Wartime Holland. Who can you trust? Deep in the Veluwe woods lies a secret that frustrates the Germans. Convinced that Jews are hiding close by they can find no proof.The secret is Berkenhout, a purpose-built village of huts sheltering dozens of persecuted people. Young tearaway Jan roams the woods looking for adventure and fallen pilots. His dream comes true when he stumbles across an American … stumbles across an American airman, Donald C. McDonald. But keeping him hidden sets off a disastrous chain of events.
Sofie, a Jewish Dutch girl, struggles to adapt to living in Berkenhout, away from her family and friends. As weeks turn to months, she’s worried they’ll abandon her altogether.
Henk Hauer, head woodman, is in charge of building the underground huts and ensuring the Berkenhout inhabitants stay safe.
But many grow suspicious of his liaisons with the Germans. Is he passing on secret information that could endanger lives?
All it takes is one small fatal slip to change the course of all their lives for ever.
Review, May 2018:
“It’s a cracking book, gripping, sensitive heartfelt and excruciating all at the same time. I’ve already recommended it to loads of people. It’s a wonderful story as well and the characters are so human. You do a wonderful job of not making them ‘war caricatures’ that so often happens in literature set in that time, but they all come across as believable humans, with flawed personalities caught in personal as well as political turmoil. Although it’s a book set in war-time, it’s more a book about people and their relationships struggling in a given situation; the war is the backdrop. Which is as it should be. Human stories first. I’ll be sad to finish it!” – Liam Gerrard, BAFTA-nominated actor.
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I’m currently reading this book. It is hard to put down as the characters and how they survive their situation is interesting. It is historical fiction and I enjoy this as it brings history to life!
Real heros don’t wear capes. They are ordinary people rising to the occasion in the face of evil and injustice. There were more heroic persons during world war two than known about or acknowledged. These villagers were heros.
Perfect stories to remind us of our personal responsibilities to uplift, serve and care for other human beings even in the face of great personal risk. Inspiring to read of people who never buckled under the boots of evil and despite the threats searched for light and goodness.
Definitely worth reading!
This story is one that people need to hear and remember so it is not repeated. The things that occurred during that time were horribly. This is a well written story and the characters were wonderfully developed.
I had not heard the story of this particular attempt to thwart the Nazi’s during WWII. I recommend it from the historical point, but it was also well written and kept me reading long past my bed time!
Fascinating story. The courage of Dutch patriots who hid their Jewish neighbors from a terrible fate at the hands of their Nazi occupiers shines brightly.
A very compelling and moving story based on a hidden village in Holland during World War II.
Purposely built deep within a forest, this village was home to Jewish people, refugees and deserters .
This is a very cleverly constructed story of hardship, loyalty, and also betrayal .
I cannot recommend it highly enough.
An eerie look at the lives of villagers in a small town in Holland caught up in the horrors of WWII and the atrocities that the Nazi regime inflict on them.
The towns people, in an effort to protect the Jews of their village, build an encampment deep in the forest outside of their village. There they secret as many Jews as the small huts will allow. Follow their lives as the Nazis come ever closer to finding the secret hiding place of their Jewish neighbors.
Very good read
Interesting unusual story of WWII.
Believable characters struggling with real life issues
Great insight into the Resistance during WWII.
The reader will be amazed at the resourcefulness of real people accomplishing what looked impossible during a dark time in Europe.
Good historical story of WWII.
I usually hate to read stories of Nazi’s and the hate towards the Jews. But this story of them hiding and not found got me. Its a wonderful account of people who supported each other in the effort to help those who would have otherwise been killed. Its a very human account and sad in some respects especially how a man could leave his family at that time for another woman. Yet generally the care, kindness and help with generosity from the ones who needed help themselves. A great read.
Left me wanting to know more!
Wonderful WWII novel. Very captivating!
This account of a Dutch town making a hiding place for Jews during Nazi occupation is well written and engaging.
Excellent story.It was based on true facts that occurred in Netherlands during WW2.The characters were fictional but tied to actual events.I felt like I was there.I highly recommend this book.
ACK