Archive | April 2023

To Dream Of Shadows by Steve N Lee

Apr16

Heart Stopping – So Powerful

To Dream Of Shadows by Steve N Lee is a powerful historical novel that has its roots in fact. The author has carefully woven his tale, clearly after much research in order to be as accurate as possible.

Much of the tale is set in a concentration camp which is hell on earth. We see the story through the eyes of Rudi, a Nazi, and Inge, a young Jewish woman. Their experiences are similar but different. Both are trapped – one in luxury, the other in filth. They are held captive. Rudi does not realise this at first but there is no escape from his posting. We see that “there was a huge difference between being a good German and being a good Nazi. Which one was he?” There are always decisions to be made – keep low and don’t rock the boat? Or stand up for what is right?

We see the strength needed to survive – not necessarily physical but that would help – but mental too. “Some people picked up a rifle to become a freedom fighter, but her resistance was going to be different – she was going to survive to tell the world of the atrocities she’d witnessed.” Luck would be needed too. We witness how Inge found blessings in the most horrendous of circumstances.

Steve N Lee has captured the horror with his words. Conditions were beyond horrific and yet people survived. There were moments of tenderness which were beautiful, as a character has compassion for nature, sharing what she has with a bird who has nothing. This is truly inspiring. “If a Jew can see beauty in a camp filled with horror, maybe there was hope for him too.” Drawn to a quiet inner beauty, she has compassion when those around her have lost theirs.

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A New Year For The Seaside Girls by Tracy Baines

Apr15

Of Love & Compassion

A New Year For The Seaside Girls by Tracy Baines is a compelling historical novel that entertained me for a few hours.

The novel is set in Cleethorpes in 1940, as a group of variety performers adjust to the start of the war. Some are called up, some sign up for ENSA and others stay behind to boost morale. Friendships formed on the variety scene run deep.

Lives open up as secrets are unearthed. Selfish actions in the past need forgiveness. Failure to do so, risks drowning in bitterness.

We see lives that focus on others are met with kindness and compassion. In contrast, a life that looks inward threatens to drown in a pity party. The love and kindness of a four year old reaches the lost and the hurting. Her life, light and love innocently wrap around the lost and hurting who find themselves blossoming under her purity of emotions.

The ability to rescue the hurting even extends to a stray dog! As Mr Brown finds himself with a new home, he shows loyalty too. He even made himself at home in my heart!

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The Collaborator’s Daughter by Eva Glyn

Apr14

A Beacon Of Hope

The Collaborator’s Daughter by Eva Glyn is a compelling dual timeline tale that I read in just one sitting. This is a tale that enthralls, entertains and enchants the reader. It is a tale that blends fact and fiction, educating as you read.

Much of the book is set in 2010 Croatia but looking backwards to 1944 after the Nazi’s had fled. The lead character grew up in England, after her mother fled with her in 1944. She longs to know her roots, seeking out her father – was he hero or traitor?

It is also a story about new beginnings. We are never too old for a fresh start. The two lead characters are in their sixties. They both have tragedies, regrets and sorrows behind them. Is it time to take a chance, grasp life and learn to live again?

Croatia in 2010 is very different from 1944 when fear and tension were all around, and trust was in short supply. In contrast, in 2010 lives live in freedom, tasting food and coffee, experiencing sun, sea and laughter. As the past unravels, lives in present day mirror the course and open up.

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When We Were Innocent by Kate Hewitt

Apr12

Emotionally Draining

When We Were Innocent by Kate Hewitt is a powerful and heart breaking dual timeline novel.

This is a book that will mess with your emotions as we follow a character through a myriad of emotions as her gentle father is charged with Nazi war crimes. All she has ever known about her father is in opposition and comes crashing down. “This is my dad, and I love him. I know I do, even if it’s hard. Even if I’m not sure I should anymore.” Her love for her father is in conflict.

The novel is set in 1942 – 1943 in Sobibor and also in present day America. It alternates chapters between the time periods and the voices – her father in 1942 and the leading lady in present day. The story is told in the first person so we get to know the characters intimately, their emotions and their fears.

We witness a life unravel in 1942 as choices are made with disastrous consequences. Undoing one’s choices was not possible under Nazi rule. “He made choices … Everyone must face the consequences of their actions.” A character has lived with his choices for seventy years. He kept silent but his guilt remains.

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