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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This is a perfect novel. I can’t think of a single thing I would have changed.
The White Rose Resists is one of the best books I’ve read. It’s important, eye-opening, full of drama and emotional power, and still manages to inspire hope by the end. The pace is excellent, the characterizations deeply human, the prose brilliant. It made me cry but it wasn’t overwrought. The novel strikes that elusive balance between action and reflection. In other words, the plot moves along but not so quickly that it sacrifices space in which the characters can react to it, respond and and develop accordingly. It also manages to portray evil without being as graphic as some of the other WW2 novels I’ve read. The author’s choices of how to blend fiction with fact made this story highly readable, thoroughly compelling, and completely her own.
Amanda Barratt is one of the most gifted authors I know. She is a force. I am officially in awe of her abilities. The last time I was this stunned at the end of a novel, it was The Seamstress by Allison Pittman.
From Endorsement:
The White Rose Resists is that rare and powerful story that rips your heart apart at the same time that it inspires you to live for something greater. With a lyrical and skillful voice, Amanda Barratt tells the amazing true story of the German students who dared to use their voices in a culture of oppression. This novel will have readers turning pages late into the night, it will have their own blood surging and boiling with a need for justice. Most of all, it will remind them of what is truly important, and spur them on to live more fully. A beautiful masterpiece of a novel!
A captivating, poignant look at real people who changed history, this novel is remarkably relevant today. I also highly recommend My Dearest Dietrich: A Novel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Lost Love.
Heartbreaking, inspiring and powerful. I couldn’t put it down. Sophie Scholl is my hero.
WOW! So I’ve had a really hard time being able to get sucked into books right now with all of the quarantine madness, but this one fully held me captive! Even though this is one of my favorite genres normally, my emotions have been pretty up and down so I have been sticking to lighter reads. There were parts in this one that definitely made me cry, but Amanda Barratt’s storytelling was absolutely masterful. I don’t even have the right words to do it justice. The characters felt so real and was easily able to feel like I was a part of the setting. This isn’t one that can be rushed through. I don’t know how she does it, but the author writes in such a way that you are forced to slow down and experience the character’s journeys along with them. This book was amazing. Especially considering this is a book based on actual events, I would highly recommend reading the author’s note at the end for some of the fact vs fiction. If you want to add to the book fog you’re sure to experience, make sure you wait to read it until after you’ve finished the book. Also, don’t forget to have tissues handy. This one will most likely cause some very real tears, but it was sooo good and I highly, highly recommend it! I know that this one is going to stay with me for a very long time.
*I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publishing. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
I’m having trouble finding the words to describe this book. It was that good! I enjoyed it immensely. It is such a powerful story about young people standing up against injustice. I truly cared for these characters, including the fictional ones. This book even made me cry a few times, which is really hard to do. I hadn’t heard of The White Rose group before this, but now I want to know more about these brave young people. I highly recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
This is not your typical WWII novel. This is a behind-the-scenes look at some idealistic youth in Germany under an oppressive dictator and how they become disillusioned and try to wake the average man to action. Ms. Barratt has thoroughly researched the true story of The White Rose drawing on the leaflets, letters, diaries and interviews with people contemporary to the events. She seamlessly adds a few fictional characters into the mix to flesh out the story. Throughout the novel, she shows hope, faith and courage of ordinary people.
The White Rose Resists brought me to tears again at the injustice that was wrought during the Hitler regime. I was in awe at the lengths that these souls went to in order to bring truth to their fellow countrymen.
The story is told in turns by the members of The White Rose.
Sophie Scholl: “ There is purpose in this. In death, as in life. Someday perhaps my story will be told, and others will remember. That to witness wrong and stay silent is as much a crime as committing evil oneself. That youth does not exempt one from responsibility. That freedom is a gift.”
I am reminded of the many examples in the Bible that God reserves a remnant even when things look bleak. And that He is with that few in spite of the overwhelming odds.
Notable Quotes:
Sophie:“How can we expect righteousness to prevail if there is hardly anyone willing to sacrifice themselves for a righteous cause.”
Kirk:“The laughter of childhood is a casualty of war. Childhood itself is stolen by war’s cruel hand.”
Sophie: “Freedom looks like this sunshine. Freedom to live without fear, to speak one’s beliefs without glancing around and behind.”
Tension permeated the pages as Sophie, her brother, Hans and their friends put their plans into action. Ms. Barratt captures the heartache as the characters try to protect each other, then take responsibility for their actions. Sophie: “In spite of my exhaustion, the risk of discovery, the nagging anxiety, I wouldn’t go back to doing nothing. Pain is better than emptiness.”
Annalise: “Even the greatest darkness can be breached by the flame of a single candle.”
It was my privilege to read such an accomplished book. Ms. Barratt truly brings the past to life.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
This is an incredible book! Amanda Barratt brings the stories of a small group of real people to life (in a fictionalized form). I felt their passion and I was deeply moved. It was not an easy story to read but a very important one that will not be forgotten. (The fictional persons in this story felt real too.)
One of the most memorable parts of the story for me, was when Sophie was being interrogated, she thinks, “If I don’t defend truth when it’s most difficult, who am I to have defended it in the first place?” There is something powerful in her statement. As we know, she pays for defending the truth with her life.
The history given in the “Author’s Note” is exceptional. As a reader, I truly appreciate the research and heart that went into creating this book.
* I received a digital ARC of this book from the author. A review was not required but gladly given.
The White Rose Resists is heart-pounding historical fiction that leaps off the page. Told with characters both real and fictional that will grab your heart, the story is as thought-provoking as it is lyrical, and as intriguing as it is heart-wrenching. Thoroughly researched and deftly written, the author captivated me from the first pages of this must-read story as she emerges you in the sights and sounds of WWII Munich. Rarely does a book affect me so much that it’s hard to put into words how it affected me. I can honestly say that a work of fiction has never left me feeling like a better person for having read it—until now.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I have so many thoughts racing through my mind as I write this review but that’s been true since I started this book and continues to be true after I have finished reading it. As soon as I heard that Amanda Barratt was writing this book based on the true story of Sophie and Hans Scholl, I knew it would be respectfully, accurately and wonderfully written and it most certainly is. What I didn’t know was just how emotional I would feel as I read the story of Sophie her bother and their friends and how courageous they were to face the repercussions if caught when distributing their leaflets. I have a huge amount of admiration for them and so many others who have done similar things throughout history.
I kept seeing the images of these amazing people and knew how the book would end but putting faces to the characters made me emotional as I read their story. I cried as I thought about the lives taken so harshly because a few brave souls stood up to resist the ugliness they witnessed every day. I love historical and I will say that this is one of the best novels in this genre that I have read and this will be on my keeper shelves. I consider this book a must read and Ms. Barratt a must-read author.
I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
The White Rose Resists by Amanda Barratt exemplifies historical fiction at it’s finest! Taking a true tale of heroism and bravery fueled by conviction, the author tells a gripping story that stayed with me long after reading. One quote from the book; “It’s astonishing how we’ve all believed and fought for and trumpeted these ideals (as Hitler youth) thinking they’re for our own good. When, in reality, they only serve to further the aims of those in power” reminds us of the continual need for people of every generation to think for themselves, to discover the truth, and to stand up for what is truly right.
When I read such an excellent work of historical fiction, it always makes me want to delve into the real events even more, which is why I am grateful that the author provides highly recommended books for further reading at the end. I will be looking into those for sure.
Amanda Barratt has an absolutely beautiful style of writing and combined with her impeccable research, I couldn’t help but be pulled into a spellbinding story that was hard to put down. I won’t soon forget the story of university students Hans and Sophie Scholl and their friends who fought with absolute conviction-no matter what the cost- to speak out against the evils of Hitler and Nazi Germany against humanity. I truly do highly recommend The White Rose Resists as an excellent choice for lovers of historical fiction.
When author Amanda Barratt asked for early readers for her new release, The White Rose Resists, I responded immediately. I had just finished reading A Promise for Tomorrow (her contribution to The Heart’s Stronghold novella collection) and I previously enjoyed My Dearest Dietrich (2019). In my mind, I could expect another well-crafted story and that’s just what she has delivered.
I gravitate to historical fiction because stories make learning fun! Through her novel, Barratt introduced me to two historical figures—Hans and Sophie Scholl—and showed how their passive resistance to the Nazi regime left an indelible mark on German society. Days after I finished reading I couldn’t stop thinking about the Scholls and the ultimate sacrifice they were willing to make for their fellow man. I decided to read it again; then I asked my son and husband if they had ever heard of them. It’s that sort of book… one you want to discuss with others.
For me, Barratt struck the perfect balance between fact and fiction. She explains in her author’s note how Kirk Hoffmann and Annalise Brandt were fictional characters—inspired by people she encountered while researching the White Rose. While I’ll remember Hans and Sophie Scholl for their brave stand against tyranny, Kirk and Annalise were memorable in their own right due to the hope their faith brought to this tale. Love conquers all.
I’ve read 38 books so far this year and The White Rose Resists is a true standout! Whether you enjoy non-fiction titles like The Hiding Place and Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl or prefer historical novels by authors like Melanie Dobson, Sarah Sundin, Susan Meissner, and Jennifer Chiaverini, this is a must-read title for YOU!
My Favorite Quotes:
“I’m ashamed of the fearful thoughts crowding in, eclipsing all else. If I give into my fear, I’ll be no better than the rest. Buckling beneath the oppressing hand of the Reich out of cowardice.”
“In the end, it comes down to the worth you ascribe to freedom. What price you’re willing to pay.”
“The laughter of childhood is a casualty of war.”
“Anxiety is like hunger. The longer it gnaws at you, the more used to it you become, though it doesn’t make enduring it any easier.”
“It takes effort to feel hate. Indifference is easy.”
“It’s humbling, this daily, childlike reliance, but faith has given me courage outside of myself.”
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
5 Stars. 2020 Top Pick! Author Amanda Barratt displays a masterful touch with a powerful story.
This beautiful novel relates the tale of Sophie and Hans Scholl, their real-life collaborators, and two winning fictional characters, who pit their youth and passion against the unforgiving Reich. The first person, present tense POV pulls readers into the story and allows them to watch events unfold through their own eyes. Barratt’s deft hand with details brings history to life without overpowering the rich emotions at the heart of this novel. And that ending . . . perfection!
5+++ stars! A winner! Can’t wait to share this with my students!
Best Quote: “Someday perhaps my story will be told, and others will remember. That to witness wrong and stay silent is as much a crime as committing evil oneself. That youth does not exempt one from responsibility.” ~Sophie Scholl
Young, daring, faith-filled, in love with life, yet committed without reservation—this is the White Rose, a close-knit group of University students determined to defy Hitler and rouse the German people from their egocentricity and complacency, no matter the cost. Meticulously researched and beautifully, brilliantly told, Amanda Barratt weaves tension, suspense, love and loss with a skillful hand. Stirring, and a reminder that courage should never be relegated to the pages of history alone, The White Rose Resists kept me turning pages as fast as my eyes could read.
“The White Rose Resists” is about a group of twenty-somethings who made a stand against the evil that was the Third Reich and der Fuehrer, Hitler. I had never heard of this group. Now that I know what a role they had in making a stand for freedom, I will not forget their courage in deciding to make a difference during WWII in the heart of Germany. I have read Amanda Barratt’s “My Dearest Deitrich”, which is why I wanted to read this one. I was not disappointed. I remain amazed by her writing skill; by her “voice” which draws one into the story and makes the emotions so real and raw. I am ready to read more from this talented author.
How much courage would it take for any of us to step up and speak out about the evils we hear and see happening daily in our midst? Especially when their perpetrator is the most powerful, heinous monster in all of Germany…in all of Europe?
Brother and sister Hans and Sophie Scholl had the valor and conviction to take on such a task. In her novel, The White Rose Resists, author Amanda Barratt illuminates with hauntingly beautiful clarity the true story of the Scholls and their White Rose network; how Hans and Sophie, along with their fellow Munich university students, resisted the yoke of the Nazis by revealing the shocking truth to their countrymen. In these pages, I relived Hans and Sophie’s remarkable journey; their greatness amidst human degradation and an impenetrable faith that defied a godless regime as a few risked all to expose Hitler’s reign of terror during WWII.
A suspenseful, heartrending story that will leave you changed by the final page, The White Rose Resists offers new hope in our humanity and reaffirms what it means to have courage and character. Once again, Barratt’s telling is sublime and a must-read for fans of WWII historical and inspirational fiction!
Faced with the atrocities of the Nazi regime, a group of university students join together to apprise their fellow students and neighbors through leaflets they will produce. Knowing what may happen if they are discovered, they choose standing up for their beliefs over what they may face.
Standing strong for beliefs can be traced back to the beginning of time: the Disciples for their Christian faith, dissenters during the American Revolution, World War 1, World War 2, and the Vietnam War, and so many other examples. This story traces the real life activities of the group of university students who published the White Rose to make those around them in Berlin aware of the truth of the events happening because of the Hitler regime. They gave their all in their work and some made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives as well.
Well written with varying perspectives from the different students involved. This story brought to mind some of the events taking place in the US and around the world and what choices each of us will make that may change our country or even our world.
This is my first time reading one of Amanda Barratt’s novels. It is a novel based on the true story of Sophie and Hans Scholl as well as some of the friends that were part of a group called “The White Rose”. I thoroughly enjoy reading books based on World War II and even more ones based on true stories. With this novel, you can tell that the author did a good amount of research into the actual story especially the ending of the book. The only thing that concerned me with the novel was that I had a feeling that it would not be a fast read which it was not. There are some German words thrown in that slowed me down and the content is a little on the heavier side which I think slowed me down some. However, even though it was a slower read than I normally like, I thought that the story itself was so interesting that it made up for the slower pace of the book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is into World War II novels.
Oh my goodness, I can’t encourage you enough to read The White Rose Resists by Amanda Barratt. Without a doubt, it is one of my top two reads of the year so far. And I’ll venture to say it will stay among my top reads ever.
Before reading this novel, I didn’t know about the White Rose—the group of German students who would not stand by and continue to watch the atrocities that Hitler and many of their countrymen were inflicting on so many innocents. No, these students decided to do their part to open the eyes of other Germans and inspire them to resist as well, knowing full well they were risking their lives in doing so.
Thank you, Amanda Barratt, for giving us this powerful, heartbreaking, and inspiring story. It’s one everyone should read. One everyone should remember. One that will cause us to salute those who’ve sacrificed much—and even given their lives—for the cause of freedom and for the love of their fellow man. I very highly recommend this important book.
#The White Rose Resists# is a novel during the challenging time of World War II Amanda Barratt has written more than a dozen books and is an EPCA winning author. The cover of the book shows what the secrets the reader will enter into. There were so many horrendous events going on during World War 11. It is not fair that innocent people would be killed because of their race. This book is so carefully researched. The world we enter into is interesting and gripping when you read this book. The reader will have a hard time stopping and then the book is over! There is a group in the book who resist the horrible events going on. They are willing to risk all to make the world see what is going on is not right or should not be allowed. It is important we stand by what we believe and not waver. We must be different. It is hard for this group “The White Rose” t0 resist is a group ,makes a stand and be different. The resistance members might get caught and any turn! It is wonderful to read about “This White Rose” group. I like the descriptions of the characters. The characters grow on the reader and the reader develops an attachment to them. Will we as readers be willing to stand by what we believe and be different even if we get hurt in the end? The setting is Munich . Thank you to netgalley, the author and the publisher for allowing