Tag Archive | Imogen Matthews

The Boy In The Attic by Imogen Matthews

Sep29

Unsung Heroes

The Boy In The Attic by Imogen Matthews is a powerful dual timeline novel that I read in just one sitting. It is a fictional tale but has its roots in fact.

The action is set in present day in both Britain and Holland, alternating with war-torn Holland in 1945. We hear voices in the past and present that are linked by genes.

Holland in 1945 was a precarious place to be. It was still occupied by the Nazis who were determined to continue their reign of terror even though they were clearly losing the war at this point.

We hear of the brave members of the resistance who hide and move those as needed.

Resistance members needed to blend in and also disrupt the Nazi war machine. A brave female resistance fighter finds herself socializing with the Nazis. It is a dangerous position to be in as she listens for secrets. She could also be accused of fraternizing with the enemy.

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The Girl With The Red Hair by Imogen Matthews

Mar22

Extraordinary Bravery

The Girl With The Red Hair by Imogen Matthews is a powerful historical novel that is grounded in fact.

The action is set in the Netherlands during World War II. We see the lives of the Dutch move from freedom to persecution as the Nazis marched in and tightened their grip on the country.

We witness the fear as good people hide their Jewish friends and strangers. We can understand the frustration of those in hiding – but is it really worth the risk of going outdoors?

Ordinary people commit extraordinary acts of bravery. It is surprising to learn of the hidden talents of some – being able to forge documents, de-code messages etc.

We follow members of the resistance. They are asked to do things one would never usually dream of – such as handling a gun.

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The Girl From The Resistance by Imogen Matthews

Oct13

Extraordinary Bravery

The Girl From The Resistance by Imogen Matthews is a powerful historical novel. It is the first book in The Dutch Girls series which promises to be fabulous.

The reader enters Nazi-occupied Holland as we follow a brave young woman who refuses to sit back and do nothing. Her heart goes out to her Jewish neighbours as she is determined to make a difference.

When thrown in at the deep end we either sink or swim. The leading lady chooses to swim. She taps into a hidden strength and goes above and beyond what she felt she was capable of. She is determined to follow through on her promise to protect two young sisters after their parents were taken. She has a strong inner core.

We see extraordinary acts of bravery by ordinary people. The resistance draws many in, in order to help smuggle Jewish people or to sabotage the Nazis plans.

It is tense at times as action happens in the dead of night under the noses of the Nazis. My heart rate definitely rose.

There is love and loyalty with no thought to personal safety.

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The Girl Across The Wire Fence by Imogen Matthews

Apr18

Powerful

The Girl Across The Wire Fence by Imogen Matthews is a powerful historical novel that is an all-consuming read.

The action is set in Holland towards the end of World War II in the camp at Amersfoort and the surrounding areas.

We witness both the incredible bravery of some and the horrendous cruelty of others. There are those who stand up for what is right and are determined to make a difference. Extraordinary feats of bravery are performed by ordinary people, some as young as sixteen years old. A crust of bread makes a huge difference to those who are starving.

All the characters were well drawn and realistic. We see the action from alternating points of view.

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