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The Soldier's Girl
France 1944. An English Nurse. A German Soldier. A tragic love affair …
English girl Sibyl Lake arrives in Colmar, a small French town, surrounded by vineyards and swarming with German soldiers. Trained as a nurse, Sibyl has been recruited as a British Agent to support the French Resistance.
When Sibyl’s work leads her to her childhood sweetheart Jacques, she is overjoyed. But their happy reunion is shortlived as it is not just Jacques’ eye that Sibyl has caught …
Commander Wolfgang von Haagan is very taken with the attractive English stranger, and Sibyl realises that she can help her own country by listening to the secrets of this soldier’s heart. As she grows closer to Wolfgang she gets to know the man behind the uniform and despite her best intentions, soon she is caught in a terrible love triangle.
And when Jacques finds that Sibyl is involved with the enemy, he is determined to prove himself to her with one last act of heroism. An act that will put all of their lives into terrible danger ….
A gripping and heartbreaking story of love behind enemy lines and the overwhelming tragedy of war.
English girl Sibyl Lake arrives in Colmar, a small French town, surrounded by vineyards and swarming with German soldiers. Trained as a nurse, Sibyl has been recruited as a British Agent to support the French Resistance.
When Sibyl’s work leads her to her childhood sweetheart Jacques, she is overjoyed. But their happy reunion is shortlived as it is not just Jacques’ eye that Sibyl has caught …
Commander Wolfgang von Haagan is very taken with the attractive English stranger, and Sibyl realises that she can help her own country by listening to the secrets of this soldier’s heart. As she grows closer to Wolfgang she gets to know the man behind the uniform and despite her best intentions, soon she is caught in a terrible love triangle.
And when Jacques finds that Sibyl is involved with the enemy, he is determined to prove himself to her with one last act of heroism. An act that will put all of their lives into terrible danger ….
A gripping and heartbreaking story of love behind enemy lines and the overwhelming tragedy of war.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2018
1216 people are currently reading
2291 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Maas
21 books335 followersSharon Maas was born in Georgetown, Guyana in 1951, and a sense of adventure has followed her around the world. In 1971 she spent a year backpacking around South America, followed by a few months with pioneering friends in the Guyana rainforest, followed by an overland trip to India, followed by a year in a Hindu Ashram.
She settled in Germany where she married, studied, worked, and raised children.
Officially retired, she continues to write from her new home in Ireland.
Her first novel was published by HarperCollins in 1999, followed by two more in 2001 and 2002. At present, she has 10 published works with the digital publisher Bookouture.
She has one self-published work, a retelling of the magnificent Indian epic Mahabharata: a project of love that took her over 30 years to "get right", written under the pen name S. Aruna.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
August 10, 2021
The plot was okay, I guess. The dialogues especially the German soldier was absolutely awkward and cringy and not in the cute way. More like in a creepy way.
Anyways, at the first quarter of the novel, I somehow like the female protagonist but as I read, I began to, I don't know, find her a bit dull?
Anyways, at the first quarter of the novel, I somehow like the female protagonist but as I read, I began to, I don't know, find her a bit dull?
May 21, 2025
Dear Author,
I stayed up until 2:30 only to have my heart shattered. Thanks ... I didn't need that at all. ;)
I stayed up until 2:30 only to have my heart shattered. Thanks ... I didn't need that at all. ;)
October 2, 2018
We first meet Sibyl as a child when they go to France after the loss of a family member. It was good to see her as a care free child and how she excels in three different languages. Having always wanted to be able to speak a different language, I was quite envious of Sibyl in how fluently she spoke them.
When Sibyl is recruited to basically be a spy, well my heart jumped. As fabulous as it sounds to be a secret agent, it is very dangerous and especially at the time of the world war when so many horrible things were going on. My heart was literally in my mouth many a time when it looked like Sibyl's identity might be discovered.
We've all heard the saying, sleeping with the enemy. Luckily in those days, a woman's virtue was a must unless you were married of course. She does have to get close to the enemy though of which I didn't envy her. Obviously getting close to some one, you can see Sibyl's hardened exterior melting ever so slightly when the persistent Wolfgang seeks her attention.
The whole sense of the time and place really comes into affect with this story. The author transported me into a dark and scary world where at times there is little hope. It definitely makes for some sombre reading but is a must read into what so many people at that time did, risking their lives for the hope of freedom and a better world.
The Soldier's Girl is a gripping and heart wrenching read that I couldn't tear myself away from. In parts it makes for some emotional reading as it really hit home with me just what life was like for people experiencing the world war first hand. A moving and at times touching read that will stay with me for some time.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
When Sibyl is recruited to basically be a spy, well my heart jumped. As fabulous as it sounds to be a secret agent, it is very dangerous and especially at the time of the world war when so many horrible things were going on. My heart was literally in my mouth many a time when it looked like Sibyl's identity might be discovered.
We've all heard the saying, sleeping with the enemy. Luckily in those days, a woman's virtue was a must unless you were married of course. She does have to get close to the enemy though of which I didn't envy her. Obviously getting close to some one, you can see Sibyl's hardened exterior melting ever so slightly when the persistent Wolfgang seeks her attention.
The whole sense of the time and place really comes into affect with this story. The author transported me into a dark and scary world where at times there is little hope. It definitely makes for some sombre reading but is a must read into what so many people at that time did, risking their lives for the hope of freedom and a better world.
The Soldier's Girl is a gripping and heart wrenching read that I couldn't tear myself away from. In parts it makes for some emotional reading as it really hit home with me just what life was like for people experiencing the world war first hand. A moving and at times touching read that will stay with me for some time.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
November 4, 2018
I absolutely love this cover, it’s gorgeous… This story is beautifully written and heart-breaking.
There is a bit of the story I want to share with you as it’s true and can still be applied today, not often I do this but it just stood out for me…
“It was identification with labels that caused all the strife in the world. That divided people. All the messes, all the chaos, both internally and externally, came from people identifying with the label instead of their basic humanness.”
With rememberance day approaching this is the perfect book to read. Taking the reader back to the war. I felt sorry for Sibyl as she wasn’t put into an easy position, she had a job to do but I believe and still do that she wasn’t fully capable of doing it, her feelings were getting in the way.
A truelly gripping story which had me backing Sibyl all the way through and for the war to just be over. A well deserved four stars. Highly recommend.
There is a bit of the story I want to share with you as it’s true and can still be applied today, not often I do this but it just stood out for me…
“It was identification with labels that caused all the strife in the world. That divided people. All the messes, all the chaos, both internally and externally, came from people identifying with the label instead of their basic humanness.”
With rememberance day approaching this is the perfect book to read. Taking the reader back to the war. I felt sorry for Sibyl as she wasn’t put into an easy position, she had a job to do but I believe and still do that she wasn’t fully capable of doing it, her feelings were getting in the way.
A truelly gripping story which had me backing Sibyl all the way through and for the war to just be over. A well deserved four stars. Highly recommend.
November 2, 2018
Wow! Sharon Maas is one of my favourite authors and with this book, she has excelled herself, raising the bar. In my opinion, this is Sharon's best book so far - no mean feat as every single one of her books is an absolute masterpiece. From the thrilling and intriguing prologue right up until the end, this is a beautifully written, vivid story bringing the war and its attendant dangers, the brave women like Sybil who put their life on line every single minute in one of the most fraught ways, to life for us. I loved the fact that we were introduced to Kathleen, sister to Winnie and Yoyo from the Quint Chronicles. I loved the evocative descriptions bringing Alsace to life. But best of all, this novel's greatest achievement is its fresh take on the war. The sense of place and time is exquisite and absolutely brilliant! I have read a lot of war books and this one stands out by far - it is original and compelling. I have learned so much- I did not know about Alsace and its history. Love the descriptions of the wine, love it all. Love Sybil and absolutely admire her. This is without doubt an important, beautiful and powerful book, and deserves to be read by everyone!
October 23, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review . Expected publication is November 2018
An English Nurse. A German Soldier. A tragic love affair. This is the tagline for this particular book, and it is false advertising at its finest. Or rather the person that created the cover, didn't read the book. Because what is really about is an English girl named Sibyl, who was trained as a nurse, but is sent to the Alsace region under Vera Atkins network because she can speak French and German to be a spy for the British. Sibyl is also familiar with this region because for six years, she lived there with her mother and sister after her father's tragic death. Yes, she does meet a German officer, but there's no great or tragic love affair. In fact, it is all part of the spy game. Instead, Sibyl( now known as Jeanne, eventually known as Marlene) has a relationship with a childhood friend who is now a Resistance fighter. They have zero chemistry, but I guess she needed to have some type of relationship.
I've read more than my fair share of WWII fiction and this certainly wasn't one of my favorites. Originally, I had plugged in a 3 star but after a good night sleep it plunged to a 2. There was a hurried rush to give us a lot of Sibyl's back story, plunge her into France, where she becomes the worst spy of all time. Yet, I felt nothing towards her as she stumbles around and makes one mistake after another. No time to connect to characters at all. Why when something happens towards the end of the book, I laughed. A very inappropriate response but, that's how silly it became.
An English Nurse. A German Soldier. A tragic love affair. This is the tagline for this particular book, and it is false advertising at its finest. Or rather the person that created the cover, didn't read the book. Because what is really about is an English girl named Sibyl, who was trained as a nurse, but is sent to the Alsace region under Vera Atkins network because she can speak French and German to be a spy for the British. Sibyl is also familiar with this region because for six years, she lived there with her mother and sister after her father's tragic death. Yes, she does meet a German officer, but there's no great or tragic love affair. In fact, it is all part of the spy game. Instead, Sibyl( now known as Jeanne, eventually known as Marlene) has a relationship with a childhood friend who is now a Resistance fighter. They have zero chemistry, but I guess she needed to have some type of relationship.
I've read more than my fair share of WWII fiction and this certainly wasn't one of my favorites. Originally, I had plugged in a 3 star but after a good night sleep it plunged to a 2. There was a hurried rush to give us a lot of Sibyl's back story, plunge her into France, where she becomes the worst spy of all time. Yet, I felt nothing towards her as she stumbles around and makes one mistake after another. No time to connect to characters at all. Why when something happens towards the end of the book, I laughed. A very inappropriate response but, that's how silly it became.
October 27, 2020
It started off well with the introduction of the characters, and I enjoyed when they delved into our protagonist's mom. However, after the time jump, we are transported to the protagonist's life and I felt like everything before that was forgotten. I wanted to really like this book, since the premise sounds like down my alley. Too bad, I didn't like any of the characters, especially our lead! I thought she was selfish, dimwitted, and fickle! The other characters also felt very flat, and not so smart. The only thing I enjoyed about this book was the historical backgrounds. I seriously did not understand what the protagonist wanted, and she was extremely annoying. Some of the writing and character dialogues felt clunky, cheesy and unbelievable. None of the characters seemed to have any chemistry with each other. Their relationships felt rather forced. A lot of scenes and character speeches felt too patriotic (not in a good way) and repetitive. I would not recommend this book. Its blurb was marketed differently which probably threw several people off as well. Let's just say the ending felt very rushed and nothing truly tied up. Disappointing journey.
1.5/5
1.5/5
July 11, 2019
What the hell! I was really getting into the book towards the end and then he kills himself. It ruined it for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2018
The Soldier’s Girl is a wartime historical fiction. I bought this book after reading a glowing review of it on another book blog. I enjoy this genre, especially the intense fear and danger that resistance members and agents put themselves under.
The story beings in the pre-war years from 1929. Recently widowed, Sibyl’s mother takes her two young daughters to Alsace, France, where they can heal from the horrors of a father who left them with little financial support. They stay with her mother’s school friend at a vineyard for five years until the threat of war draws near.
By 1938, Sibyl is training as a nurse in England. Fluent in French, German and Alsatian, a local French dialect, she is identified as someone who could be trained as a secret agent. The story then takes us to 1943, when Sibyl is given a new identity as well as her own spy circuit. She’s dropped into the isolated Alsace area to meet with, and help coordinate, the local resistance fighters. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-bYC
The story beings in the pre-war years from 1929. Recently widowed, Sibyl’s mother takes her two young daughters to Alsace, France, where they can heal from the horrors of a father who left them with little financial support. They stay with her mother’s school friend at a vineyard for five years until the threat of war draws near.
By 1938, Sibyl is training as a nurse in England. Fluent in French, German and Alsatian, a local French dialect, she is identified as someone who could be trained as a secret agent. The story then takes us to 1943, when Sibyl is given a new identity as well as her own spy circuit. She’s dropped into the isolated Alsace area to meet with, and help coordinate, the local resistance fighters. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-bYC
November 2, 2018
Advertised as a tragic love affair this novel turns out as something rather different. You expect her to fall in love with a German while her childhood friend is in the resistance and she is send back to the Alsace as a spy. And then I wondered when that was happening.
What you can distil from this novel is the love of the writer for the area where she herself also spend many happy years. The part of the novel situated before the outbreak of war, where a child Sybil lives on a wine château, is the best part of the novel.
It was also interesting to read what effect the annexation had on the region, I knew it was swabbed between Germany and France several times but never would have imagined not only the renaming of streets but even of people. A name is so much part of your individuality!
I did know that there had been heavy fighting in the Ardennes but did not know about the Vosges and Alsace region.
But that love affair? No chemistry between her and the resistance fighter. He is described as dirty and stinking, That is all.
And the German officer? At first he is just annoying , unattractive and his mates are ridiculous. Then suddenly he shows a different side. Suddenly Sybil is in love. Right? But will you do what she does to him when you are in love? I do not think so. What happens had my stomach revolting. In her case I think I would have gone mad with guilt and horror. That guilt is mentioned but it is all done so clinical so distant so short. Apart from the fact that I felt very sorry for the man in the end the book seemed a love affair for a region but as a lovestory it failed,
The story left me completely cold apart from the heartbreaking scene towards the end which hunted me even in my dreams.
What you can distil from this novel is the love of the writer for the area where she herself also spend many happy years. The part of the novel situated before the outbreak of war, where a child Sybil lives on a wine château, is the best part of the novel.
It was also interesting to read what effect the annexation had on the region, I knew it was swabbed between Germany and France several times but never would have imagined not only the renaming of streets but even of people. A name is so much part of your individuality!
I did know that there had been heavy fighting in the Ardennes but did not know about the Vosges and Alsace region.
But that love affair? No chemistry between her and the resistance fighter. He is described as dirty and stinking, That is all.
And the German officer? At first he is just annoying , unattractive and his mates are ridiculous. Then suddenly he shows a different side. Suddenly Sybil is in love. Right? But will you do what she does to him when you are in love? I do not think so. What happens had my stomach revolting. In her case I think I would have gone mad with guilt and horror. That guilt is mentioned but it is all done so clinical so distant so short. Apart from the fact that I felt very sorry for the man in the end the book seemed a love affair for a region but as a lovestory it failed,
The story left me completely cold apart from the heartbreaking scene towards the end which hunted me even in my dreams.
February 7, 2020
On the front cover of The Soldier's Girl it is described as "a gripping, heartbreaking World War 2 historical novel". Alas, it was neither gripping nor heartbreaking although the World War 2 historical novel part was correct. It reminded me of Fiona McIntosh's The Lavender Keeper, just not as good. The plot was superficial and the pacing was wrong. I found the first part dull but other parts were rushed.
I also didn't connect with any of the characters. Sybil made some stupid mistakes as a spy, Jacques wasn't in the novel enough to form a bond with him and the German major, Wolfgang von Haagan, was obnoxious. In fact I found him quite cringe-worthy and an insult to his rank. The so called love triangle was a joke as there was no chemistry at all between Sybil and the two men in her life. The book finished far too abruptly and left me feeling cheated. Very disappointing!!!
I also didn't connect with any of the characters. Sybil made some stupid mistakes as a spy, Jacques wasn't in the novel enough to form a bond with him and the German major, Wolfgang von Haagan, was obnoxious. In fact I found him quite cringe-worthy and an insult to his rank. The so called love triangle was a joke as there was no chemistry at all between Sybil and the two men in her life. The book finished far too abruptly and left me feeling cheated. Very disappointing!!!
March 29, 2024
Dnf.
I just can't. I really like Sharon Maas's novels even though they are sappy and romantic, but "The Soldier's Girl" is just too much to take. It is a WWII espionage novel and if it got any drippier you would need a spoon to scoop it up with.
I am listening to the audio version, narrated by Henrietta Meire.
She has an annoying voice that sounds like she is always smiling. She goes from a superfluous smile, to a sad, rueful smile, to a nostalgic, loving smile. You know the kind I mean. Now add a veddy, veddy cultured British accent alternating with a French accent and you will know my torture. I am an Anglophile, and it is a rare British accent that annoys me. This woman has it.
Sharon Maas usually write about British Guiana and India, and she does so very well. This one is a big fail.
I just can't. I really like Sharon Maas's novels even though they are sappy and romantic, but "The Soldier's Girl" is just too much to take. It is a WWII espionage novel and if it got any drippier you would need a spoon to scoop it up with.
I am listening to the audio version, narrated by Henrietta Meire.
She has an annoying voice that sounds like she is always smiling. She goes from a superfluous smile, to a sad, rueful smile, to a nostalgic, loving smile. You know the kind I mean. Now add a veddy, veddy cultured British accent alternating with a French accent and you will know my torture. I am an Anglophile, and it is a rare British accent that annoys me. This woman has it.
Sharon Maas usually write about British Guiana and India, and she does so very well. This one is a big fail.
January 6, 2020
I don’t think there’s any need to worry about setting a spoiler alert as that would imply there was a plot.
I was so disappointed with this book. Being a visitor to Alsace for many years I picked up this book as I had a good knowledge and love of the area and a keen interest in the genre.
For such a beautiful part of France, I thought the scene setting was poor. I got nothing of the beauty and splendour of the Region, save for references to vineyards, but such a huge opportunity missed. I don’t think it would make any reader not knowing the Region want to go and visit.
The plot, well basically was poor. There are more jumps than the grand national. There was no suspense. I’m not sure I felt any sympathy for any character, as you didn’t get into their psyche.
The main character came from nowhere, I was led down a path of thinking it was about Kathleen, but Kathleen exited rather abruptly and her daughter comes in and you realise it’s about her now.
Sibyl is rushed onto the stage as a secret agent, recruited rather hurriedly, trained in a matter of weeks, and within the first hour of her new life as a secret agent allows her childhood friend to call her by her real name not her agent name, and that really is how she carries on her secret agent life. ‘I can’t tell you, it’s a secret, oh look wine, now I will tell you’
It’s poor and drab, comes to a undramatic end and I was bored.
I was so disappointed with this book. Being a visitor to Alsace for many years I picked up this book as I had a good knowledge and love of the area and a keen interest in the genre.
For such a beautiful part of France, I thought the scene setting was poor. I got nothing of the beauty and splendour of the Region, save for references to vineyards, but such a huge opportunity missed. I don’t think it would make any reader not knowing the Region want to go and visit.
The plot, well basically was poor. There are more jumps than the grand national. There was no suspense. I’m not sure I felt any sympathy for any character, as you didn’t get into their psyche.
The main character came from nowhere, I was led down a path of thinking it was about Kathleen, but Kathleen exited rather abruptly and her daughter comes in and you realise it’s about her now.
Sibyl is rushed onto the stage as a secret agent, recruited rather hurriedly, trained in a matter of weeks, and within the first hour of her new life as a secret agent allows her childhood friend to call her by her real name not her agent name, and that really is how she carries on her secret agent life. ‘I can’t tell you, it’s a secret, oh look wine, now I will tell you’
It’s poor and drab, comes to a undramatic end and I was bored.
October 11, 2018
**I recvd this book in exchange for my honest review from netgalley**
I feel like I've read this book before. I just spent a little bit of time reading my read list on goodreads looking for the book I'm thinking of. A WWII romance thing that had to do with a german soldier. It's driving me nuts, that book ended slightly different though. The ending to this one felt abrupt. It kinda just cut off there. Some of this book was tedious to read, boring, not as much action as I thought. Some of it felt rushed, the romance on all fronts was just off. I felt like an insane amount of time was spent on things that should have been spent elsewhere, like more time on the training, and bombing and less on the "she went to the house and settled down to wait for him" type stuff. Aside from that I liked the book, I read it, I wish that it was just slightly more though.
I feel like I've read this book before. I just spent a little bit of time reading my read list on goodreads looking for the book I'm thinking of. A WWII romance thing that had to do with a german soldier. It's driving me nuts, that book ended slightly different though. The ending to this one felt abrupt. It kinda just cut off there. Some of this book was tedious to read, boring, not as much action as I thought. Some of it felt rushed, the romance on all fronts was just off. I felt like an insane amount of time was spent on things that should have been spent elsewhere, like more time on the training, and bombing and less on the "she went to the house and settled down to wait for him" type stuff. Aside from that I liked the book, I read it, I wish that it was just slightly more though.
October 9, 2018
I love finding WWII novels about areas that I didn't know much about during the war and this was one of those. I did not know much about the Alsace in France and did not realize that the area was once German and was fought for so hard by the Germans during the war. Sibyl was an excellent heroine and the story itself was very interesting, however the writing often lacked some necessary editing. My ARC was provided by the publisher Bookouture via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2018
I loved this book a wonderful and heartbreaking which drew me in it has strong charactors and a beautiful story and if you want to read a great book then read this.well worth 5*
Read
July 12, 2019Did not finish the book. Wasn’t my style of writing.
November 3, 2018
The Soldier's Girl by Sharon Maas sees the author stepping away from her books set in India and Guiana and venturing down into new territory by basing a book around World War Two. Specifically the Alsace region, an area I knew very little about prior to reading this story. In the end notes Sharon has said her publishers suggested she try a book set during the war years and I am ever so glad they did because The Soldier's Girl was an interesting, riveting read that showed the author can turn her hand to any time period. In fact I would love for her in the future to write even more books set during this time so caught up was I in the story of Sibyl as she works undercover for the British Special Operations Unit in France.
The story begins with a brief but tense and intriguing prologue as Sibyl sheds her old skin and is launched into enemy occupied territory in France. 'She slid out of the crust called me, that Sibyl - me, out of that persona with a name and a past, parted from it as if it were an old skin useless defunct, a cast of peel'. So begins a journey fraught with danger, anxiety and bravery for Sibyl is determined her beloved Alsace and it's people will be liberated and returned to French hands and she wants to play her part in achieving this. To understand the motivation that drives Sibyl endlessly on through the most nerve racking, disturbing and stressful of times, we are taken back to her childhood.
In 1929 following the unexpected death of her father, her mother Kathleen takes her two young daughters Sibyl and Elena to France to recover and come to terms with their loss. To allow themselves time to heal and plan the next step. They stay at Chateau Gauthier near Colmar which belongs to Kathleen's old school friend Margaux. Five harvests were spent in Alsace, it became a time where Sibyl felt alive again, she fell in love with the country and the people and perhaps she would have loved her deepening friendship with Jacques son of the winemaker Max to develop into something more if she had been permitted to stay. 'It's being apart that lends true depth to love. For if you cannot be together in body you are forced to dig deep inside to be together in the soul'. But with the rumblings of a new chancellor in Germany and fear that if something did happen that Alsace would once again fall into German hands, Kathleen remarries and brings her children back to London. Sibyl is devastated but life must go on.
We jump forward again to the mid 1940's where the war has been ongoing for several years and Sibyl is now working as a nurse in a London hospital. She is dedicated to her job and despite witnessing such suffering she knows she wants to do more. She applies to Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service but a Mr. Smith intervenes and here is where her life is changed for ever. Now is the time for Sibyl to step up to the mark and fight for Alsace, for the area that has always resolutely held such a strong place in her heart. She is passionate that she wants to help liberate France and the powers that be place their ultimate trust in her when she is secretly employed to work in special intelligence aiding the small group of resistance fighters who are at work in Alsace. Sibyl chosen thanks to her abilities to speak German, French and Alsatian. Alsace had been completely annexed by Germany. To all intents and purposes its French routes had disappeared even the residents were now German with name changes. I had never read anything about this previously and it truly was fascinating to discover another strand to the war. How did people cope having their identity taken away from them and living under constant fear of retribution from German soldiers for misdemeanours which may have been normal one day and the next unbeknownst to them forbidden?
Sharon Maas clearly undertook extensive research into the German control of Alsace during the war years and it was like I was attending a brilliant history class with an unusual love story thrown in and I was enthralled by it all. My only two minor complaints regrading the story as a whole was that the training of Sibyl was rushed through and I would have loved to have read more detail of this. The further I read I understand why this did happen as the author wanted to get Sibyl to France and move the story further forward but even one or two more chapters surrounding the training would have been good. My second issue would be for the first quarter of the book there were times where I felt things had already been said as if I was literally reading the same words twice over as if they had just been re-jigged around in a sentence. I had to stop and check had I gone back instead of forward on my Kindle. I felt this section of the book needed a little more editing as there was a significant amount of repetition and a point could have been made in a sentence or two instead of an entire paragraph or more therefore leading to some clunky writing that didn't flow as naturally as it should have. But this didn't detract from my enjoyment of the Sibyl's story and I was eager to see was the balancing act she found herself in worth it or would she trip up and fall too many times and her fate would be sealed?
Sibyl was a self sacrificing kind of girl, she always had the freedom of France at the forefront of her mind and was determined that she would aid in the sabotage and subterfuge of the German's plans. Parachuting into France one of the first people she meets is Jacques, now a grown man and a deserter of the German army. Now older and wiser they confess their deep connection and love but can this last given the circumstances and events unfolding and what's more it is tested even further when Sybil has to make the ultimate sacrifice for her country? There's was a 'unity so deep, a beauty so pure, their souls so utterly fused that the word love was never once mentioned, it was superfluous'. They band together with the resistance group and what follows is a story of living in terror and fear of plans being discovered. Sibyl is hard-working, compassionate and supposedly unshakeable under pressure. I say this because at times I really felt she would give the game away. The minute she arrives in Colmar under her new guise as Jeanne to work with her Uncle Yves in his cobbler shop she makes such a rookie error. There was more than one occasion where she made silly errors and surely a trained spy wouldn't do this? But one has to remember she literally had very quick training and then was launched into a job where she was in command with no other help where usually there was backup. In my mind this demonstrated the pressure people were under to live a life of lies and deception. Words and actions had to be watched at all times as the German soldiers and in turn the Gestapo were not to be under estimated.
The Soldier's Girl of the title comes into play when on arrival to her destination where she will work undercover she meets the Commandant of the Colmar region - Major Wolfgang von Haagen. Wolfgang was a fantastically written character and I could picture him so clearly in my mind always arriving unannounced to the cobbler's shop to woo Sibyl. The author portrayed a different side to a German soldier. one who was disillusioned by 1944 with the way the outcome of the war was going but yet at the same time he remained loyal to the Reich to the bitter end. He was a character who swayed back and forth strong and resolute but then at the drop of a hat he could fall to pieces. I desperately wanted Sibyl to keep away from him but she was in too deep and maybe this would be an advantage to the British powers that be.
At times scenes between Wolfgang and Sibyl were uncomfortable to read simply because I was on the edge of my seat in fear that he would discover the true Sibyl who was Jeanette who later became Marlene. Life was a façade but a very very dangerous one and I was waiting for one slip of the tongue or someone witnessing Sibyl plotting and planning. Sibyl had an inner strength and conviction that was to be admired and though it went against everything ingrained in her she perused something more regarding Wolfgang and given he was so domineering and wanted his plans to go his way she really did have no other choice. She was to be admired for placing herself in such a challenging position that could lead to the worst outcome. I'm still wondering though despite the ending – which was rather abrupt, I would have loved a little more fleshing out - did true love play a part in things or was it all forced?
As we hurtled towards the conclusion The Soldier's Girl took on so many twists and turns and the pace and tension increased page by page. Sibyl comes to realise 'she was just a cog in a greater wheel, a wheel in which feelings played no role whatsoever'. It's when she comes to this understanding that she knows she can play the roles, assume the identities because she is putting the future of the country before her own needs and desires. The Soldier's Girl is a book where by the end I wanted to go and do my own research into life in Alsace at the time of the German annexation.
Sharon Maas has shone a light to great effect on an aspect of the war that has not been written much about in historical fiction. Yes, a love story forms part of the book but it is so much more than that and it proved to a fascinating read. I was caught up in all the drama and kept guessing until the very end as to the outcome. I feared for Sibyl's safety throughout and wondered would she ever find happiness and if so who with? I would definitely recommend this book and I do hope Sharon Maas will provide us with more books of this nature, she has an eye for a good story set in this time period and the potential is enormous given how much of a good start she made with Sibyl's story.
The story begins with a brief but tense and intriguing prologue as Sibyl sheds her old skin and is launched into enemy occupied territory in France. 'She slid out of the crust called me, that Sibyl - me, out of that persona with a name and a past, parted from it as if it were an old skin useless defunct, a cast of peel'. So begins a journey fraught with danger, anxiety and bravery for Sibyl is determined her beloved Alsace and it's people will be liberated and returned to French hands and she wants to play her part in achieving this. To understand the motivation that drives Sibyl endlessly on through the most nerve racking, disturbing and stressful of times, we are taken back to her childhood.
In 1929 following the unexpected death of her father, her mother Kathleen takes her two young daughters Sibyl and Elena to France to recover and come to terms with their loss. To allow themselves time to heal and plan the next step. They stay at Chateau Gauthier near Colmar which belongs to Kathleen's old school friend Margaux. Five harvests were spent in Alsace, it became a time where Sibyl felt alive again, she fell in love with the country and the people and perhaps she would have loved her deepening friendship with Jacques son of the winemaker Max to develop into something more if she had been permitted to stay. 'It's being apart that lends true depth to love. For if you cannot be together in body you are forced to dig deep inside to be together in the soul'. But with the rumblings of a new chancellor in Germany and fear that if something did happen that Alsace would once again fall into German hands, Kathleen remarries and brings her children back to London. Sibyl is devastated but life must go on.
We jump forward again to the mid 1940's where the war has been ongoing for several years and Sibyl is now working as a nurse in a London hospital. She is dedicated to her job and despite witnessing such suffering she knows she wants to do more. She applies to Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service but a Mr. Smith intervenes and here is where her life is changed for ever. Now is the time for Sibyl to step up to the mark and fight for Alsace, for the area that has always resolutely held such a strong place in her heart. She is passionate that she wants to help liberate France and the powers that be place their ultimate trust in her when she is secretly employed to work in special intelligence aiding the small group of resistance fighters who are at work in Alsace. Sibyl chosen thanks to her abilities to speak German, French and Alsatian. Alsace had been completely annexed by Germany. To all intents and purposes its French routes had disappeared even the residents were now German with name changes. I had never read anything about this previously and it truly was fascinating to discover another strand to the war. How did people cope having their identity taken away from them and living under constant fear of retribution from German soldiers for misdemeanours which may have been normal one day and the next unbeknownst to them forbidden?
Sharon Maas clearly undertook extensive research into the German control of Alsace during the war years and it was like I was attending a brilliant history class with an unusual love story thrown in and I was enthralled by it all. My only two minor complaints regrading the story as a whole was that the training of Sibyl was rushed through and I would have loved to have read more detail of this. The further I read I understand why this did happen as the author wanted to get Sibyl to France and move the story further forward but even one or two more chapters surrounding the training would have been good. My second issue would be for the first quarter of the book there were times where I felt things had already been said as if I was literally reading the same words twice over as if they had just been re-jigged around in a sentence. I had to stop and check had I gone back instead of forward on my Kindle. I felt this section of the book needed a little more editing as there was a significant amount of repetition and a point could have been made in a sentence or two instead of an entire paragraph or more therefore leading to some clunky writing that didn't flow as naturally as it should have. But this didn't detract from my enjoyment of the Sibyl's story and I was eager to see was the balancing act she found herself in worth it or would she trip up and fall too many times and her fate would be sealed?
Sibyl was a self sacrificing kind of girl, she always had the freedom of France at the forefront of her mind and was determined that she would aid in the sabotage and subterfuge of the German's plans. Parachuting into France one of the first people she meets is Jacques, now a grown man and a deserter of the German army. Now older and wiser they confess their deep connection and love but can this last given the circumstances and events unfolding and what's more it is tested even further when Sybil has to make the ultimate sacrifice for her country? There's was a 'unity so deep, a beauty so pure, their souls so utterly fused that the word love was never once mentioned, it was superfluous'. They band together with the resistance group and what follows is a story of living in terror and fear of plans being discovered. Sibyl is hard-working, compassionate and supposedly unshakeable under pressure. I say this because at times I really felt she would give the game away. The minute she arrives in Colmar under her new guise as Jeanne to work with her Uncle Yves in his cobbler shop she makes such a rookie error. There was more than one occasion where she made silly errors and surely a trained spy wouldn't do this? But one has to remember she literally had very quick training and then was launched into a job where she was in command with no other help where usually there was backup. In my mind this demonstrated the pressure people were under to live a life of lies and deception. Words and actions had to be watched at all times as the German soldiers and in turn the Gestapo were not to be under estimated.
The Soldier's Girl of the title comes into play when on arrival to her destination where she will work undercover she meets the Commandant of the Colmar region - Major Wolfgang von Haagen. Wolfgang was a fantastically written character and I could picture him so clearly in my mind always arriving unannounced to the cobbler's shop to woo Sibyl. The author portrayed a different side to a German soldier. one who was disillusioned by 1944 with the way the outcome of the war was going but yet at the same time he remained loyal to the Reich to the bitter end. He was a character who swayed back and forth strong and resolute but then at the drop of a hat he could fall to pieces. I desperately wanted Sibyl to keep away from him but she was in too deep and maybe this would be an advantage to the British powers that be.
At times scenes between Wolfgang and Sibyl were uncomfortable to read simply because I was on the edge of my seat in fear that he would discover the true Sibyl who was Jeanette who later became Marlene. Life was a façade but a very very dangerous one and I was waiting for one slip of the tongue or someone witnessing Sibyl plotting and planning. Sibyl had an inner strength and conviction that was to be admired and though it went against everything ingrained in her she perused something more regarding Wolfgang and given he was so domineering and wanted his plans to go his way she really did have no other choice. She was to be admired for placing herself in such a challenging position that could lead to the worst outcome. I'm still wondering though despite the ending – which was rather abrupt, I would have loved a little more fleshing out - did true love play a part in things or was it all forced?
As we hurtled towards the conclusion The Soldier's Girl took on so many twists and turns and the pace and tension increased page by page. Sibyl comes to realise 'she was just a cog in a greater wheel, a wheel in which feelings played no role whatsoever'. It's when she comes to this understanding that she knows she can play the roles, assume the identities because she is putting the future of the country before her own needs and desires. The Soldier's Girl is a book where by the end I wanted to go and do my own research into life in Alsace at the time of the German annexation.
Sharon Maas has shone a light to great effect on an aspect of the war that has not been written much about in historical fiction. Yes, a love story forms part of the book but it is so much more than that and it proved to a fascinating read. I was caught up in all the drama and kept guessing until the very end as to the outcome. I feared for Sibyl's safety throughout and wondered would she ever find happiness and if so who with? I would definitely recommend this book and I do hope Sharon Maas will provide us with more books of this nature, she has an eye for a good story set in this time period and the potential is enormous given how much of a good start she made with Sibyl's story.
November 4, 2018
The Soldier's Girl is a tense story about a strong, intelligent woman who volunteers to help save her adopted country and will go to any length to see the job done.
Whilst reading this well written novel I learned more about the war in and history of Alsace, the plight of the people who's nationality was switched between French and German, the importance of the region as Hitler's last stand and the resistance and bravery of the people native to the region.
I was carried along by the story line and absorbed in Sybil's roles, at times my heart was in my mouth waiting for her to be discovered. Whilst the characterisation of some other key players was, for me,lacking in enough depth, the gradual revelation of Wolf's character was wonderfully done and I actually felt myself rooting for him as the story and his character unfolded.
I was utterly hooked in the last quarter of the book, not knowing how things would turn out for Sybil, Jacques and Wolf or what decision she would make about her life after the war. After the most heart-wrenching events near the end of the story and Sibyls thoughts about returning to nursing and with the Red Cross in Germany to help the survivors of the camps I was shocked and somewhat disappointed at the abrupt and somewhat ambiguous ending, perhaps because I was living the story and didn't want it to end.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book. My honest thoughts and opinion are expressed in this review.
Whilst reading this well written novel I learned more about the war in and history of Alsace, the plight of the people who's nationality was switched between French and German, the importance of the region as Hitler's last stand and the resistance and bravery of the people native to the region.
I was carried along by the story line and absorbed in Sybil's roles, at times my heart was in my mouth waiting for her to be discovered. Whilst the characterisation of some other key players was, for me,lacking in enough depth, the gradual revelation of Wolf's character was wonderfully done and I actually felt myself rooting for him as the story and his character unfolded.
I was utterly hooked in the last quarter of the book, not knowing how things would turn out for Sybil, Jacques and Wolf or what decision she would make about her life after the war. After the most heart-wrenching events near the end of the story and Sibyls thoughts about returning to nursing and with the Red Cross in Germany to help the survivors of the camps I was shocked and somewhat disappointed at the abrupt and somewhat ambiguous ending, perhaps because I was living the story and didn't want it to end.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book. My honest thoughts and opinion are expressed in this review.
November 4, 2018
The Soldier's Girl is a monumental journey filled with enticingly dangerous espionage, loss and heartbreak and I was gripped from page one. It is a well researched and detail orientated story that picks you up and places you directly in Alsace France amidst World War II in such a way that you can almost smell the fear and horrors of war.
Sibyl's story transgresses a range of emotions and at times can be bleak and extremely difficult to read as her role as a spy becomes increasingly harder as the war progresses making danger more imminent. She is tough with a resourceful attitude which is a major highlight of the book creating a character who is able to hold the attention of the story extremely well. Her relationship with Jacques is built upon childhood familiarity and comfort and takes shape in the ravages of war creating an unpredictable and uncertain future for the pair. In the fight for freedom, Sibyl's path is crossed by Commander Wolfgang von Haagan striking up a relationship that initially works to aid the war effort but develops over time into something of meaning. This relationship is troubled and complicated and a one you never fully know is real or a fraction of what the war created making it heartbreakingly moving to witness in an enigmatic way.
This story is penned with well informed and researched detail portraying the horrors of war which rang true throughout creating a vivid snapshot of life as an espionage agent. It is an impressive read that I could not recommend highly enough piquing my interest to seek out other work by this author.
Sibyl's story transgresses a range of emotions and at times can be bleak and extremely difficult to read as her role as a spy becomes increasingly harder as the war progresses making danger more imminent. She is tough with a resourceful attitude which is a major highlight of the book creating a character who is able to hold the attention of the story extremely well. Her relationship with Jacques is built upon childhood familiarity and comfort and takes shape in the ravages of war creating an unpredictable and uncertain future for the pair. In the fight for freedom, Sibyl's path is crossed by Commander Wolfgang von Haagan striking up a relationship that initially works to aid the war effort but develops over time into something of meaning. This relationship is troubled and complicated and a one you never fully know is real or a fraction of what the war created making it heartbreakingly moving to witness in an enigmatic way.
This story is penned with well informed and researched detail portraying the horrors of war which rang true throughout creating a vivid snapshot of life as an espionage agent. It is an impressive read that I could not recommend highly enough piquing my interest to seek out other work by this author.
October 12, 2018
I'm sorry to have to rate this book so low, but it did not hit high/good levels for me.
What I liked
The writing was good, this can be a bad thing though to because It makes you see how much potential was there
I liked that the plot had a lot to do with the Alsace experience with WWII
I liked some of the characters Such As Wolfgang, and Oncle Yves
What I did not like so much
Everything was so superficial, The Alsace region and experience for WWII was used but all that was wrote about was Wine. How much they love wine, I get its a big part of the region but the story could have been flushed out more in place of the wine.
The characters were to cliché. They were going in the right direction, but then never seemed to be realized above the boring clichés.
The ending just sucked big time.
Big story points were glossed over. For example, If they girl is going to be a spy, her training could have been a Fantastic plot device and we could have gotten to know her better. Instead we learned about ….Wine
The romance was just horribly laid out. Jacques and Sybil supposedly love each other yet it was all superficial and glossed over.
There was a lot of spelling issues. I did not expect that at all and it distracted from the story.
All in all I wished I could have loved it, but alas I'm sorry I did not.
What I liked
The writing was good, this can be a bad thing though to because It makes you see how much potential was there
I liked that the plot had a lot to do with the Alsace experience with WWII
I liked some of the characters Such As Wolfgang, and Oncle Yves
What I did not like so much
Everything was so superficial, The Alsace region and experience for WWII was used but all that was wrote about was Wine. How much they love wine, I get its a big part of the region but the story could have been flushed out more in place of the wine.
The characters were to cliché. They were going in the right direction, but then never seemed to be realized above the boring clichés.
The ending just sucked big time.
Big story points were glossed over. For example, If they girl is going to be a spy, her training could have been a Fantastic plot device and we could have gotten to know her better. Instead we learned about ….Wine
The romance was just horribly laid out. Jacques and Sybil supposedly love each other yet it was all superficial and glossed over.
There was a lot of spelling issues. I did not expect that at all and it distracted from the story.
All in all I wished I could have loved it, but alas I'm sorry I did not.
November 7, 2018
A story to read!!!
I have just finished reading this extraordinary story of a young English girl who spent much of her childhood on a vineyard in Alsace, then France. Some years later, as a young adult and after Nazi Germany has annexed Alsace, she returns as a spy.
This is not at all what I expected from a WWII spy novel. It it so much more as it describes the beautiful location and details the impact of war on the ground. I was unaware of the forced 'Germanization' of the citizenry or the politics and importance of this region of France. It boggles the mind the extent to which Hitler's maniacal plans to take over were executed with such thorough precision.
The character Sibyl takes on three personnas in her role as spy. The author does an extraordinary job as she takes us through the various roles and the mindset of a young woman under varying and extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances. The conflicting emotions from the outset of Sibyl's parachute drop into annexed Alsace, up and through the time she meets the German major, and onto the finale are palpable. I was stunned by the end.
This is book worth reading. Historical fiction readers, especially with interest in WWII, might like it as much as I did. This was a history lesson I'll not likely forget. It is a heartbreaker on many levels.
I have just finished reading this extraordinary story of a young English girl who spent much of her childhood on a vineyard in Alsace, then France. Some years later, as a young adult and after Nazi Germany has annexed Alsace, she returns as a spy.
This is not at all what I expected from a WWII spy novel. It it so much more as it describes the beautiful location and details the impact of war on the ground. I was unaware of the forced 'Germanization' of the citizenry or the politics and importance of this region of France. It boggles the mind the extent to which Hitler's maniacal plans to take over were executed with such thorough precision.
The character Sibyl takes on three personnas in her role as spy. The author does an extraordinary job as she takes us through the various roles and the mindset of a young woman under varying and extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances. The conflicting emotions from the outset of Sibyl's parachute drop into annexed Alsace, up and through the time she meets the German major, and onto the finale are palpable. I was stunned by the end.
This is book worth reading. Historical fiction readers, especially with interest in WWII, might like it as much as I did. This was a history lesson I'll not likely forget. It is a heartbreaker on many levels.
November 2, 2018
The Soldier’s Girl by Sharon Maas
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I don’t like to rate books low, but this book just didn’t grab me in anyway. I felt it was a very poor Nightingale wannabe. Sybil, later Jeanne, then Marlene was trained as a nurse but after a brief period of nursing she is recruited to be a British spy during WWII in the Alsace region of France, now occupied by Germans and made part of Germany. The novel dives downhill from the moment Sybil lands in France. There are unbelievable contrived coincidences, e.g. she is met at her landing in France by Jacques, her childhood sweetheart whom she had no contact with for many years. She is supposed to be in love with Jacques, but there is just no chemistry at all between them. Did she or didn’t she fall in love with the German soldier? Sometimes she defends her actions as her “ job” but other times she just likes his “ loving” self. Although she is under suspicion by the Gestapo for a failed plot, after she is questioned casually, there are no further consequences. We all know, that’s not how the Gestapo operated.
Overall, can’t give this novel more than two stars.
Thanks NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the advanced copy.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I don’t like to rate books low, but this book just didn’t grab me in anyway. I felt it was a very poor Nightingale wannabe. Sybil, later Jeanne, then Marlene was trained as a nurse but after a brief period of nursing she is recruited to be a British spy during WWII in the Alsace region of France, now occupied by Germans and made part of Germany. The novel dives downhill from the moment Sybil lands in France. There are unbelievable contrived coincidences, e.g. she is met at her landing in France by Jacques, her childhood sweetheart whom she had no contact with for many years. She is supposed to be in love with Jacques, but there is just no chemistry at all between them. Did she or didn’t she fall in love with the German soldier? Sometimes she defends her actions as her “ job” but other times she just likes his “ loving” self. Although she is under suspicion by the Gestapo for a failed plot, after she is questioned casually, there are no further consequences. We all know, that’s not how the Gestapo operated.
Overall, can’t give this novel more than two stars.
Thanks NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the advanced copy.
March 25, 2020
I read this book because I am writing a WWII historical fiction and like to know what is being published although mine is set mostly in Australia. I found it interesting especially as I have visited Alsace on a number of occasions and know people who live in that region. Have also been to Riquewir a beautiful old village and market place. I thought the history of Alsace being annex and made German during the war interesting as I wasn't aware of that although I know people with family histories where relatives were fighting for the Germans and that is looked down on even though they would have been conscripted. On page 150 the French uncle says to Sibi that the Germans are spreading fake news. Really I don't think that was in the lexicon in 1943. Missed in an edit obviously. Some of the plotting was a bit contrived but I could live with that. I expected the woman married to a German expose our heroine which I thought would have been a better plot. She just appears at the end with her husband dead and all is forgiven. Oh well.
February 3, 2019
I've been a fan of Sharon Maas' writing. I think I've enjoyed all of her books so far.
I have to say this book or rather the description of the book in the blurb was so off. The story is nothing like the blurb says. In actual fact, the storyline is far better and engrossing.
Sybil, a young English woman in the second world war, is working as a nurse when her abilities are noticed and is recruitment to become a secret agent. In her role as a secret agent, she ends up in Alsace, her home after her father committed suicide and one of the happiest places in her life. Only this time, her mission is to help free Alsace from the Germans.
An engrossing story, with a very disappointing ending. I almost felt that the author gave up on the story in the end and just wanted to end it. Would have been a great book had the ending been different.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the review copy of this book.
I have to say this book or rather the description of the book in the blurb was so off. The story is nothing like the blurb says. In actual fact, the storyline is far better and engrossing.
Sybil, a young English woman in the second world war, is working as a nurse when her abilities are noticed and is recruitment to become a secret agent. In her role as a secret agent, she ends up in Alsace, her home after her father committed suicide and one of the happiest places in her life. Only this time, her mission is to help free Alsace from the Germans.
An engrossing story, with a very disappointing ending. I almost felt that the author gave up on the story in the end and just wanted to end it. Would have been a great book had the ending been different.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the review copy of this book.
October 7, 2018
I had high hopes for this story, but I was severely let down. I realized it was an ARC, but it felt like the book had never been edited. It felt clunky and convoluted as well as rushed. The book starts with some background of Sibyl in France, but then it skips to the war and blows through all her training and experience without really introducing us to her and drops her into her spy mission like we're supposed to automatically understand and empathize with her. Her role with the rebellion was also rushed through and suddenly she's in Colmar at a cobbler shop being pursued by a Nazi officer... I was so bored that I skipped most of the book.
Netgalley provided this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Netgalley provided this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2019
THIS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS.
Teetering between 3 and 3.5 stars.
I read this book with the assumption it was going to be a romance. It really wasn’t a romance at all.
Sibyl didn’t actually have any real feelings for Wolfgang until the very end it seemed.
The one sidedness of the “romance” was frustrating at times, I know she was a spy (a kind of bad one at that) doing a job, and playing a “role” but come on! Wolfgang was such a gentleman with a kind heart! Not at bad guy at all!
It would have made for a much more interesting and intense story if Sibyl ACTUALLY fell in love with Wolfgang and she was caught in an ACTUAL love triangle with Wolfgang and Jacques.
But OMG the ending shocked me! My jaw hit the floor! I did not see it coming!
Teetering between 3 and 3.5 stars.
I read this book with the assumption it was going to be a romance. It really wasn’t a romance at all.
Sibyl didn’t actually have any real feelings for Wolfgang until the very end it seemed.
The one sidedness of the “romance” was frustrating at times, I know she was a spy (a kind of bad one at that) doing a job, and playing a “role” but come on! Wolfgang was such a gentleman with a kind heart! Not at bad guy at all!
It would have made for a much more interesting and intense story if Sibyl ACTUALLY fell in love with Wolfgang and she was caught in an ACTUAL love triangle with Wolfgang and Jacques.
But OMG the ending shocked me! My jaw hit the floor! I did not see it coming!
August 14, 2019
Too much...
A potentially great story spoiled by:
* repetitious explanation
* too much ‘navel gazing’
* stilted and jarring dialogue
* an abrupt and disappointing end.
I read to the end but found myself skimming over swathes of repeated information.
And don’t get me started on the portrayal of Wolfgang’s character and personality which swings back and forth like a pendulum. As for his end, what a complete nonsense. I’m not saying he wouldn’t have ended that way, but to go from lovey-dovey to totally over the edge in seconds was utterly unbelievable. Was the author under pressure to finish?
The sad thing is the story is an excellent one and the author’s Editor should have red-penned the extraneous text. Worth a read if you skim over the extraneous passages.
A potentially great story spoiled by:
* repetitious explanation
* too much ‘navel gazing’
* stilted and jarring dialogue
* an abrupt and disappointing end.
I read to the end but found myself skimming over swathes of repeated information.
And don’t get me started on the portrayal of Wolfgang’s character and personality which swings back and forth like a pendulum. As for his end, what a complete nonsense. I’m not saying he wouldn’t have ended that way, but to go from lovey-dovey to totally over the edge in seconds was utterly unbelievable. Was the author under pressure to finish?
The sad thing is the story is an excellent one and the author’s Editor should have red-penned the extraneous text. Worth a read if you skim over the extraneous passages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2019
Not my favorite WWII story. A British spy sent to France as she could speak German, French and Alsace with the added benefit of her having lived in the region for six years as a child after her father's death. She is to run a resistance network in the area on her own with no other trained SOE to work with in the area and is told to train and supply the local resistance fighters so they have can cause more effective sabotage resistance against the Germans in the area. A German soldier befriends her and she has to tow the line in their relationship so she can funnel information to the resistance fighters in the area. Could have been a much more engrossing story but found it rather flat. A few good twists and turns and a horrible and rushed ending. Not my favorite WWII read this year.
February 18, 2020
The cover and description of the book made me hesitate to read this book, it looks to be a romance novel and I generally don't like those. I decided to read because I am interested in learning more about SOEs, even if it is a fictional account. The book was better than I expected most of the way thru but the ending didn't satisfy. The first 90% of the book was interesting because it shows how she didn't want to be a spy, she (like many others) had to rise to the occasion and do what was necessary for the Allies to win the war. In the end, the resolution of her "love" for the German soldier was too neat. And Jacques was creepy - essential told her, "Don't talk about it, I say we're fine so we are fine"
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