Legacy Of Hope

The Nurse Behind The Gates by Shari J Ryan is a powerful and heartbreaking historical novel that I just could not put down.

The action takes place in Munich and Dachau. It alternates between the war years and from 1933 moving forwards. The novel is written in the first person from alternating points of view, and as such, we get to know the characters intimately.

Emilie and Danner are childhood friends – but Danner is a German Jew. He and his family gradually find their lives eroded from 1933 as anti semitism is rife in Nazi Germany.

1933 was a pivotal year when Hitler’s power became absolute and the course of Germany decided and plotted.

For Emilie and Danner, their feelings for each other remain. Emilie will always be a guiding light who offers hope in the darkest of times. As long as Danner keeps her in his heart, hope is alive.

We see sacrificial love practiced by the two lead characters. Danner loves Emilie enough to let her go. Emilie loves Danner enough to never let him go.

Circumstances lead them both to Dachau but on either side of the fence. Emilie is prepared to risk all for the sake of the man she loves.

Dachau is hell on earth – but pockets of humanity still remain. We witness the sharing of very little among those who have nothing. Little pockets of friendship spring up, bringing hope as lives really do matter in a place where the Nazis throw life away.

Once more Shari J Ryan has written an engrossing novel about a time of great evil. The Nurse Behind The Gates must be read in memory of the six million innocents who perished and of those who survived.

I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON