Archives

The Family Behind The Walls by Shari J Ryan

Jan27

Pointing The Way Home

The Family Behind The Walls by Shari J Ryan is a powerful historical novel that gripped me from the start.

The book opens in Germany in 1942 as we follow six members of one Jewish family through the war years.

We witness the pit of hell that is Auschwitz and see that more than just hope is needed to survive, luck is needed too.

We also join the children’s camp and then a church-run orphanage.

It is important to have hope. “I need to give Lilli hope.” Without hope, the people perish.

We see the lessons of the past keep characters grounded and give them a purpose even in the darkest of times. “They may take my hair, but not Mama’s teaching to care, lead and be brave for those unable to.”  We need to be the beacon that shines in the darkness.

Within the pit that is Auschwitz, trust is in short supply. “We’re rewarded for turning on each other. Desperation can alter a person’s ability to navigate their morals.” People are exploited when they are at their lowest. An animal instinct to survive kicks in.

In contrast we witness a character who serves. “Hate is the only contagious disease that’s killed more people here than typhus.” We do not want to water the seed of hate but feed the seed of care and compassion.

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The Train That Took You Away by Catherine Hokin

Jan22

Holding On To Hope

The Train That Took You Away by Catherine Hokin is a powerful historical novel that I read in just two sittings.

The novel is set from 1936-1946 in Berlin, the seat of the Nazis power. There are also a few scenes in Blitz-ravaged London.

We follow three main characters all connected with the art world – a young female art restorer from England; a young artist; and a young mother who runs an art gallery in Berlin. The latter two are Jewish and their war is beyond horrendous.

Germany seems to be a civilized nation in 1936 as it welcomes people to the Olympics. The young art restorer declares in 1936; “The German people are too kind and too good to let hatred and prejudice swallow it.” Unfortunately, the German people were governed by fear and/or blind adoration as they believed the lies they were told.

Bit by bit the lives of the Jewish people were eroded until all their liberties and freedoms were gone. Those who remained in Berlin were said to be “invisible and we’re targets, and we’ve nothing to live on but bad food, fear and rumor.”

There is much heartache and sacrificial love as a character makes the decision to put her eight-year-old son on the kinder transport to England for safety. It is an emotional wrench and only the hope that she will see him again, keeps her going.

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In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer

Jan21

When You Know, You Know

In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer is a beautiful Christian timeslip novel that I absolutely adored. It is the second book in the Timeless series but can be read as a stand-alone.

This novel is set in 1861, 1941 and 2001. Historians will recognize these dates as the starting point for three wars for America – the American Civil War; Pearl Harbor and World War II; and the war on terror. I read with my heart in my mouth as 9/11 (September)approached and then of course December 1941. Gabrielle Meyer has perfectly captured the horrors of war – particularly Pearl Harbor where the picture she painted is horrific and vivid.

There are choices to be made. Choices always have consequences. The leading lady has a difficult choice to make. She longs for God to make the decision for her – but then she would not be exercising her faith muscle that tells her to lean into God and trust Him. “I could trust God’s plan for my life, even if it didn’t feel like things were under control.” Sometimes life feels like a runaway train but nothing ever happens that surprises God. He sees the end from the beginning.

Within the novel characters have, and do, experience loss. “I prayed… but God didn’t hear me… I knew the only way to survive in this world was to never love again.” That is not living, that is existing. God loves us and He wants us to love others. We were not meant to journey through life alone.

Prayer is important. “I will pray for you, because I know nothing is impossible with God.” We are called to pray for each other. Prayer connects us with God. “Turn my prayers heavenward, hoping God was listening.” God is always listening to our prayers. He does not always give us what we want but He always gives us what we need.

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The Storyteller’s Daughter by Victoria Scott

Jan17

Secrets, Families, Ambitions

The Storyteller’s Daughter by Victoria Scott is a beautiful dual timeline novel that I loved.

The action is set in 1941 and 2008. The periods are united by a family house and woodland as we follow a young woman in 2008 and her aunt in 1941.

Both main characters are similar in personality and circumstances. Both have been pressured by their families, having their personal lives squashed.

In 1941 Nita was expected to marry the man her parents chose for her – but Nita had a strong personality and would not be hemmed in by tradition and circumstances.

In 2008 Beth has always done what her parents wanted and has worked in the family firm. It was never her dream and now she decides to branch out on her own, having been re-united with her aunt on her death bed.

The ambitions of both young women was to be journalists. Now seems the ideal time to pursue these dreams.

Secrets are buried deep in the past. A death bed cryptic clue sends Beth delving into her aunt’s wartime activities – it is amazing what she uncovers.

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