Choices

Small Acts Of Resistance by Anita Frank is a powerful historical novel that consumed me from the start.

The action is set in a village in Northern France that is occupied by the Germans in 1915. We witness what life is like for a grandmother and her two granddaughters who are hiding a British airman, at the same time as having two Germans billeted with them.

We witness the bravery of ordinary folk to do the right thing. “That is my duty; to resist, however and wherever I can.” Hiding a British airman takes guts and ingenuity. Hiding in plain sight does produce raised heart rates at times!

With occupation, people have choices to make. “The day will come when we will all be held accountable for our actions.” Any collaborators would have to answer for their actions later.

We see that not all Germans are hard-hearted, cruel masters. There are those who still retain their humanity. When faced with hard choices, he will pass muster, doing what is right rather than what is expected of him.

The small household unit did their best to make a home for the small granddaughter who has a beautiful bond with a pet dog.

All the characters were well drawn, likable and believable. The reader senses the undercurrent of attraction between two characters. I hoped it would come to fruition.

We are not destined to repeat the sins of our parents. We are our own person, making our own choices.

I thoroughly enjoyed Small Acts Of Resistance. It was an entertaining read.

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

JULIA WILSON