Winner of the 2021 Christy Award for Historical Fiction Inspired by the incredible true story of a group of ordinary men and women who dared to stand against evil The ideal of a new Germany swept up Sophie Scholl in a maelstrom of patriotic fervor–that is, until she realized the truth behind Hitler’s machinations for the fatherland. Now she and other students in Munich, the cradle of the Nazi … government, have banded together to form a group to fight for the truth: the White Rose. Risking everything to print and distribute leaflets calling for Germans to rise up against the evil permeating their country, the White Rose treads a knife’s edge of discovery by the Gestapo. Annalise Brandt came to the University of Munich to study art, not get involved with conspiracy. The daughter of an SS officer, she’s been brought up to believe in the Führer’s divinely appointed leadership. But the more she comes to know Sophie and her friends, the more she questions the Nazi propaganda. Soon Annalise joins their double life–students by day, resisters by night. And as the stakes increase, they’re all forced to confront the deadly consequences meted out to any who dare to oppose the Reich. A gripping testament to courage, The White Rose Resists illuminates the sacrifice and conviction of an unlikely group of revolutionaries who refused to remain silent-no matter the cost.
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Amanda Barratt clearly loves historical research- so do I. So that rather guaranteed that I would like this book. I loved the way she wrapped it up. These were real people that died for a cause they believed in. Very inspiring to think of their sacrifice. Author did not just report history, she made it come alive with characters that felt so very real. Even though it dealt with a sad part of history, it gave hope. It makes you ask, “what would I be willing to die for?”
Advance Copy provided by #NetGalley
I had the privilege of reading an ARC of The White Rose Resists: A Novel of the German Students Who Defied Hitler by Amanda Barratt. Since I was only vaguely familiar with the actual events, I did a little research on my own before starting. I wanted to have the students’ faces in my mind while reading. Having done so, the story ceased to be just words written on a page. The events came alive as I read and I was right there with them joining in as they questioned what they had been raised to believe about right and wrong. I did a lot of soul searching along with them. It is easy for someone to think how they might act in a given situation but quite another when actually faced with that situation.
This book isn’t just written, it is beautifully crafted in a hopeful, heartbreaking, haunting way. I had to stop reading at one point because I couldn’t see through my tears. This book is just so real. Told through several characters’ eyes, I was captivated from the very first page. Yesterday would have been Sophie Scholl’s 99th birthday, a fact that was all the more poignant while reading her story. Even though I knew the ending, I kept hoping it would change.
Because of Amanda Barratt’s masterful use of actual quotes and excerpts from letters and diaries to achieve realness, I know The White Rose Resists is one book that won’t ever leave me.
I was trying to think who I would recommend this to and I have decided the answer is
simply…everyone.
The White Rose Resists is one of the most powerful and well written books that I have read this year! Barratt’s beautiful writing carries the reader to 1940’s Munich as if one were there. This touching story of friends bound together by the desire for their countrymen to hear truth is thoroughly researched and woven together wonderfully. Amidst the suffering of World War II, bravery and hope are still present and this inspiring historical fiction emerges. I am so grateful that I heard about the lives of these ordinary university students who changed the world. This memorable story will remain with me forever. All I can say is read everything Barratt writes! I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
When I first heard that Amanda Barratt was going to write a book about Sophie Scholl and her brother Hanz, I was supper excited! I had read her previous book My Dearest Dietrich and loved it. I just knew that if anyone could write about the White Rose Resistance, it would be Amanda Barratt.
Let me just say that this story is phenomenal. My simple words could never do it justice. This story is powerful and one that not only needed to be told, but should never be forgotten. I knew the over view of the White Rose Resistance. But I didn’t have an in depth intimate understanding. Reading this book, I felt like I lived it right along side the characters. To read this book is to experience it.
(I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
“Faith is trusting through the darkness, but sometimes I ask how and come up empty.”
Amanda Barratt is a master storyteller who weaves beautifully crafted fiction into heart-rending history to produce a thought-provoking and soul-stirring story of unspeakable tragedy and hope. She pens such unique and unforgettable historical fiction with attention to detail that will bring you into the heart of her characters, both historical and fictional, and have you living in their shoes. I knew nothing about the White Rose student movement in Munich during WWII prior to reading this book but experiencing the students’ passion and sacrifice for freedom through the author’s poignant words has given me a new focus in perspective. This is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve finished the last page; echoes of “if an opportunity presented itself, would you risk your own life to save another?” will continue to resound in your spirit once you get to know Hans, Alex, Kirk, Sophie, Annalise, and Willi.
The White Rose Resists has a very different feel and tempo from the author’s previous book My Dearest Dietrich but is equally captivating. Told from first person present perspectives of Sophie (historical figure), Annalise and Kirk (fictional characters), the plot has a passionate – almost reckless – urgency, fire and abandon that can only come from university students in 1942 Munich. Sophie’s brother Hans, with his like-minded friends, Sophie, and Annalise, forms White Rose to stand up against the inhumane atrocities through printed pamphlets. There is also a relatively large secondary character cast which is mostly made up of actual historical figures who were a part of White Rose or helped with some type of resistance during the war. Even in the midst of darkest evil, death, and suffering, the author infuses hope into each character and encounter. Yes, the fate of Sophie and Hans is known, but you will not be able to stop the tears from flowing or heart from breaking when they bravely meet their sentence.
With poetic, melodic voice and meticulous research, Amanda Barratt puts forth another must-read, faith-based historical fiction that is absolutely riveting. This is definitely on my Top 10 for The Best Books of 2020.
I received a copy of the book from Kregel Publications/author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
I have read A LOT of World War II stories. One of my two favorite genres to devour. I have read plenty of stories which show the plight and hurt of the Jewish people. I have read the plight of the soldiers who have done the hurting. But I have always wondered why no one actually stood up to the soldiers and Hitler. Anyone could see the harm he was causing to people. I heard a lot of good news about Amanda Barratt’s first novel, My Dearest Dietrich,
but I haven’t read it YET. When I read the synopsis for The White Rose Resists, I knew it was the missing piece in my World War II information. I really couldn’t wait to see what some Aryan college students who do to defy Hitler. Barratt’s writing is a delight. The words flow easily from the page to my imagination. I love how she allowed the characters to be normal people who didn’t set out to do something extraordinary; they saw an injustice and wanted to fix it. Admirable. There is some romance. There is some moments of breath catching. There is moments of sighing in relief because they didn’t get caught. I can’t wait to add this story to my physical shelf with all my other World War II novels. Definitely original and unpredictable. I can’t wait to see what else Barratt researches and allows to come alive for readers. Something to keep an eye out for.
I received a complimentary copy of The White Rose Resists by Amanda Barratt from Kregel Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
Wow! I’m speechless. How to find the right words to describe a novel that is so rich in detail and words that resonate within you even after you put it down. I found I wanted to devour it but instead I savored it as I had to give it time to digest and question myself. Do I have the mettle to stand up for freedom and especially for my belief in God? I pray so. Ms. Barrett has crafted a story of outstanding mastery that weaves together the true story of The White Rose and a fictional couple Kirk and Annalise. You will be swept away on a journey that is heartbreaking but at the same time gives you hope, as they face death with dignity and the knowledge that they will be with their Savior who gives them strength. Sophia is an example of qualities we all need to dig deep to find within ourselves. I was truly blessed to read this as it is not just entertainment but is a book containing knowledge and wisdom. I wish my words could encourage everyone to pick this up and read and every school library to purchase it. Exceptional and needs a category of ten stars in my estimation.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Haunting yet inspiring:
It was interesting seeing WWII from a German perspective and learning about what life was like for them during that time. This is the story of a group of students in Munich who decided that they couldn’t stay silent any longer and they encouraged others to also stand up and resist. It is based on a true story and it was inspiring learning about their courage and faith. It makes one contemplate what risks you’d be prepared to take and what you’d be prepared to do in the face of such evil.
I found it quite tragic and the book seemed to drag a bit in the middle, but maybe that was just because of the heavy subject matter. What I did enjoy was how the author presented us with an array of different individuals who each responded and interacted differently so that you could really get a broad picture of what it may have been like. The relationship between Kirk and Annalise is so tender and sweet and I loved journeying with them.
I highly recommend reading the Author’s Note at the end which provides historical background as well as additional information regarding the original White Rose group.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Ms. Barratt has penned a well-written, captivating story of a heroic group of college students called The White Rose who at great personal cost dare to denounce Hitler’s regime and atrocities with a campaign of passive resistance through the written word. Based on true events in Germany during World War 2, the narrative is the perfect blend of historical and fictional events and characters evidencing extensive research. The story flows at a fitting pace, and detailed descriptions and sensory imagery bring the harrowing, emotional story to life. Spiritual insights are woven beautifully into the narrative. The skilled use of first person multiple narrators allows greater insight to the thoughts and feelings of the characters most of whom are real-life and adds depth to the read. You can feel their fervor and anxiety and their courage and determination to stand for the truth. A bit of romance adds a little sweetness to the bitterness of the events going on around them. This read really touched me, and I can truthfully say it is one of the best books I have ever read! I highly recommend it!
Meaningful quotes:
“In spite of my exhaustion, the risk of discovery, the nagging anxiety, I wouldn’t go back to doing nothing.” Sophie Scholl
“Some things you can’t wait to do until you’re strong enough. Some things you just do afraid.” Annalise Brant
I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The White Rose Resists by Amanda Barratt
Synopsis : The ideal of a new Germany swept up Sophie Scholl in a maelstrom of patriotic fervor – – that is, until she realized the truth behind Hitler’s machinations for the fatherland. Now she and other student’s in Munich, the cradle of the Nazi government, have banded together to form a group to fight for the truth: the White Rose. Risking everything to print and distribution leaflets calling Germans to ride up against the evil permeating their country, the White Rose threads a knives edge of discovery by the Gestapo.
My Thought’s : I have to begin by saying, this book about Sophie Scholl was a page turner, remarkable story line and intriguing. the book isn’t just about Sophie, but about a group of friends. The author is able to make you feel like you are part of the book. What a remarkable group of young people whom had the courage to stand up for what they believed in. To go against the most horrible man in history. To know what might happen to them if they were caught. They stood on their beliefs, with God as their anchor.
Thinking through this book, I don’t know if I would have been able to do what they did. Would I be able to stand up for what I believe and know that no matter how hard thing’s got God is with me and has a plan for everything.
Recommend : I will recommend this book to friend’s and family though Amazon, Bookbud, Netgalley, Barnes and Noble, Facebook, Goodread and my blog.
Rating : 5 out of 5
Disclaimer : I received this complimentary e-book copy from the author and publisher for a honest review. All thoughts and feelings are mine.
Amanda Barrett sets a high bar of excellence in this stirring tribute to the real life heroes of the White Rose resistance group, a group of German college students during WWII. Ms. Barrett’s impeccable attention to detail and expert research brings to light a story of which I had little prior knowledge.
Hans and Sophie Scholl’s message that one cannot stand innocently by to the injustice and evils in our world is compelling. Beautifully written, this expertly crafted tale will change its readers with its message of hope and action, amidst tragedy and evil. One for the keeper shelf!
One of many quotes I highlighted:
“If I do not fight against, aren’t I as good as fighting for?”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine.
‘Show me what to do. You, O Lord, are my only solace.’
I have studied the Holocaust for decades and when I saw the subject of Amanda Barratt’s newest book, I knew this would be interesting. The books is not directly a Holocaust related book, but indirectly.
‘What worth do you ascribe to freedom?
Amanda Barratt gives us the true story of Sophie Scholl and some of her fellow compatriots who acted to renounce Hitler and his ideas for Germany in the 1930s and 1940s. These young college students wrote and mailed/passed out leaflets in direct opposition to the Nazi regime.
‘What little I have to offer, I will give. No matter the cost.’
Barratt tells their story with writing so stellar it grabs your mind and refuses to let go. I knew the outcome of Sophie Scholl’s story before reading this book, and yet Barratt makes Sophie’s life and her friends’ lives come so alive! She puts you ‘in’ their lives. You feel their pain, their fear, their determination to try and make Germany a better place, a place free of a tyrant’s rule, a place where lives mattered and not just lives that tyrant thought were worthy.
‘Our instincts for evil have been nurtured. Once, acts of violence were condemned. Now, they’re condoned. As long as the targets those deemed deserving.’
Incredibly well written and heartrendingly told, this book will stay with you. It’s not a quick read. It takes time to absorb. While it is based on fact, parts are fictionalized but Barratt stays totally true to the facts. This book is impeccably researched and well worth reading. Bravo!
*My thanks to Kregel Publications for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions in this review are expressly my own.
WHAT PRICE, FREEDOM?
“In the end, it comes down to the worth you ascribe to freedom. What price you’re willing to pay.”
It is a rarity when a World War II historical fiction novel comes along that takes my breath away with the depth and breadth of it. THE WHITE ROSE RESISTS is such a novel. It was inspired by the true story of a group of German young people who made a conscious choice to take a stand against evil during WWII. At many different times, it made me stop and evaluate my life and my commitment to God.
Normally, a novel this size only takes me a day or two to read depending on what is going on in my life. I took my time with this so it was more like three or four days of reading because I was so emotionally involved with the characters. Barratt’s writing style is so fluid that it makes me feel as if I was one of the young adults caught up in the Resistance, too! Her main characters have become MY FRIENDS, and I wish I had known about them sooner!
She made me FEEL their struggles of righteous indignation and wonder what I would have done had I been in their situation. Would I have been one of the ones that “abandoned it all for the sake of the call?” Early in the book she mentioned the Confessing Church pastors were sent to Dachau. I have personally been there, seen the documentaries, viewed all the displays, walked the grounds, and visited the barracks. I stood in the gas chamber and had the door closed and locked behind me. It is a feeling I will never forget. My experiences made reading this novel so much more real and important to me.
We must NEVER forget the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives in the battle for our freedom!
Here is another favorite quote that helped the students then and can certainly help us all now: “This morning, before I left, my mutter told me God goes with us everywhere. And that even if we aren’t where we want to be, He can use us for good. I thought it might comfort you to know that as you return to Berlin.”
This novel has been added to my Top 20 Most Influential Books List. I was provided a complimentary copy of this novel by Kregel Publications & NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
Amanda Barratt has taken a true (but mostly unknown outside Germany) story of incredible bravery and sacrifice and turned it into an compelling, heart-rending, suspenseful, hopeful narrative that will keep you turning pages anxiously and eagerly all the way to the incredibly satisfying end.
College students in Germany during World War II generally followed their Fuhrer – but a few saw the corruption, death, and evil of this regime and, despite serious risk, tried to spread the truth about Hitler, his policies, and God. Sophie Scholl was one of them – and her story, expanded upon by Barratt, had me on the edge of my seat, rooting for, crying with, and praying for these incredibly real, believable, brave young people.
A powerful story of hope and strength in the midst of the worst of circumstances. Highly recommended.
Amanda Barratt has pierced the center of the target with her book, “The White Rose Resists.” Barratt has intricately woven her tale into the tapestry fibers of a true to life historical thriller. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire novel. If you have never heard of Hans and Sophie Scholl, that is okay because Amanda Barratt will introduce you in such a way that you become old friends. Annalise, Kirk, Alex and others join the Scholls to create a team determined to do what is right, all the while knowing the consequences they could face if caught by one of the greatest evils the world has ever known, the Nazis. This book will have you experiencing every possible emotion as you join the journey in “The White Rose Resists.”
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.