Sixty Blades of Grass

by Elizabeth Millane

A moving WWII drama based on true events

The bond between a Dutch teenager and her father is tested as the Resistance wages its secret war on the “Darkly lyrical . . . An action filled plot.” —Mary Glickman, author of By the Rivers of Babylon

During the Second World War, Rika, a seventeen-year-old Dutch Resistance fighter, paints in fields overlooking the busy rail yards. Hidden in her artwork is information crucial to the Dutch Underground about the concentration camps and Jewish prisoner transports.

But Rika’s covert activities aren’t the only thing on her mind. In these uncertain times, even trusting family is risky. She suspects her father of collaborating with the Germans and is determined to uncover the truth.

Across town, her German-born father is also living a double life. But his desire to keep his daughter safe proves inadequate when he invites a German colonel into his home with terrible consequences . . .

With no one to rely on or turn to, Rika knows her greatest challenge has only just begun as she must fight for her own survival . . .

Inspired by the author’s own family history, this is a riveting, heartrending novel of danger and betrayal that explores what it takes to lay down one’s life for another in the most harrowing of circumstances.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Own

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 22, 2023

About the author

Elizabeth Millane grew up along the shores of Lake Michigan where her love for books and stories developed. She was educated at Boston College, earning a Bachelor’s of in English literature, and at the University of Lancaster, Lancaster, England, where she completed a Junior Year Abroad program. It was during that year that she traveled extensively on the continent, visiting her Dutch relatives several times and learning their tales of heroism and sacrifice which formed the basis for Sixty Blades of Grass.

She resides in Needham Massachusetts, travels to her two children and grandchild in Chicago and Hawaii as often as she can. She is currently at work on two novels.

Reviews

[Robin Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the advanced copy to read and review Sixty Blades of Grass by Elizabeth Millane. I throughly enjoyed this powerfully moving book. The book was set in Holland during WWII, where families and neighbors were unsure who were collaborators or with the resistance. The main character Rika, found herself fearing the worst of her own father, as she works with the resistance. The author gave me all the feels, from desperation to hope. I will be looking for more novels from this author.

[Doreen Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book in one of my favorite genres.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely say a book is a 'must read' but this one, in my opinion, is just that. Many books have been, and will continue to be, written about WWII and all of its associated horrors. There have been many written about the French Resistance but not so many have come to my attention about the Dutch Resistance. Based on true events in the author's family, we are introduced to Rika, an extremely brave young woman who, whilst attending University to study art, is recruited to the Resistance. The way in which she goes about her mission everyday, facing many dangers not least from inquisitive SS officers, and also having to worry about what is happening in her own family is inspirational. The story switches between what is happening with Rika and then her father.

I will not give any details of how the story unfolds as this would spoil the book and the experience. It has made me determined to find out more about the Dutch Resistance during WWII.

I couldn't put it down and devoured it in a day. I highly recommend this book and woul dlike to thank BloodHound Books for the ARC.

[Sandra Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is novel of a WWII drama comes out June 1st, 2023. The paperback edition is May 18th, 2023. This is a story about the people in Holland, a character, named Rika, you read about her best friend Rachel who is Jewish, and Rika is Dutch. You are reading the Germans will steals and take things of values and the Dutch Nazis, the NSB, Germans, and the Green Police. This story is a true story about the author own family history, The courage of some and the hope that still comes when life seems to be n hopeless looking moment, love that is truer, then anything that cannot be taken away. Friendships that lasted even in loss, this book is rawness, emotional, and deep. This is truest event to happen.

[Yolande · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written!

This story unfolds through the eyes of a family of Dutch, two of whom are members of the Dutch Resistance, but keeping the truth from each other. Events which transpire are typical of the threats and exposures people endured during the occupation.

[margaret l antes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravery

This word covers it all. The bravery shown by one family in so many different ways. The courage to continue against all odds.

[Katy's Book Den · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heart-breaking read that is inspired by the author's own family history. We see war through the eyes of a young woman, a determined woman, who is passionate about helping her country, and thus risks her life to do so. This is a story of determination, passion, love, family, risk, defiance, and fighting against all the odds.
I really warmed to the character of Rika, a seventeen-year-old Dutch Resistance fighter who paints next to the busy railyards, adding codes to her work to supply crucial information about the Jewish prisoner transports. She is strong, she's determined and fuelled by passion. We see Rika question the loyalty of those around her, unsure of who to trust in such dangerous times. Even the loyalty of family is put to the test as she suspects her own father may be working with the enemy.
Most of the chapters are written from Rika's point of view, but it was also really helpful to have some chapters written from her father's perspective and her sister's too. I felt this added to the depth of the story and allowed us to understand more about the complexities of what a family endures during war, the different take on situations, and how it's different for every individual going through it. I adored Liesbeth and really felt for her. I don't want to spoil the plot but she makes a promise to someone, and this affects her future life and happiness, but she is such a beautiful character.
I read this book in a couple of days. The chapters were concise, not overly long, as can be the case in some books, and I felt invested in the outcome of the family. It is a heart-breaking read. It's definitely not for those that want the fluffy happy endings. However, if you want a story that speaks the truth, feels real, and gives you an insight into what war was really like and what people sacrificed, then this is for you.
I'm left feeling I want to know more about Rika. I think she will stay with me a while.
Highly recommend.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sixty Blades Of Grass by Elizabeth Millane is a powerful historical novel that I read in just one sitting. I was totally engrossed and could not put it down.
The novel is set in Nazi-occupied Holland during World War II. The action is grounded in fact from stories told to the author by her relatives. Lead character Rika was revered by all.
Wartime Holland was a dreadful place to be. Trust was in short supply, even within families. If you told no one about what you were up to, no one could accidentally talk. Resistance workers and collaborators existed side by side – but who was working for which side? Who was playing who? Lines sometimes became blurred.
Rika has a special needs sister. She needs to be kept safe for fear the Nazis would ship her off to Germany to meet her death.
Love still flourishes in times of war. But would the couples live to see peacetime?
We witness the bravery of ordinary men and women who did what they could to help others and to sabotage the Nazi war machine. To be caught would to mean torture and/or instant death.
The book is written in the first person from various points of view, as well as in diary entries. The reader becomes intimately acquainted with the characters.
I found Sixty Blades Of Grass a totally absorbing read, very powerful and inspiring. There were acts of abominable cruelty but the bravery of ordinary men and women shines through.
Sixty Blades Of Grass is a book crying out to be read in memory of the brave souls who survived and those who perished.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Doe Boyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This riveting novel, based in part on the true experiences of the author's family members during World War II, is an enlightening and heart-breaking fictionalization of the horrors and the heroism of the era. This novel is well-suited to young adult and adult readers who want to learn more about the Resistance Movement, which operated against the atrocities orchestrated by Hitler and perpetrated by the Nazi regime he directed and incited. Although seventeen-year-old Rika and her father, sisters, and friends have been created in the vivid imagination of the author, their experiences are accurately steeped in fact. As was true for resistance fighters during the Second World War, Rika's work in the Dutch Underground is essential to the survival of the Jewish people targeted for destruction--and the care and risks she takes in her work echo the real-life heroics and possible errors that characterized the era. You may read this book in one sitting--and you may never forget it. No doubt, it will inspire you to read further in nonfiction books on these topics.

[Liz T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixty Blades of grass is a compelling read about Rika and her family who live in Holland during World War 2. Rika, an Art student who works for the Dutch Resistance, suspects her German born father of collaborating with the Nazis. Rika's elder sister Liesbeth runs the family home and takes care of their younger sister, Amie. The family fear for Amie as she has learning difficulties and may give away information that would put them all in danger.
Rika and her boyfriend's work as resistance fighters put them in continual danger but their love grows and they get engaged, hoping for a better future.
I found this book well written and the author does not shy away from describing the harrowing details of the conditions in which people lived during these dangerous times. It was a compelling read, especially as the book was based on the author's family.
I would have given this book 5* but I found the ending quite abrupt and I would have liked to know more about what happened to the family.
Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

[Sian Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book 📕 I read this in the space of a night, I could not go to sleep and every chapter made you want to read on.

This is a fiction story about true events about the authors family and the struggle during WW11 in Holland.

Rika is a painter who helps the resistance with coded pictures of transportation of Jews leaving Amsterdam to concentration camp. She is a strong willed girl at just 17 and see the struggle in her beliefs and love for her family!! She thinks her father is a collaborator little does she know he also works for the resistance but doesn’t want to put his 3 girls in danger!!

Every daughter has their own struggle and it’s not until Rika is found out by the Germans that each of their story comes together to help protect each other

This is a powerful, emotional story of love, family and friendship during WW11 and the insight to concentration camps through the eyes of a survivor

[Kayli King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixty blades of grass is based on a true story about a teenage Dutch resistance fighter during the Second World War. This story draws you in by describing exactly how life was like for people living in Holland at this time. You can almost taste the food (or lack there of), smell the smells, and see in (sometimes gruesome) detail war torn life for those who were oppressed by Germany. This book kept my interest and made me want to keep reading to find out what happened next.

Most characters are well thought out and given life by delving deeply into their thoughts, feelings, and actions. My only complaint is that I would have liked to have seen some characters and relationships , particularly the ones not based on real people, fleshed out more thoroughly so that I could have developed more of an attachment to them. The characters based on real people had substance that the purely fictional characters did not.

[Alison Cairns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read recently about the Dutch resistance and it's opened my eyes to the extent of the evil of World War Two. Based on true events in the author's family, this is moving and real. Rika, seventeen year old art student paints coded messages for the Dutch resistance. Her father, Maxim, former German soldier is high up in Dutch Shell oil and very useful to the Germans. Rika can't decide if he is a collaborator or resistance. In love with Adriaan who also takes risks for the resistance, Rika's life is one of bravery and danger. Her older sister Liesbeth keeps the home running and cares for their younger sister who has additional needs. They know they have to keep Amie safe. No spoilers, so I won't reveal what happens but a moving family story that had me racing to the end. #bloodhoundbooks #sixtybladesofgrass

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story told from the heart, with passion and integrity. The author is paying homage to relatives who were brave enough to stand up to the Nazis and protect their homeland, Holland. The violence is graphic, brutal, shocking and a stark reminder of what we face if we allow evil dictators to gain control.
The author has cutting edge perception and brilliantly and beautifully brings to life the three sisters at the heart of this story. There is chilling realism in the scenes inside a Nazi concentration camp and when we glimpse the evil acts of the collaborators who betrayed their countrymen.
The tender moments make all the tragedies of war so much more heartbreaking. A powerful and evocative reenactment of history.

[Jacqueline Moxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason I was reluctant to read this book. I looked at the chapter names and put it down again, thinking it would be a difficult read, because it dealt with a difficult subject. I was completely wrong. It is a beautiful book, well written and gripping. Perhaps it is the very enigma of human existence, that the most uplifting messages emerge from challenging times? I loved the main characters. They are truly beautiful souls, and their compassion and altruism is truly inspirational. Although the subject matter is painful, it is somehow a relatively easy read. Short chapters and contrasting styles really help the narrative to flow. This is a moving and enlightening story. I very much enjoyed reading it.

[Sandra Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is novel of a WWII drama comes out June 1st, 2023. The paperback edition is May 18th, 2023. This is a story about the people in Holland, a character, named Rika, you read about her best friend Rachel who is Jewish, and Rika is Dutch. You are reading the Germans will steals and take things of values and the Dutch Nazis, the NSB, Germans, and the Green Police. This story is a true story about the author own family history, The courage of some and the hope that still comes when life seems to be n hopeless looking moment, love that is truer, then anything that cannot be taken away. Friendships that lasted even in loss, this book is rawness, emotional, and deep. This is truest event to happen.

[maria arcara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just finished reading Sixty Blades of Grass, my emotions are pretty raw. This was not an easy book to read, particularly the second half; largely due to the historical time period and location in which it was set. I think this type of story is important to tell, though, despite the discomfort and upset I had while reading. I appreciate Ms. Millane's efforts to research, not only her family's experiences in occupied Holland during the Nazi regime, but also the extraordinary bravery of other Resistance fighters. I thought she did an impeccable job with putting together all the details into an engrossing novel.

[Sheelagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phew what an emotional read. This is a fictionalised version of the stories the author grew up hearing about her family's efforts during the war. Rika paints coded pictures detailing transport trains, leaving them for Dutch resistance fighters, until she is caught, tortured and sent on one
of those trains she had been watching. A twist of fortune sees her end up in a prison camp rather than a death camp. Although this is a work of fiction, it is again a valuable part of ensuring the horrors endured by so many during WW2 and their endeavours to survive and fight live on and are never forgotten.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this historical suspense story. This is still a newer author for me which I enjoyed her writing style as well as her attention to details that made the story realistic. This is a well written story where the twists and turns not only had me sitting on the edge of my seat but wanting to see what would happen next. This is a story of inspiration with danger and betrayal plays an important roll. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into the story from the start. They are connectable and added so much to the stories entertaining value. I found this book to be fast paced, engaging and hard to put down. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixty blades of grass is a work of fiction based on the authors family during world war two in Holland. It is the story of Rika who is an artist who paints coded pictures and leaves them for the Dutch resistance fighters and her father Maxim who she believes to be a collaborator with the Germans.
It is a well written and compelling read about a piece of history which needs to have a voice so that it will never be forgotten and hopefully never repeated.
It will appeal to readers of historical fiction especially world war two.

[Jasmine Gold · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is horribly anti-semitic and I urge you not to read it. I believe the author was merely ignorant, not malicious. At first I thought, knowing that this book was based on fact, that this was the experience of the family members the author is writing about -- that all Jews they came across were stupid and greedy and would rather risk the death of themselves and their saviors than give up their silver tea sets. But none of those stories were based in fact -- if anything they were copied from other Holocaust books.

I put this book in the trash after reading it.

[Helga Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my usual type of book and took a little while for me to get into it, I think because of the difficult storyline/subject.
But I soon realised what a beautiful ,well written book it was, that had me gripped to the very last page. Perhaps it is the very enigma of human existence, that the most uplifting messages emerge from challenging times? I found this to be a very moving and enlightening story. I loved reading it and would recommend it even if it’s not your usual type.

[Rachel Cronin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling read. I read a lot of WWII historical fiction but this was my first time reading a story set in The Netherlands. The book is very fast-paced due to the shorter sentences, so it was a tense read throughout. Especially knowing that it is partly based on the experiences from the authors own family. Those involved in the Resistance during the war were so brave. This book really makes you reflect on how easy life is today compared to the unimaginable hardships they faced back then.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story follows Rita and her father Maxim as they work for the Resistance inThe Hague during World War 2, Rita thinks her father is a collaborator and Maxim thinks his daughter is an art student. Her art is the way Riki fights, she watches the railway station and codes what she sees into her paintings.
This is a very well written book and well worth reading.

[Janeal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author. I love that it was her family she was writing about. It is well written and an overall good story. I only wish some of the gaps in part 2 didn't feel like something was missing. The ending felt very abrupt. I would recommend it to others, and would read another book by this author.

[Emily Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book! It is so easy to feel apart of the story. I think Elizabeth did a fantastic job telling of such a historical experience in a catching and engaging way. What would you do and how would you feel living through such a trying and heartbreaking time? This book makes you think as you experience the times with the characters and all they go through.

[Ali W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part fictional, but is also based around events that happened to the authors family during WWII. This was both an emotional and thought provoking read. There were so many brave people who put their own and their families lives at risk to help others. Rika and her family were just one of those.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was not an easy read and yet I didn't want to put it down. A fictionalized version of true events it is a stark reminder of what people went through in Amsterdam during occupation. These stories need to be told so we never forget the bravery of ordinary people as well as the horrific events of WW2.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through the story of Rika and her family and friends, Sixty Blades of Grass gives a harrowing glimpse into life under Nazi occupation in the Netherlands during WWII and the courageous acts of the Dutch Resistance to protect their country. The book is beautifully written, and will stay with you long after turning the last page.

[billie hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank Bloodhound books for the advanced copy of this book. The writing is amazing I could picture every scene in mind and feel at times what the character feels. I could not imagaine going thur these events including watching people I love and care for been took away or killed because they where different.