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Dutch Defense: A true story of struggle and survival during World War II
If his friends' resistance activities are exposed, he will be shot and they may be tortured to death. His houseguest happens to be a Nazi officer...
Against his will, Alex has to share his home in The Hague with Gunther Blechmann, an SS officer of the occupying German forces. Liberation of the Netherlands by the advancing Canadians seems imminent, but meanwhile the Dutch are struggling to survive a particularly harsh winter, the Hunger Winter.
While living in the house, the Kommandant noticed that Alex has friends in the Dutch Resistance, but lacks sufficient evidence to imprison them. He will not rest until he catches the entire group…
In Dutch Defense, Alex’s and Gunther’s dispassionate shared interest in chess contrasts starkly with the worsening oppression and hunger in the Netherlands in the chokehold of German occupation.
The author’s memories from 1940-45 bring to life the dizzying twists and turns of this episodic story, showing the courage and ingenuity of ordinary young people who created their own resistance cell against the Third Reich.
Against his will, Alex has to share his home in The Hague with Gunther Blechmann, an SS officer of the occupying German forces. Liberation of the Netherlands by the advancing Canadians seems imminent, but meanwhile the Dutch are struggling to survive a particularly harsh winter, the Hunger Winter.
While living in the house, the Kommandant noticed that Alex has friends in the Dutch Resistance, but lacks sufficient evidence to imprison them. He will not rest until he catches the entire group…
In Dutch Defense, Alex’s and Gunther’s dispassionate shared interest in chess contrasts starkly with the worsening oppression and hunger in the Netherlands in the chokehold of German occupation.
The author’s memories from 1940-45 bring to life the dizzying twists and turns of this episodic story, showing the courage and ingenuity of ordinary young people who created their own resistance cell against the Third Reich.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2023
9 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 3, 2023
A published author at 98 years old, what an inspiration! Johanna Kinney grew up during the German occupation in the Netherlands and shared her and her brother’s experience and encounters they had during the war.
I love reading WW2 historical fiction, but it’s so refreshing to read a story written by someone who lived through this time in history. It brings a higher level of appreciation to those affected who pressed on despite the circumstances and choose to resist.
I love reading WW2 historical fiction, but it’s so refreshing to read a story written by someone who lived through this time in history. It brings a higher level of appreciation to those affected who pressed on despite the circumstances and choose to resist.
July 9, 2023
A truly thrilling and captivating story! What makes the book even more special is that the author wrote it based on her experiences and the experiences of her brother and their friends during that time. Kinney does an excellent job at not only recounting these stories, but also describing the emotional impact on the characters- both at the time of the events and long lasting effects. It's incredible to think about the bravery, heroics, and resourcefulness of the author and others living though that time. Definitely would recommend!
August 25, 2023
Drawing on her experience as a resistance courier during WWII author Johanna Kinney has written a very compelling book showcases acts of bravery by common citizens and what can it be achieved by working together to defeat evil.
With very compelling characters and flawless you feel feel like you are living with this brave young people while fighting the occupiers, their acts, desperation, impossible choices, desperation but also their joy and happiness.
This is a very compelling memoir showcasing the power of unity and the desire to do good in the world.
With very compelling characters and flawless you feel feel like you are living with this brave young people while fighting the occupiers, their acts, desperation, impossible choices, desperation but also their joy and happiness.
This is a very compelling memoir showcasing the power of unity and the desire to do good in the world.
October 23, 2023
A Powerful, Heartbreaking Account
My words cannot do justice to this incredibly moving book. It details the living hell endured by the people in the western part of The Netherlands under Nazi Occupation and their slow recovery when it ended. The author incorporated her own experiences into this powerful contribution to WW II historical fiction. If you think you've read it all and can no longer be shocked by Nazi brutality and cruelty, this book will change your mind. We must never forget the inhumanity, sacrifice, and suffering of the Dutch people.
My words cannot do justice to this incredibly moving book. It details the living hell endured by the people in the western part of The Netherlands under Nazi Occupation and their slow recovery when it ended. The author incorporated her own experiences into this powerful contribution to WW II historical fiction. If you think you've read it all and can no longer be shocked by Nazi brutality and cruelty, this book will change your mind. We must never forget the inhumanity, sacrifice, and suffering of the Dutch people.
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December 12, 2025Good read of what Dutch experienced during WWII. Recommend.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews