AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!A GLOBE AND MAIL BESTSELLER“Unforgettable” —Kelly Rimmer, New York Times bestselling authorInspired by true events, the riveting story of a young Jewish woman trapped on the occupied island of Jersey during World War II.Summer 1940: Hedy Bercu fled Vienna two years ago. Now she watches the skies over Jersey for German planes, convinced that an invasion is … Vienna two years ago. Now she watches the skies over Jersey for German planes, convinced that an invasion is imminent. When it finally comes, there is no counterattack from Allied forces—the Channel Islands are simply not worth defending. Most islanders and occupying forces settle into an uneasy coexistence, but for Hedy, the situation is perilously different. For Hedy is Jewish—a fact that could mean deportation, or worse.
With no means of escape, Hedy hides in plain sight, working as a translator for the Germans while silently working against them. She forges a tentative friendship with a sympathetic German officer who is likewise trapped by circumstance. But as the war intensifies, Hedy knows she is in greater danger each day. Soon, her survival will depend not just on her own courage but on the community she has come to cherish and a man who should be her enemy.
Vividly recreating little-known events, this is an unforgettable tale of resilience and bravery, and of the extraordinary power found in quiet acts of heroism and love.
“Riveting” —Karen Robards, New York Times bestselling author
“Harrowing” —Noelle Salazar, bestselling author
“Cinematic” —Ellen Keith, author of The Dutch Wife
“Captivating” —Glynis Peters, author of The Secret Orphan
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The book is well-written and interesting. However, having read so many books on WWII, I was expecting more depth to the story. While based on the true story of Hedy Bercu, a young Jewish woman from Austria trapped on Jersey in the Channel Islands, the book is predominantly a romance, set during extremely difficult times. Not a lot has been written about life in the German-occupied Channel Islands during WWII, so I did find that interesting. I also enjoyed the strong friendships in the story. Hedy’s life lay in the hands of her friends and a German officer.
I felt the character development was really lacking. Some of Hedy’s backstory is given, but there is almost nothing on Kurt, Dory, and Anton. I would love to have known more about Dory, as she was my favorite character. These were real people so research should have provided some background on them.
A beautiful quote from the book: “If you stretched out your hand into the cold, still air, you could rub the bitterness between your thumb and forefinger and feel its grit.”
We meet Hedy and Kurt who happens to be a German solder. Hedy manages to evade capture and together with her friend Dorothea try to survive til the end of the war.
It’s a love story told with a different perspective. It was descriptive and I enjoyed the story. I can’t help but feel it was just like any other WW2 book,I need to take a big break from them
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy
The Girl from the Channel Islands by Jenny Lecoat is an excellent historical fiction novel that takes place in the Channel Islands during WWII and the experiences and events that the local inhabitants experienced during the German Occupation.
This book is so unique in presenting its perspective of the inhabitants of the British islands and the difficulties they experienced. There are very few books that I have been able to find that present the plights of these citizens during occupation.
I enjoyed the character cast. I thought Hedy, Dorothea, and Kurt were excellently developed. It was interesting to see all three change, grow, and find themselves during times of war and self-sacrifice. None were exempt from flawes and imperfections, but I think those kinks in the armour helped the reader to be able to identify with them and see a part of themselves reflected into the character. I was better able to place myself onto their situations and reflect on how I would feel and respond if I lived on the Island in a time of terror, occupation, persecution, deprivation, and fear. Despite all of the depressing and difficulties, Hedy, Kurt, and Dorothea were able to lean on one another, bring moments of happiness amongst the gloom, and a glimmer of hope that one day this would end and a better life would return again. All were incredibly brave. I also felt the chemistry and passion between Hedy and Kurt. They definitely work well together.
I enjoyed the plot, pacing, and I was definitely drawn in during moments of high stress. I was able to breathe a sigh of relief numerous times. I truly loved the ending.
I also enjoyed the Author’s note at the end to reference what part of the novel was inspired by true events and heroism.
A wonderful read. 5/5 stars
Thank you Graydon House/for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.