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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 Resistance Bakery by Siobhan Curan

Sep26

Smoke & Mirrors

The Resistance Bakery by Siobhan Curan is a powerful dual timeline historical novel that totally consumed me.

The action is set in Paris during the Nazi occupation from 1940 and also in America in 1984. Chapters alternate between the two time periods which are linked by a granddaughter hearing of her grandmother’s wartime exploits.

We see that not all Germans are Nazis who agree with Hitler. “I was … taken aback by how normal they [Nazis] looked.” Evil does not look so different from anyone else.

As young French and German people mixed in a hotel kitchen, hatred did not come easily. They were all united in their love of cooking. “The whole point of war is to get us to hate each other, but for what?” War seemed even more futile when the enemy was just like us.

A young French pastry chef is conflicted in her mind between the dreadful treatment of her Jewish friend and also the kindness of a German cook. Her emotions are tossed by the wind.

The non-Jewish pastry chef shows her loyalty to her Jewish friend by wearing the star of David on her clothes too. “I’m choosing not to see it as a target … I’m choosing to see it as a sign of how much I love you.” Resistance comes in many forms as seen when the two women dress up in their posh frocks, wear a smile and sing.

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Star Of The Show by Jacqueline Wilson

Sep18

Family, Loyalty & Love

Star Of The Show by Jacqueline Wilson is a most delightful, children’s historical novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is perfect for ages ten years and over.

The novel is set in Victorian times and surrounds a family of five children who don’t have much materially, but do have a lot of love.

The children have to fend for themselves. Each has a different talent (except for the baby) and they put their talents to work, bringing in money to support themselves and baby Ada.

The star of the book is definitely Tess. She has the ambition and drive to succeed in her dream. She also has love in her heart, spending her hard-earned money on Christmas gifts for her family and friends. She has a spirit of generosity.

We see the difference between the classes as Tess befriends Master Cedric who lives in a large house with servants. His household staff are warm and welcoming to Tess and her siblings.

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Blossoming Of Truth by Susan Gray

Sep10

Love Never Gives Up

Blossoming Of Truth by Susan Gray is a simply marvellous historical novel that I just could not put down.

The story is set in the mid 1920’s in North East England and surrounds the scripture 1 Corinthians 13.

We witness the steadfast love that perseveres and never gives up. A love that began in childhood, a love within a family – both are covered by the novel.

There is the importance of bringing the truth into the light. Lives need the foundation of truth in order to be successful. Lies will only destroy.

We see the fragility of life. How things can change within an instant. Loss consumes. Sometimes loss makes people behave in less than honorable ways.

Forgiveness is important. Forgiveness is a process. Where there has been much hurt, time is needed before forgiveness can be given.

Not everyone is quite who they appear to be. Characters have a mystery to solve. It requires some careful amateur sleuthing.

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