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Remnants
It is 1940 in the Netherlands, and nineteen-year-old Jenny DeHaan is determined to live her life outside the confines of the family farm. When accepted to a prominent university, she sets out on the road to independence. While in school, she develops a bond with Marten Demeester, a Jewish student who shares her goal of becoming a pediatrician.
When Hitler breaks his promise and invades their country, everything changes. The peaceful land becomes a battlefield, and the Netherlands quickly falls to the overwhelming German forces. The Nazis, aided by local collaborators, begin a process of arrest, deportation, and extermination of Dutch Jews, with Marten's family targeted by a powerful Gestapo colonel.
The race to save their Jewish neighbors puts Jenny and Marten, now members of the Dutch Resistance, squarely in the crosshairs of the cunning and ruthless Gestapo. Failure could mean death for them and for their families and friends. As the Nazis close in, the pair is forced to make fateful choices. What price are they willing to pay to save others?
Written for the General Market (G) (I) : Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations, violence, or strong language. May also contain some content of an inspirational nature.
When Hitler breaks his promise and invades their country, everything changes. The peaceful land becomes a battlefield, and the Netherlands quickly falls to the overwhelming German forces. The Nazis, aided by local collaborators, begin a process of arrest, deportation, and extermination of Dutch Jews, with Marten's family targeted by a powerful Gestapo colonel.
The race to save their Jewish neighbors puts Jenny and Marten, now members of the Dutch Resistance, squarely in the crosshairs of the cunning and ruthless Gestapo. Failure could mean death for them and for their families and friends. As the Nazis close in, the pair is forced to make fateful choices. What price are they willing to pay to save others?
Written for the General Market (G) (I) : Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations, violence, or strong language. May also contain some content of an inspirational nature.
348 pages, Paperback
Published November 5, 2018
187 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Stan Poel
3 books6 followersStan Poel, after serving in the US Army and completing an advanced degree in blind rehabilitation, devoted his professional career to serving children and veterans with visual impairments. He retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs as Director of Blind Rehabilitation Service. He moved from Washington D.C. to central Texas and concentrated on his love of writing. His first work, Of Souls and Patriots, is a suspense novel focused on the humanity and triumphs of American combat veterans.
As a descendant of Dutch immigrants, Stan had a life-long interest in the Dutch resistance to Nazi aggression. After extensive research, he now presents Remnants. This powerful story brings to life the experiences of the victims of Nazi aggression, and it portrays the courage and compassion of those who protected their Jewish neighbors.on.
In response to his grandson's interest in reading, Stan published a chapter book: Hudson's Summer Adventure - Danger in the Forest.
As a descendant of Dutch immigrants, Stan had a life-long interest in the Dutch resistance to Nazi aggression. After extensive research, he now presents Remnants. This powerful story brings to life the experiences of the victims of Nazi aggression, and it portrays the courage and compassion of those who protected their Jewish neighbors.on.
In response to his grandson's interest in reading, Stan published a chapter book: Hudson's Summer Adventure - Danger in the Forest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
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November 7, 2022Free on Amazon (7.11.22)!
December 30, 2018
This incredible book was my introduction to this author. Many years ago I visited Dachau, one of the many concentration camps the Germans built. This book brought back, in great detail, the feelings I had as I walked through that camp. How is it even possible that humans could treat other humans with such disregard? A great deal of research has obviously been put in before the writing of this book, as you could almost smell the horrible stenches that emanated from those camps. I pray that we may never allow such horrendous things to happen again! May we all be as brave as those who lost their lives to stop these atrocities.
November 18, 2018
Poel did an awesome job portraying the affects the invading German Army had on the Netherlands. Poel equally did a fantastic job portraying the Dutch resistance.
Some of the issues addressed reminded me of Bonhoeffer.
This story was edge-of-my-seat exciting, nail-biting suspenseful, and at times tear-inducing. Highly recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction.
Some of the issues addressed reminded me of Bonhoeffer.
This story was edge-of-my-seat exciting, nail-biting suspenseful, and at times tear-inducing. Highly recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction.
August 22, 2019
A wonderful book
Loved all in he characters! Such a good moving storyline. Such a moving tribute to all these folks went through.
Loved all in he characters! Such a good moving storyline. Such a moving tribute to all these folks went through.
March 10, 2020
'Remnants ' will bring you joy, sadness, anger, heartache, helplessness and hope.
'Remnant' is a story of two families, one Christian, one Jewish, committing themselves to each other and each other's survival during WWII. Jenny, Nic her brother and Marten, their best friend join the Resistance to save as many Jewish children as possible. Raineer, Marten's father, is a beacon of unfathomable hope in the midst of the Auschwitz atrocities. I do hope there is a sequel to portray their ongoing family lives after the war.
'Remnant' is a story of two families, one Christian, one Jewish, committing themselves to each other and each other's survival during WWII. Jenny, Nic her brother and Marten, their best friend join the Resistance to save as many Jewish children as possible. Raineer, Marten's father, is a beacon of unfathomable hope in the midst of the Auschwitz atrocities. I do hope there is a sequel to portray their ongoing family lives after the war.
August 16, 2020
Christian historical novel
This story of the holocaust is so sad it made me cry. To torture people as the Nazis did is so shameful. The love and the commitment to saving Jewish lives is commendable. God's chosen people so mistreated. Thanks for writing and keep it in our minds about how they were mistreated. Thanks for no sexual content or cursing. I recommend the author&the book
This story of the holocaust is so sad it made me cry. To torture people as the Nazis did is so shameful. The love and the commitment to saving Jewish lives is commendable. God's chosen people so mistreated. Thanks for writing and keep it in our minds about how they were mistreated. Thanks for no sexual content or cursing. I recommend the author&the book
December 18, 2020
Well-written and researched drama involving the German invasion of the Netherlands, following two families, one Christian and one Jewish and their involvement in the resistance and how they aided one another during the war. Straightforward and factual in style, it depicts the decline of society under the Third Reich and the underlying goodness of the country's people to help and hide those in need. Excellent historical book for those whose preferences favor this genre.
January 16, 2019
The sun shines behind the darkest clouds
This is about the power of love and the desire to persevere thru the darkest times of life. The holocaust was the most evil of man's innermost thinking and actions.
Books like this causes me to want to make a difference in an evil world. Thank you Mr. Stan Poel for giving this to the world of readers like me.
This is about the power of love and the desire to persevere thru the darkest times of life. The holocaust was the most evil of man's innermost thinking and actions.
Books like this causes me to want to make a difference in an evil world. Thank you Mr. Stan Poel for giving this to the world of readers like me.
July 7, 2019
Remnants: a story of the Holocaust
This was both a heartbreaking and inspiring story of the holocaust, focusing on two families, one Christian and one Jewish. It speaks to the evil and goodness inherent in humankind and the myriad ways it coexists in some individuals. I I strongly recommend this book for anyone interested in “never again “.
This was both a heartbreaking and inspiring story of the holocaust, focusing on two families, one Christian and one Jewish. It speaks to the evil and goodness inherent in humankind and the myriad ways it coexists in some individuals. I I strongly recommend this book for anyone interested in “never again “.
August 15, 2019
WWII from Dutch resistance POV
I loved this book. The characters were well developed. The plot was great. It was a clean read. Of course it’s not pleasurable to read what happened in the concentration camps, but it was not overly graphic. And I loved that it mostly took place in the Netherlands!
I loved this book. The characters were well developed. The plot was great. It was a clean read. Of course it’s not pleasurable to read what happened in the concentration camps, but it was not overly graphic. And I loved that it mostly took place in the Netherlands!
October 30, 2019
An enlightening novel
This novel was so well written that it made the plight of the Dutch under the German regime come to life. It was almost addictive. I could not stop reading because I had to know how the families did or did not survive.
I strongly recommend you read this novel.
This novel was so well written that it made the plight of the Dutch under the German regime come to life. It was almost addictive. I could not stop reading because I had to know how the families did or did not survive.
I strongly recommend you read this novel.
December 1, 2019
Wonderful memories of the past and survival of the worst.
Disliked the horror that was endured of humans and the courage they possessed to go on. The book related the hardships and the loyalty to their religion that was displayed.
Hard to believe humans could be so cruel and deny it!
Disliked the horror that was endured of humans and the courage they possessed to go on. The book related the hardships and the loyalty to their religion that was displayed.
Hard to believe humans could be so cruel and deny it!
December 27, 2018
Remnants
An excellent book the first time I have read about the German occupation of Holland. The details of this as well as The camps make horrifying reading but I could not put the book down. The characters were ingenious as well as very brave
An excellent book the first time I have read about the German occupation of Holland. The details of this as well as The camps make horrifying reading but I could not put the book down. The characters were ingenious as well as very brave
January 1, 2019
Remnants
Remnants was written with such tenderness and respect. Shows the face of the human heart and its will fullness to survive in the face of evil. It spoke to evil but reveals the bigger heart of love and compassion and how it conquers. Encouraging word!
Remnants was written with such tenderness and respect. Shows the face of the human heart and its will fullness to survive in the face of evil. It spoke to evil but reveals the bigger heart of love and compassion and how it conquers. Encouraging word!
January 8, 2019
Revealing History
So many historical truths were revealed in this amazing sad story. Very heartbreaking to read but was very well written. Would recommend this book to anyone interested in truths of the holacaust.
So many historical truths were revealed in this amazing sad story. Very heartbreaking to read but was very well written. Would recommend this book to anyone interested in truths of the holacaust.
January 12, 2019
Very emotional
As one would expect this story has highs and lows with more lows than highs . I thought the story was very well written and I was definitely caught up in the day to day dealing of the brave people and the terrible situations they endured.
As one would expect this story has highs and lows with more lows than highs . I thought the story was very well written and I was definitely caught up in the day to day dealing of the brave people and the terrible situations they endured.
April 16, 2019
Twists and Turns
The author captures the reality of the hardships people suffered during World War II. There are several events in the story that will surprise the reader and drives the cruel realities of German takeover during that time in history.
The author captures the reality of the hardships people suffered during World War II. There are several events in the story that will surprise the reader and drives the cruel realities of German takeover during that time in history.
April 26, 2019
Good Read
I have always marveled at the spirit and courage of all those who suffered in World War II. Remnants tells of the evil and the good in people and how they clashed in Holland.
I have always marveled at the spirit and courage of all those who suffered in World War II. Remnants tells of the evil and the good in people and how they clashed in Holland.
May 12, 2019
Skillfully written
This book is very skillfully written. Although the subject is grim, the reader can feel the vibrancy of the characters lives. It is a quick read since a reader is quickly drawn into the story and will desire to read until completing the book.
This book is very skillfully written. Although the subject is grim, the reader can feel the vibrancy of the characters lives. It is a quick read since a reader is quickly drawn into the story and will desire to read until completing the book.
November 23, 2019
What a powerful book!
This book takes you through the atrocities of the Hitler tyranny. You can actually feel the emotions of those being terrorized and trying to stay safe. Very powerful story.
This book takes you through the atrocities of the Hitler tyranny. You can actually feel the emotions of those being terrorized and trying to stay safe. Very powerful story.
August 4, 2021
A very moving story! It clearly illustrates how the Jews were treated in countries outside of Germany. It is also the story of the Dutch Resistance. It was hard to read about the inhumane slaughter, but important to remember the horrors of Nazism.
November 17, 2021
I am in tears. Couldn't put it down.
This book really spoke to me about standing up for good and for what you believe in. Especially with the state of the world right now. I pray that I will have the strength of the characters in this book should it be required of me..
This book really spoke to me about standing up for good and for what you believe in. Especially with the state of the world right now. I pray that I will have the strength of the characters in this book should it be required of me..
May 1, 2022
excellent WWll portrayal
My parents lived through WWll in the Netherlands before immigrating to Grand Rapids Michigan. This book, among others gives me a continuing glimpse of their life.
My parents lived through WWll in the Netherlands before immigrating to Grand Rapids Michigan. This book, among others gives me a continuing glimpse of their life.
December 21, 2018
Love this book
So beautifully written. I couldn't put it down. Would highly recommend this book. It is a must read book to add to your book list.
So beautifully written. I couldn't put it down. Would highly recommend this book. It is a must read book to add to your book list.
January 1, 2019
Excellent read
This was an excellent read. Had a hard time putting it down. Glad you left it open to a sequel.
This was an excellent read. Had a hard time putting it down. Glad you left it open to a sequel.
February 23, 2019
This is my first experience reading about the occupation of Germany in the Netherlands. I was drawn in from the very first page. I will certainly be looking for more from Stan Poel.
January 30, 2020
Heart Wrenching
A well written book which personalized the life of the Dutch during WWII, both Jew and gentile. Well worth the time to read and reflect.
A well written book which personalized the life of the Dutch during WWII, both Jew and gentile. Well worth the time to read and reflect.
April 5, 2020
Great book
This book is so great. I met Corrie Ten-boom, when she came to America. The story of Camps the Jews where sent was just like she described them.
This book is so great. I met Corrie Ten-boom, when she came to America. The story of Camps the Jews where sent was just like she described them.
December 18, 2025
Remnants by Stan Poel is a quiet, devastatingly human World War II novel that centers courage not in grand speeches, but in daily, dangerous choices made by ordinary people. Set in the Netherlands during the Nazi invasion, the story follows nineteen-year-old Jenny DeHaan as her dreams of independence and education are abruptly overtaken by occupation, fear, and moral reckoning.
Jenny’s relationship with Marten Demeester, a Jewish medical student, anchors the novel emotionally. Their shared ambition to become pediatricians gives the early chapters a sense of hope and forward motion, which makes the Nazi invasion hit harder. As the country falls and persecution escalates, Poel shows how quickly normal life collapses, and how survival begins to demand sacrifice.
What stands out is the way the Resistance is portrayed. This isn’t romanticized heroism. It’s tense, exhausting, and deeply personal. Jenny and Marten are not fearless; they’re afraid, uncertain, and still willing to act. The Gestapo presence is chilling, especially through the figure of the colonel who relentlessly targets Marten’s family, tightening the pressure until every decision carries life-or-death consequences.
The novel asks hard questions without preaching. How much are you willing to risk for others? Where does responsibility end and self-preservation begin? Remnants handles these questions with restraint, letting the weight of the era speak for itself.
Readers who appreciate historical fiction rooted in character, moral courage, and emotional realism will find this story deeply affecting. It’s not just about what was lost during the war, but about what remained conscience, loyalty, and the cost of choosing humanity when it’s most dangerous to do so.
Jenny’s relationship with Marten Demeester, a Jewish medical student, anchors the novel emotionally. Their shared ambition to become pediatricians gives the early chapters a sense of hope and forward motion, which makes the Nazi invasion hit harder. As the country falls and persecution escalates, Poel shows how quickly normal life collapses, and how survival begins to demand sacrifice.
What stands out is the way the Resistance is portrayed. This isn’t romanticized heroism. It’s tense, exhausting, and deeply personal. Jenny and Marten are not fearless; they’re afraid, uncertain, and still willing to act. The Gestapo presence is chilling, especially through the figure of the colonel who relentlessly targets Marten’s family, tightening the pressure until every decision carries life-or-death consequences.
The novel asks hard questions without preaching. How much are you willing to risk for others? Where does responsibility end and self-preservation begin? Remnants handles these questions with restraint, letting the weight of the era speak for itself.
Readers who appreciate historical fiction rooted in character, moral courage, and emotional realism will find this story deeply affecting. It’s not just about what was lost during the war, but about what remained conscience, loyalty, and the cost of choosing humanity when it’s most dangerous to do so.
December 29, 2019
Disappointed
I didn’t enjoy this book. I wanted to, but it was not well written. The dialogue was stiff and juvenile. The plot was shallow. It just didn’t deliver.
I didn’t enjoy this book. I wanted to, but it was not well written. The dialogue was stiff and juvenile. The plot was shallow. It just didn’t deliver.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews