"War had ripped across Europe for five years--a great tornado, scattering families, tearing millions of people from their loved ones forever. But sometimes, just sometimes, it threw them together. Like with me and Bill. A Czech farm girl and a London boy who would never have met, hurled into each other's path. And we reached out, caught hold and gripped each other tight."
It is 1944. Bill is a British POW assigned to work on her family's farm when Izzy first meets him. He teaches her English; she arranges for a priest to marry them. Then they run, hoping to reach the Czech partisans. Nazi soldiers find them first. With Izzy dressed as a boy and supposedly mute from shellshock, she and Bill manage to convince the Germans they are both British soldiers. Together they endure the hardships of a POW camp, managing to keep Izzy's true identity from everyone but a few close friends. Their story is one of love and survival...and it's inspired by true events.
"Bill's stomach churns with dread and misery; Lamsdorf is the last place in the world he wants to be with Izzy. ... He doesn't let himself think about what they'll do when they discover her, as he's certain they will. It's only a matter of time. Being discovered in Lamsdorf could be even more dangerous for Izzy than having been left at home for the Russians, and he's filled with anguish....he knows without any doubt that he would die to save her."
I liked this one! It's compelling and full of heart. Izzy's and Bill's situation brings out both the best and worst in the men around them. Once I started, I couldn't put this one down. It's very readable. And I appreciated all of Brookes' research, and the way she grounded their impetuous romance in historical detail. And I liked that their story is based on something that actually happened. It made it an even more powerful novel. I gave it 4 stars.
Happy Reading!
This sounds amazing! And the fact that it is based on true events is even more impressive.
ReplyDeleteThat's what most impressed me!
DeleteHow frightening for them both! I imagine this was a very emotional read too. I am adding it to my wish list.
ReplyDeleteIt was emotional...and sad...and suspenseful...and happy and hopeful, too.
DeleteWow that's am amazing excerpt and sounds very tense.
ReplyDeleteLots of drama and tension in this one, for sure.
DeleteI am partial to novels set in World War II and this one certainly is different. I have started a list of books to look for in 2023, I will add this one.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get a chance to read it! It's a good one.
DeleteThis does sound good! I like that it's a different story than most set in WWII
ReplyDeleteI liked that about it, too. :D
DeleteI think I'd be on the edge of my seat, nervous for this couple! I'd like to know what happens to the couple.
ReplyDeleteI was very nervous for both of them.
DeleteI can't resist a good WWII novel, and this one sounds awesome. The fact that it's inspired by true events has me even more eager to check it out. Great review, Lark! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's what really drew me to this one! Oh, and the awesome cover, too. ;D
DeleteHave a beautiful day. Regine
ReplyDeleteThank you, Regine!
DeleteThis sounds absolutely terrifying but an incredibly powerful read. Great review!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely a memorable read...and a compelling story, too.
DeleteWonderful review! Sounds like a very gripping story, especially since it's based on true events.
ReplyDeleteIt's a very compelling read! What the two of them went through trying to keep Izzy hidden and safe was hard to believe.
DeleteI read this one a couple of years ago and it has stuck with me. I really enjoyed this story.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was well-written, and that their story was a very compelling one.
DeleteOh my heart -- that this was inspired by real events blows my mind.
ReplyDeleteIt blew my mind, too. And her fictional account of these characters is so moving and memorable.
DeleteI've not heard of this book. It sounds like a good one.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so intense especially given that it is based on a true story. Will have to add this one to my books to look for.
ReplyDelete