There Was Once A Girl…
The Nanny Outside The Gates by Shari J Ryan is a powerful, heart-breaking historical novel that consumed me from the start.
The action is set in 1943 in Poland, mainly in the house of an officer serving in Auschwitz. Shari J Ryan has perfectly captured the horrors of the time. The stark contrasts between those who have everything and still steal from those who have nothing. The picture painted of family life juxtaposed with the death camp.
There is the innocence of the children and the cruelty of their father. The children are not so clueless as to what is happening.
Within the home there are Jewish inmates from Auschwitz working, along with a Nanny who was plucked from the streets. The young girls are not supposed to talk with the Jewish people but they can spot true goodness.
The novel opens with the ending. Then, the reader is transported back three months before working towards the end. We know part of what is coming – but how will it all end?
We see the action alternating between Halina, the Nanny, and Gavriel, a Jewish man working in the house. Both have good hearts and feel for the three young girls. “I’ll have to protect the light in the children who’ve been raised by darkness.” Halina is a beacon of light shining in the dark. “Any child raised by a Nazi has already been taught to hate. Taught that they’re a superior race.” Halina’s innate goodness is seen by the girls. “Something in her eyes says she still believes in their innocence… That they’re worth saving.”
War changes people. “We all do what we can to survive.” Bonds are formed. Trust is in short supply, hopefully it is not misplaced. “We try to find hope in the grimmest of places.” Hope is what keeps people going.
We learn about the power of love. “Love is stronger than hate. Forgiveness is easier than staying angry.” Halina states “these children are being taught to hate when we were born to love.” I found this such a powerful statement.
All the characters were well drawn and believable. The leading two characters and the young daughters were easy to empathise with.
The Nanny Behind The Gates was such a powerful read. Shari J Ryan brings the characters to life with her descriptive pen.
This is a tale that needs to be read in memory of the six million who died, and of those who survived.
I will leave the final word with Halina:
“I believe there is good in everybody, even if it’s overshadowed with years of manipulation and hatred.”
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON