Finn
Cover of the book Theobald Wolfe Tone (1763–98), A Life by Clodagh Finn
Cover of the book More Lives Than One by Clodagh Finn
Cover of the book The Fertile Earth – Nature's Energies in Agriculture, Soil Fertilisation and Forestry by Clodagh Finn
Cover of the book Mind, Body, Soul Journal by Clodagh Finn
Cover of the book Neven Maguire’s Complete Baby and Toddler Cookbook by Clodagh Finn
Cover of the book The Charismatic Edge: The Art of Captivating and Compelling Communication by Clodagh Finn
Cover of the book GAA Abroad A Parish Far From Home by Clodagh Finn
Cover of the book Flabyrinth by Clodagh Finn
Cover of the book Ancient Irish Legends by Clodagh Finn
Cover of the book Dublin Burning: The Easter Rising From Behind the Barricades by Clodagh Finn
Cover of the book The Baby Led Feeding Cookbook by Clodagh Finn
Cover of the book The Happy Closet – Well-Being is Well-Dressed by Clodagh Finn
Cover of the book Don't Die in Autumn by Clodagh Finn
Cover of the book Eliza Lynch by Clodagh Finn
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy