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Defying the Reich
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January 3, 2026
A prequel to the wonderful Fernsby War Series, “Defying the Reich” begins during a Nuremberg rally celebrating Hitter’s birthday in 1935. Amidst the waving flags and wild cheers of the crowds, 14-year old Mina Postner, an enthusiastic member of the BDM (i.e., the Female Hitler Youth), suddenly finds herself questioning the dark and hateful speeches given by various top Nazi leaders, as well as that of the fuhrer himself, Adolf Hitler. Despite wearing a swastika on her BDM uniform and raising her arm in the Nazi salute, Mina is appalled at the ever-increasing anger, cruelty, and restrictions being imposed on the Jews.
If there is a theme to this book, it would likely be that of the courage and hope demonstrated by a small group of people during an increasingly brutal and terrifying period in history. In this regard, following their own moral compass, Mina and her family attempted to stay below the ever-present SS and gestapo, while secretly helping Jews escape to Holland or France. All in all, aside from showing the evils of Hitler’s Germany through the eyes of a young girl, this prequel captures the strength, fortitude, and determination that Mina will later demonstrate as an underground anti-Nazi broadcaster during WWII. Although the book is nearly 600 pages, the crisp and clear writing style of the author, as well as an incredible storyline, make this a somewhat fast read. Along with being an unquestionable 5-stars, it is definitely a novel of historical fiction that would grab the attention of anyone interested in WWII.
If there is a theme to this book, it would likely be that of the courage and hope demonstrated by a small group of people during an increasingly brutal and terrifying period in history. In this regard, following their own moral compass, Mina and her family attempted to stay below the ever-present SS and gestapo, while secretly helping Jews escape to Holland or France. All in all, aside from showing the evils of Hitler’s Germany through the eyes of a young girl, this prequel captures the strength, fortitude, and determination that Mina will later demonstrate as an underground anti-Nazi broadcaster during WWII. Although the book is nearly 600 pages, the crisp and clear writing style of the author, as well as an incredible storyline, make this a somewhat fast read. Along with being an unquestionable 5-stars, it is definitely a novel of historical fiction that would grab the attention of anyone interested in WWII.
Displaying 1 of 1 review