The Memoirs of André Trocmé

“A unique addition to the literature of ethical action during the Holocaust . . . these memoirs tell a story of spiritual growth, framed in the landscapes of world war and social upheaval. . . . With the advent of the Second World War, Trocmé reflects on the nature of moral choice. ‘We do not decide to be nonviolent or truthful in advance as if we had an outline, a moral blueprint to follow automatically. Events appear almost always as a series of little, unexpected problems we must solve one at a time. We choose between two alternatives, one of which, in the final analysis, appears closer than the other to the laws of Jesus Christ. In that moment, one is sure of nothing.’ Trocmé’s story, available in English here for the first time, teaches us how to act when we are sure of nothing.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A brilliant critical edition of the unpublished memoirs of Trocmé’s. . . . The text is remarkably honest and transparent, perhaps to the distress of descendants of some of the actors. His descriptions of the Rockefeller family, of American “high society,” as well as of French Protestants provide fascinating insight. . . . The narrative of the ministry in the industrial north of France provides an intimate view of the difficulties of industrial workers. . . .  The introduction and epilogue by Cabanel frame the volume beautifully, and are important contributions to French social history and the study of French Protestantism.” —David Bundy, Religious Studies Review

While he is remembered for his actions during the Holocaust, Trocmé’s own memoirs treat his activities in organizing the community to shelter Jews as simply one task among many in his life of faithful obedience. . . . This ordinary life is a remarkably faithful life, and that is the point. Who will be faithful in crisis, a time when one must make difficult and dangerous decisions that imperil one’s own life? As Trocmé realized, he could do nothing other than what he did, by virtue of having spent a life obeying God’s call. —Mere Orthodoxy

The great gift of this book is to place the narrative of the war within the whole of Trocmé’s life . . . showing the larger context. . . . Trocmé shows the varied elements that led him to become a pastor and a pacifist – but he also details the tragedies that rocked his faith and what held it together afterwards. This is a compelling read. Highly recommended. —Canadian Mennonite

A story of contrasts and convulsions . . . Trocme's memoir is a detailed account of one man’s response to the particular challenges he faced as his world fell into war. But it also speaks to how Christians in other times and places should respond to the challenges they face. “From crisis to crisis, the political pendulum swings, from right to left, from left to right,” he wrote. “The extremists always lead the way. They tear up the streets and smash the shop windows. The ‘politically neutral’ always close their eyes and ‘wait for it to pass.’ They get out while the getting is good. Meanwhile, the nonviolent, never neutral, never violent, maintain contact with their friends and enemies, correct falsehoods and join forces with all those fighting for justice, truth and peace.” —Baptist News Global