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Polly
, August 23, 2023
(view all comments by Polly)
I have read a lot of books about WWII but this story gave new insight into a part of the world I knew little about- Indonesia and the Dutch who lived there. Truly this was a war that effected the whole world. The author took her research from many first hand accounts of the brave souls who endured the occupation by the Japanese. Every chapter starts with a quote from a survivor and then the fictional story commences. A heart rending compilation of the deprivations and harsh treatment suffered by Dutch citizens who were forced into camps by their captors. It reminded me of The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. At times it was almost unbearable to read but the resiliency of the Vischer family was something to behold. There is an afterword by the real Rita Vischer that tells that she never spoke of her time in the camps but made the decision to collaborate on this book. She recounts that hard times are faced by all, and that “happiness comes from within...That God is real, and I have learned to put my trust in Him.”
A difficult book but essential book to read. But I could not put it down and finished it in one day.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Shadow Mountain Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
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