By: Seraphina Quinn
Elizabeth Van Doren’s latest book, Crossing the Line, dives into the memories and stories of World War II, addressing the importance of remembering history. Growing up in Europe, Elizabeth saw remnants of the Holocaust and World War II in every street, from plaques on sidewalks marking where families once lived to memorials and museums. These experiences shaped her understanding of the Holocaust’s legacy and inspired her to write a story that speaks to the power of memory and the danger of forgetting.
The decision to write Crossing the Line came from Elizabeth’s concern that World War II history, especially the Holocaust, is slipping from public awareness. For her, the book is a way to remind readers of the destructive paths that humanity can take if history is ignored. She stresses that history teaches us about dehumanization and the importance of resisting harmful ideologies. This theme runs throughout her book, where characters are forced to confront ethical choices in a world shifting toward oppression.
Elizabeth’s connection to the past is deeply personal. Her grandfather, a German who opposed the regime, took great risks to protect those targeted by it. His bravery became a guiding light in her life and her work. “If you stand by and do nothing, you’re as guilty as the perpetrator,” he would tell her. This belief became a foundation for Crossing the Line, where the characters, modeled after Elizabeth’s own family, confront the ethical dilemma of choosing between safety and standing up for justice.
The years of research behind Crossing the Line are another testament to Elizabeth’s commitment to authenticity. She took multiple trips to Germany, visiting archives and interviewing Holocaust survivors to understand and portray that time accurately. The character of Liliana, a young girl in the novel, represents the resilience of Holocaust survivors, many of whom Elizabeth met and interviewed. Elizabeth explains that writing Liliana’s story was a responsibility she did not take lightly, as it represented the voices of those who endured unimaginable trauma.
Another central character in Crossing the Line is Andre, a man who embodies the moral complexities of living during a deeply troubled time in history. Andre’s journey reflects the internal conflict between doing what’s safe and what’s right. Because he worked abroad, he saw the world beyond Germany’s propaganda, which gave him a perspective that eventually led him to resist the regime. Through Andre, Elizabeth explores the difficulty of making ethical decisions in morally compromised times, showing readers the choices people faced and the risks they took to protect others.
The struggles of the characters in Crossing the Line reflect the many ways World War II affected people of all backgrounds. Pülein, another character in the story, was a young girl during the war, navigating the pressure to conform while quietly resisting. She managed to avoid joining the Hitler Youth, a dangerous stance that required constant vigilance and courage. For Elizabeth, Pülein’s story is an example of the bravery that ordinary people demonstrated in extraordinary times.
These varied perspectives create a powerful narrative that gives readers a broad view of life during the war. Elizabeth does not romanticize the challenges or simplify the horrors faced by her characters. Instead, she presents their lives in a raw and honest way, emphasizing the importance of preserving the truth of history. Her portrayal of resistance in Crossing the Line is both inspiring and harrowing, reflecting her commitment to telling the stories of those who stood against oppression.
Crossing the Line has been widely released, and the early response has been overwhelmingly positive. Educators have shown particular interest in the book for its potential to teach high school students about the Holocaust in a relatable way. Elizabeth’s multi-perspective narrative allows young readers to connect with the characters and see history through a personal lens. This educational impact is especially meaningful to Elizabeth, who hopes her book can foster a deeper understanding of the Holocaust for future generations.
Looking back on the writing process, Elizabeth describes it as transformative. She set out to honor her family’s legacy and the experiences of Holocaust survivors, but the journey also deepened her own understanding of resilience and compassion. Now, Elizabeth feels that she has created something that will contribute to the ongoing conversation about the Holocaust and the lessons it holds for today.
Crossing the Line is more than just a historical novel. For Elizabeth Van Doren, it’s a call to remember the past and understand its relevance to the present. She hopes that her story will remind readers of the courage required to stand up against injustice and the importance of preserving history as a guide for future generations. Through her work, Elizabeth shows that the lessons of the past are not just stories—they are warnings and inspirations for those willing to listen.
Published by Jeremy S.
