Lisa

Lisa's War #1

by Carol Matas

During the Nazi occupation of Denmark, Lisa and other teenage Jews become involved in an underground resistance movement and eventually must flee for their lives.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Holocaust, Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, World War II, War

123 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1983

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read as a buddy read with Lisa Vegan. This was a quick read, we read 6 chapters at a time and I think we finished in around 24 hours.

This was perhaps 2.5 stars, after having read another by this author I feel the stories will all be similar. The story went along at break neck speed, it was such a fast pace, non stop action. For a children's book this had some heavy events, attempted suicide, considering suicide, lots of murder. There were some very disturbing murders such as a mother giving birth being shot in front of her husband and then shooting him too. At the end when it would have been frantic enough hoping everyone escapes there was a scene where a worried family's father slits the throats of his wife and young children and fails to kill himself. This scene didn't need to be added, we know horrible things happened but to add this as a crescendo to the story that was already tense enough seemed gratuitous and particularly distressing for any child reading as they were about to get to freedom The addition of some romance at the end felt like it added nothing to the storyline.

The escape of the Jewish people from Denmark to Sweden is an amazing historical event but I don't think this story did it justice.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last book Hilary and I read by this author reminded me of the movie (and Leon Uris’s book) Exodus. This one reminded me of Sophie & Hans Scholl and the White Rose, and of the children’s book Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, about how Denmark’s citizens saved its country’s Jews from the Nazis. Hilary and I read this as a buddy read too, in 3 reading sessions over 2 days/in less than 24 hours. It’s a book that could be read in one sitting. It was fun reading this as a buddy read.

It was actually good timing given that Rosh Hashanah is important in the book and I read this just a few days before the Jewish New Year.

I liked it more toward the beginning when the reader got slice of life type information for the characters. Even though I can like adventure stories, and even though it makes sense a Holocaust story would have plenty of it and of stress, the stress/drama at the end of this story, and at other parts too, was too over the top for me, and the tiny bit of a hint of romance mostly at the very end didn’t fit that well. I felt it was inserted to satisfy a young adult readership, girls 11-13 maybe, but was not done skillfully or even fully realistically. The book is so short, generally the length of novels for young readers, but it is not a children’s book, and it is too short to get across a fully developed story with well enough developed characters for young adult and adult readers.

Readers who want to read a book about Denmark and what happened to its Jews in WWII, a story worth knowing!, should read another book. The Number the Stars is a good children’s novel, and there are many online sources that tell the story.

Supposedly Daniel’s Story is this author’s best and if I ever read another book by her I guess that would be the book, but the two books I’ve read so far seem to be formula books and I suspect all her books are like that. I probably won’t read any more. It was worth trying the two I tried but I was left mostly unimpressed. There is something about the way she tells stories that do hold my interest and I liked this one, but barely, and I have more criticisms that praise. 2-1/2 stars

[Woodrós · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story of a Jewish girl in Copenhagen during WWII - fictional, told by her in a straightforward style, and lacking emotional honesty at times.

Books like this always serve as lessons to me about just how magical and challenging writing a book really is: this is one of those books that isn't that great, but still does a bunch of things right or interestingly. Only when I look at a book that doesn't work, that doesn't have soul and heart behind it that sings to me, but that still has sentences and images and plot that all do work, do I realize how amazing the books that steal me away and cajole me to read page after page really are.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carol Matas' "Lisa's War" takes the reader on an exciting adventure in history. Here we have the tale of a young teenager living in Denmark at the time of Hitler's invasion. She joins the Danish resistance movement and does her part in helping to save the lives of thousands of Danish Jews. "Lisa's War" is a thrilling, suspenseful, exciting piece of fiction. And educational too!

What is great about this book is that the reader learns something about World War II history, while also (hopefully) learning something about themselves: no matter what may stand in your way, there is always something you can do to concur it.

I would recommend "Lisa's War" to readers of all ages, especially those with an interest in historical fiction and/or World War II.

[Bronwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book describing the life of a jewish girl and her family and their struggle to survive the holocaust

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Lisa's War" by Carol Matas encapsulates the gripping narrative of young Lisa's journey through the tumultuous landscape of Nazi-occupied Denmark. Matas skillfully intertwines historical accuracy with compelling storytelling, delivering a riveting tale of courage and resilience amidst the horrors of war.

The book elegantly captures the spirit of resistance as Lisa and her fellow teenage Jews become embroiled in the underground movement to defy the occupying forces. Matas adeptly navigates the intricacies of this perilous journey, portraying the risks and challenges faced by the characters with palpable tension and suspense.

What sets "Lisa's War" apart is its ability to educate while entertaining. Through Lisa's experiences, readers gain insight into the lesser-known aspects of World War II history, particularly Denmark's remarkable efforts to save its Jewish population. Matas succeeds in instilling a sense of empowerment, reminding readers that even in the darkest of times, individuals can make a difference.

While the narrative maintains a brisk pace, occasionally veering into intense sequences, Matas never loses sight of the human element. The characters are imbued with depth and complexity, their struggles and triumphs resonating with authenticity. However, some reviewers noted a slight imbalance in pacing, particularly towards the story's climax, where the intensity may feel overwhelming.

Despite minor criticisms, "Lisa's War" remains a commendable work of historical fiction. Matas demonstrates a keen understanding of her subject matter, drawing inspiration from real-life events to craft a compelling narrative that both educates and captivates. Recommended for readers of all ages, this book serves as a poignant reminder of the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.

[Lorraine Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is well written. The majority of the story takes place in Denmark during WW2. Lisa is Jewish and doesn't like how the Danish government allowed Germany to come in and take over. Lisa finds other teenagesr who are standing up for Denmark in their own way--the underground resistance movement. They have to be careful not to be caught or they could be killed on the spot. They do somethings very easily and other times, they come very close to being caught by the Nazi soldiers. It is a page turner and it will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I applaud Carol Matas for doing her research and for telling her in-laws, Inge and Olaf Brask, stories. Other Danes sat down to talk about their experiences too.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lisa's War is a story about a young Jewish girl named Lisa who rebels against the Danish Nazis and SS in small ways, such as placing anti-Nazi articles in wagons and setting Nazi hangouts alight.

This book was good, but not great. The writing was very basic, but Lisa's journey throughout the book had me hooked and I continued to read because of it. I was very attached to Stefan, Lisa's older brother. I would reccomend to this book to anyone around third to sixth grade who has a passion for history!

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holocaust and WWII. It kind of reminded me of Journey Through the Night by Anne DeVries, which you should read, by the way. Probably not for kids under 13.

[Hunter 1234 · Rating 5 out of 5]

its good

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Sonya Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book in the past.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good quick read. Interesting to recognize some of the Danish things.

[Taranis90 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uno de los libros de mi adolescencia que mejor recuerdo me dejaron, a pesar de que lo que en él se describe es bastante duro y escabroso.

Una lectura 100% recomendada.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I found this book at a furniture store, of all places. Finally just got around to reading it, and I wasn't disappointed. I wasn't super into this book at first - the way it was written didn't really draw me in right away. But I kept going and it ended up pretty interesting. It was a part of World War II I wasn't personally very familiar with. It's short, and there are several jumps in time that I found to be pretty disorienting, but it was still an enjoyable read.

Not sure when I'll get around to reading the next book, sadly - it appears to be long out of print.

[Yebin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Your father treats rebel patients. Your brother drops the Danish resistance's papers in trams. What are you supposed to do other than lie around in the house in the middle of WWII? Lisa, a Danish girl, decides that she needs to help in some way as well. She persuades her brother to let her drop papers with him, but she knows this is an extremely risky thing because, well, she's JEWISH.
The Nazis start rounding up Jews, and that frightens her family. They decide to escape Denmark to the neighboring Sweden, but as they plan their escape, will it be too late?

Carol Matas, an inspirational WWII writer who wrote "In my Enemy's House" and "Code Name Kris", once again captures a phenomenal story from the perspective of a Jewish girl who dared to go against the Nazis.

[Miss Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

gr 6+ 108pgs


1940-1943 WWII, Denmark. 12 year old Lisa and her family fear what the Nazis will do now that they have invaded Denmark. Lisa and her older brother Stefan and Stefan's friend Jesper are determined to fight back. Because of her age, Lisa is allowed to help distribute the resistance's newspaper. As the resistance launches more attacks, the Nazi punish the Danish people. When it is learned that the Nazis plan to round up Danish Jews, including Lisa and her family, on Rosh Hashanah, Lisa's father and the resistance must come up with a plan to get everyone to safety.


continued in "Code Name Kris"

[04brightona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lisa's War, by Carol Matas was a grewt book! I really liked it. I thought it showed some of the positive side for the Jews in World War II. This book showed how brave they really were. The Holocaust, Hitler's destruction of the Jews in Europe,was a terrible time. It almost made the Jewish culture exstinct. In Denmark, there was a positive side for the Jews. Because of the courage, the SS did not succeed in capturing all of the Jews on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year. I like this book alot. I think everyone should read it.

[Autumn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book three stars because it was informing about the Holocaust. This book might take you a while to get into. Once you are into the book it will be good. This book is not very long. They ending of the book is probalby the best part of the book. This book is about a family that dose not what get taken away from Denmark. They end up helping lots of others escape to. If you like historical fiction then you would problably like this book.

[Ms. Mielke's Class Make sure you post how your sheets tell you to!!!! · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was ok but it wasn't my favorite. My favorite part was when they got to Sweden. I wonder what they did when they got to Sweden. I also wonder if Jesper was ever captured.
AE



This book is so good. I can't believe the guts that they have, and I wonder if they ever went back to Denmark, or if Jesper was captured.

AB

[Parastoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

its a book about a teenage Jewish girl during holocaust in Denmark , its a really nice book to read for teenagers and adults who are interested to know more about people during world war .
after reading this book i had a new view about war and how a 13 years old girl can make a big difference.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

i did like the story and untypical holocaust tale, but it just didnt have enough depth for me. yes, it was intended for young adults, but i didnt think 100 pages was enough to tell a very compelling story.

[Tori Simonson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was a very good book that told about a small part of the Holocaust. It told about the secret newspapers and how they had to stay away from the German soldiers. Overall, it was a very good book.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a breathtaking book about the Danish Resistance during World War Two. Lisa is a Jewish girl and is determined not to let the Germans get them without a fight. This is an exciting story of how they escape to Sweden.

[Divya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoever likes reading about the Holocaust and World War II from a Jew's perspective, read this book!

[CαthεεBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like learning things from the Second World war and Holocaust; which is why I bought this entertaining book.

[Brittany Atkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this book for school, but I actuaslly sort of liked it. It really made me understand what was happening during the Holocaust.

[Nicole Sandford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book I couldn't put it down. Year 9 - 10.

[Karen Hrdlicka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice historical fiction. Had to read with one of my classes.

[Abigail Wicks]

Lisa helps with the anti-Nazi movement. Her brother joins the anti-Nazi movement also.