What do you think?
Rate this book
World War Two Sagas #2
The Occupation
A page-turning historical saga that will pull at your heartstrings! For fans of Freda Lightfoot, Pam Jenoff, Sebastian Faulks and Kate Atkinson. One woman’s secret war against the Nazis. One man’s war against himself…1940, JerseyWhen Nazi forces occupy Jersey in the English Channel Islands, Céline Huber, who is married to a German, must decide where her loyalty lies. Love for her island, and fear for her Jewish friend Rachel, soon propel her into a dangerous double life. Meanwhile, Céline’s husband Fred is conscripted into the Wehrmacht in occupied France. Horrified by Nazi acts of atrocity and torture, he soon becomes a double agent for the French Resistance. But when things go wrong, and his Nazi masters discover his true allegiance, he finds he has the whole of the German Army on his tail. How far will Céline go for her best friend? Will Fred make his way home to her? Or will their lives be changed forever by the brutality of war? THE OCCUPATION is a moving war & military saga following the separate stories of a young man and woman through the years of the Second World War as they fight to survive.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 24, 2019
2196 people are currently reading
1408 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Swift
37 books540 followersI am a novelist living in the Lake District in England. I write historical fiction but read widely - contemporary and classic fiction. I choose my books carefully, so I don't read many duds. If I do, they are not reviewed here, as a gesture of respect to other writers.
I blog at my website
www.deborahswift.com
I blog at my website
www.deborahswift.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
December 29, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley, Deborah Swift and Sepere Books Ltd for my copy of: The Occupation.
Jersey 1940, as part of English Channel Islands, it's obvious the Germans will invade any day, panic has set in and people are leaving the island on any boat they can find. Celine Huber and her friend Rachel Cohen try to leave but all the boats are full and they are left stranded on the island.
Both women have very good reasons why they need to leave, Celine is married, her husband Fred, owns the local bakery, his real name is Siegfried he's German, he has just been forced to join the German army and left her alone on Jersey.
Rachel is Jewish, she hasn't heard from her parents in 6 weeks, she works at the local bank as a teller, when she finally receives a letter from her parents neighbor in France it's bad news and her own life is in danger.
The Germans take over the island easily, the people left on Jersey are now cut off from the mainland and they will be for five long years.
Celine struggles to keep the bakery open, a farmers wife Mrs Flanders helps her, together they milk cows and make bread in the bakery. Of course all the best food is being eaten by the Germans and the locals are getting whats left. Rachel is busy working in the bank, the Germans start ordering people register, soon people are given notices that they will be sent to work in Germany and Rachel being Jewish is one of them.
Rachel knows if she leaves the Island her fate will be the same as her parents, she's desperate and has no idea what to do?
Fred has been conscripted into the German army in occupied France, when he arrives and he's shocked by how he's treated. As a baker he has some extra padding, he's unfit and he becomes a target for bullies. He's offered a way out, they also threaten the safety of his wife, he has no choice, he becomes a secret agent and he changes his name.
Edouard Vibert ( Fred ) is sent to work in Paris to translate documents in his tiny apartment, when he's asked to visit security headquarters at Avenue Foch and he's horrified. It looks fine from the outside, he discovers people are taken to the building, kept in cells, where they are tortured, he can hear them screaming and the men who commit these evil acts are monsters. They soon discover that Edouard has been eating at a local cafe, he washes dishes cafe, he's lonely, misses his wife, his bakery and they use this against him. The cafe owners name is Berenice and her son is a wanted man by Nazi's and his job is to find out any information about him and report this to his superior officer. Soon Fred makes a life changing choice, he hates the German army, all it stands for, he helps his friend Berenice, he's now a wanted man by the Nazis and a deserter.
On Jersey, Celine is struggling, things are bad, food is scarce, all radios have been taken, the German's are kicking people out of their houses, they change all the clocks to German time and she decides to hide her best friend Rachel. The citizens of Jersey don't see it that way, they think she's a collaborator, not only is her husband in the German army, soon her brother in law Hurst arrives, he's nothing like his brother, he moves into Celine's house and the locals start calling her a Jerrybag.
The Occupation is a historical saga it follows the lives of two main characters, Fred and Celine Huber. Both had to make difficult choices during one of the worst wars in history, it's a story about love, loyalty, duty, survival and sacrifice. I really enjoyed the book, I highly recommend reading it and I gave it four stars. It's free if you have kindle unlimited or only a $1 to buy and it really is a great book.
I have shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Twitter, Australian Amazon and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Jersey 1940, as part of English Channel Islands, it's obvious the Germans will invade any day, panic has set in and people are leaving the island on any boat they can find. Celine Huber and her friend Rachel Cohen try to leave but all the boats are full and they are left stranded on the island.
Both women have very good reasons why they need to leave, Celine is married, her husband Fred, owns the local bakery, his real name is Siegfried he's German, he has just been forced to join the German army and left her alone on Jersey.
Rachel is Jewish, she hasn't heard from her parents in 6 weeks, she works at the local bank as a teller, when she finally receives a letter from her parents neighbor in France it's bad news and her own life is in danger.
The Germans take over the island easily, the people left on Jersey are now cut off from the mainland and they will be for five long years.
Celine struggles to keep the bakery open, a farmers wife Mrs Flanders helps her, together they milk cows and make bread in the bakery. Of course all the best food is being eaten by the Germans and the locals are getting whats left. Rachel is busy working in the bank, the Germans start ordering people register, soon people are given notices that they will be sent to work in Germany and Rachel being Jewish is one of them.
Rachel knows if she leaves the Island her fate will be the same as her parents, she's desperate and has no idea what to do?
Fred has been conscripted into the German army in occupied France, when he arrives and he's shocked by how he's treated. As a baker he has some extra padding, he's unfit and he becomes a target for bullies. He's offered a way out, they also threaten the safety of his wife, he has no choice, he becomes a secret agent and he changes his name.
Edouard Vibert ( Fred ) is sent to work in Paris to translate documents in his tiny apartment, when he's asked to visit security headquarters at Avenue Foch and he's horrified. It looks fine from the outside, he discovers people are taken to the building, kept in cells, where they are tortured, he can hear them screaming and the men who commit these evil acts are monsters. They soon discover that Edouard has been eating at a local cafe, he washes dishes cafe, he's lonely, misses his wife, his bakery and they use this against him. The cafe owners name is Berenice and her son is a wanted man by Nazi's and his job is to find out any information about him and report this to his superior officer. Soon Fred makes a life changing choice, he hates the German army, all it stands for, he helps his friend Berenice, he's now a wanted man by the Nazis and a deserter.
On Jersey, Celine is struggling, things are bad, food is scarce, all radios have been taken, the German's are kicking people out of their houses, they change all the clocks to German time and she decides to hide her best friend Rachel. The citizens of Jersey don't see it that way, they think she's a collaborator, not only is her husband in the German army, soon her brother in law Hurst arrives, he's nothing like his brother, he moves into Celine's house and the locals start calling her a Jerrybag.
The Occupation is a historical saga it follows the lives of two main characters, Fred and Celine Huber. Both had to make difficult choices during one of the worst wars in history, it's a story about love, loyalty, duty, survival and sacrifice. I really enjoyed the book, I highly recommend reading it and I gave it four stars. It's free if you have kindle unlimited or only a $1 to buy and it really is a great book.
I have shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Twitter, Australian Amazon and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
January 6, 2020
4.5*
I knew little about the occupation of the Channel Islands before I read this book, and it certainly opened my eyes; I had no idea the islanders suffered such hardship. Deborah Swift's books are always meticulously researched without that research ever being apparent (such an art!), so I know that the novel is an accurate depiction of the time.
The story centres around Céline and Fred, who own a bakery on the island. Fred is German, and is conscripted into the German army. Both points of view are written in the first person, which was absolutely the right choice, and Céline's story also involves her friend Rachel, who is Jewish. When I first started reading, I thought it was going to be one of those 'cosy' sort of wartime books (the type that have covers showing smiling landgirls and tick all 1940s nostalgia boxes) but I couldn't have been more wrong; the picture of how mild and safe Jersey seems at first is there to provide the constrast with how precarious life becomes.
This novel is such an 'easy read'; the writing flows so well and, considering it's based on some events that actually took place, is unpredictable and certainly a page-turner. The overall message it puts across is how war changes everyone, and how quickly people can be led into prejudice about their fellow man—and I'm not just talking about the Nazis and the Jews. I applaud Ms Swift for not providing a neatly tied up, happy ending; the outcome for many of the characters made it a much more powerful story than it might have been otherwise.
Reading this made me feel renewed respect for all those who suffered under the Nazis. I enjoyed it, a lot. Definitely recommended.
I knew little about the occupation of the Channel Islands before I read this book, and it certainly opened my eyes; I had no idea the islanders suffered such hardship. Deborah Swift's books are always meticulously researched without that research ever being apparent (such an art!), so I know that the novel is an accurate depiction of the time.
The story centres around Céline and Fred, who own a bakery on the island. Fred is German, and is conscripted into the German army. Both points of view are written in the first person, which was absolutely the right choice, and Céline's story also involves her friend Rachel, who is Jewish. When I first started reading, I thought it was going to be one of those 'cosy' sort of wartime books (the type that have covers showing smiling landgirls and tick all 1940s nostalgia boxes) but I couldn't have been more wrong; the picture of how mild and safe Jersey seems at first is there to provide the constrast with how precarious life becomes.
This novel is such an 'easy read'; the writing flows so well and, considering it's based on some events that actually took place, is unpredictable and certainly a page-turner. The overall message it puts across is how war changes everyone, and how quickly people can be led into prejudice about their fellow man—and I'm not just talking about the Nazis and the Jews. I applaud Ms Swift for not providing a neatly tied up, happy ending; the outcome for many of the characters made it a much more powerful story than it might have been otherwise.
Reading this made me feel renewed respect for all those who suffered under the Nazis. I enjoyed it, a lot. Definitely recommended.
January 16, 2020
The Occupation is a beautifully written novel and it did a nice job of telling both sides of WWII (at least within this tale). The descriptions are great and the characters, especially Celine, Fred and Rachael, have depth to them. It's also clear that the author has done some research in regards of WWII and the Channel Islands. It is a heartbreaking novel at times, but it needs to be read.
January 6, 2020
This powerful story had me reading late into the night, by turns on the edge of my seat or reduced to tears. Although I have read of the German occupation previously only now do I fully appreciate the hardship, distress and uncertainty of those who lived through it. In the words of Céline and later her German husband Fred (Siegfried) we follow their lives from their pre-war bakery on Jersey as Fred responds to the order to join the Wehrmacht in France while Céline struggles to keep their business going. When the German army arrives to occupy the island, Céline’s Jewish friend Rachel becomes alarmed as she has already lost touch with her parents in France.
Meanwhile Fred is initially relieved to leave active combat for a job as a translator in Paris, but he soon makes friends with the locals and is horrified by the deeds of the Nazis. Unable to communicate with each other, both Fred and Céline must take actions and make decisions they would not have countenanced before the war. Fred puts himself in peril for the sake of others, while Céline is endangered by the arrival of Fred’s bullying brother as a German officer. This carefully researched story with its basis in true life would make an amazing film and is the best book I have read for a considerable time.
Meanwhile Fred is initially relieved to leave active combat for a job as a translator in Paris, but he soon makes friends with the locals and is horrified by the deeds of the Nazis. Unable to communicate with each other, both Fred and Céline must take actions and make decisions they would not have countenanced before the war. Fred puts himself in peril for the sake of others, while Céline is endangered by the arrival of Fred’s bullying brother as a German officer. This carefully researched story with its basis in true life would make an amazing film and is the best book I have read for a considerable time.
January 29, 2020
Received this through Net Gallery and thank you to the very famous Deborah Swift I never met a book I didn't like from this lady! As always she does her research and to be honest I never heard of the Channel Islands and have learned a lot by her writing about them and what happened on this Island. I'm sure this is just one of many amazing stories that happened there. You have a very deep story, having you understand what these people had to do to struggle to survive and the emotions they had to go through is very well displayed. You have the Nazis taking over,if your Jewish you try to hide and go on with your life hoping no one will discover this secret! The characters that are in this story you go through and feel the emotions that they have and make sure you have tissues when you do read!! WWII was not a easy time for anyone,especially the Jewish community and the Nazis who thought that you had something wrong with you. I really enjoyed this book and you just want to scream at the Nazis for what they did to these people on this Island that didn't deserve any of the cruel treatment and the abuses they had to endure,not only that,where could they go?. They stayed scared All the time and with the writing of this author you do feel All of it yourself!! A VERY MUCH READ! You will be so glad you did!
December 26, 2019
Totally captivated and couldn't stop reading this novel. The Channel Islands under German Occupation is a subject that has been covered in fiction, television drama, and films. Really had my doubts about ordering this book.....thought that every possible angle must have already been covered. And it would be a worthy but predictable read. And how wrong I was. It is an exceptionally strong piece of World War 2 fiction. And is such a crowded genre, it is great to still feel that there is more to be written and read.
The tale of Celine a native Jersey girl whose best friend is Jewish, has been married for 10 years to Siegfried, a German chap she met in Vienna . They run a bakery on the island . When war breaks out Siegfried receives call up papers to report to the German Army in France.....his brother is already in uniform and an enthusiastic Nazi. 'Divided Loyalties; is an understatement ......the complexities of war and the demands it makes on the lives of the characters is massive .
The book is written from both lead characters' perspectives. Can not recommend it highly enough.
The tale of Celine a native Jersey girl whose best friend is Jewish, has been married for 10 years to Siegfried, a German chap she met in Vienna . They run a bakery on the island . When war breaks out Siegfried receives call up papers to report to the German Army in France.....his brother is already in uniform and an enthusiastic Nazi. 'Divided Loyalties; is an understatement ......the complexities of war and the demands it makes on the lives of the characters is massive .
The book is written from both lead characters' perspectives. Can not recommend it highly enough.
February 14, 2020
"They won't come here. The Jersey Evening Post says these islands are not worth conquering. At least, not unless Hitler wants an ice-cream and a ride on a donkey."
But come they did, and they occupied the Channel Islands in far greater numbers than the tourists ever had. The British had tried to evacuate the islands, of course, before Churchill demilitarised it, but there were not enough boats for everyone. For Céline Huber, there was nothing to be done other than endure the occupation. As for Céline's best friend, Rachel Cohen would spend the next five years in hiding, for Rachel was a Jew, and everyone had heard the rumours about the camps the Jews were sent to.
Céline's husband, Siegfried "Fred" Huber's war was very different from that of his wife's. For Fred was German, and he had been conscripted into the German Army. Fred knew nothing about war. He was a pâtissier, a baker. He feared he would never survive the front, and he would never see his beloved Céline again. However, Fred's war would not be fought at the front, and surprisingly, nor would it be fought for Germany.
From a beautiful summer’s day spent on one of Jersey's sandcastle-perfect beaches to the day Céline learns the truth about her husband's war, The Occupation by Deborah Swift is the heartbreakingly poignant story of one young couple whose lives are irrevocably changed forever by the outbreak of World War 2.
Initially, The Occupation by Debora Swift was published as a short-story in The Darkest Hour: WWII Tales of Resistance,which was in aid of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC in 2019, and it was in that anthology that I first read it. Swift decided to republish this book as a full-length novel, and I have been on tenterhooks waiting to read it.
The Occupation is a tender exploration of what life was like for the islanders as they suffered five very long years under German military occupation during World War 2. With an impressively sweeping narrative and beautifully presented prose, Swift has bestowed upon her readers a book that is as majestic as it is brilliant. I am so glad Swift decided to relaunch this novel because it is an utterly enchanting, heart-rending tale, of war, occupation, friendship, and love.
The Occupation isn't a story of good verse evil — although there is plenty of evil to go around — it is instead an exploration of the human soul. How often can you look away from unimaginable suffering? What would you risk to save someone you cared about? How quick are you to judge your neighbour? And are you really a traitor if you dare to stand up and fight for the persecuted? All of these questions, Swift asks her readers through the actions of her protagonists.
The Channel Islands have always held a special place in my heart, and even today the fortifications can still be found on the islands — a sinister reminder of The Atlantic Wall. The story about the war from the islanders’ perspective is not unique, but it is indeed rare, and to find a story that has captured the very essences of the community during this era is a real treat. I felt like I was back on Jersey, only many years before my time!
Céline Huber is a wonderful heroine. Her story is one of hardship, suffering, heartache, and abuse. However, Céline endured everything that befalls her with grace and a tenacious belief that no matter how hard it gets, no matter how awful her life is, one day the mines will be cleared from the beaches and will be replaced by sandcastles. Her loyalty to her friend, Rachel, is absolute. She will do anything. She will bear everything if it keeps Rachel from falling into enemy hands. I thought Swift really surpassed herself with Céline's depiction. Her character is so very vivid in the telling and so very brave. This is a protagonist that a reader can really get behind.
What was there not to love about Fred Huber? Fred didn't want to go to war. He loves his wife to distraction, and he just wants to be back in Jersey, with Céline safely held in his arms. But as much as he longs for an end of a war, for a return of normality, the first thing he has to do is survive. But unlike the majority of men who felt they had no choice but to obey orders, Fred dares to think for himself. Placed as a spy in war-torn Paris to root out the leaders of La Résistance, Fred faces some tough decisions — does he stay faithful to the Fatherland, or not? As well as a spy, Fred is a translator and some of the things he is asked to translate freezes his heart and makes it easier to come to a decision. He thought he was a patriot, but Germany, under the Nazi regime, is going down a road Fred cannot follow. And hence the baker, the pâtissier, feels he has no other option than to fight for La Résistance. Fred's journey is a humbling story of the difference one man can make when you stand up to unimaginable evil. His conscience will not be silenced. He has to help La Résistance — he does not see any other choice. I adored everything about Fred. He is this lovely gentleman who would rather die than see his friends suffer at the hands of the SS. Fred's story left me in tears on more than one occasion, it is utterly harrowing and reminded me greatly of the late 1980's television show Wish Me Luck by Lavinia Warner and Jill Hyem. It has the same desperate feel.
There are several antagonists in this book — from neighbours who are more than happy to point fingers and shout accusations, to Fred's own brother. War does strange things to people, it is said, and Swift has certainly captured every conceivable emotion. At times the things the antagonists do, make for some challenging reading, but war is brutal, and Swift hasn't shied away from that fact.
The attention to the historical detail has to be commended. Swift has obviously spent many long hours researching what it was like in Jersey during the occupation, as well as what it was like in France. This novel has a large canvas, and the events that Swift depicts are as accurate as she could possibly make them, but then by adding in the human fragility and the suffering that this atrocious war caused, makes this book terribly difficult to put down.
The Occupation by Deborah Swift is a work of incredible scholarship, and it is in all ways a Historical Fiction success. This is a book that deserves to be read again and again.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.<?b>
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
January 28, 2020
Thank you Netgalley and Sapere Books for my copy.
My rating : 3/5The Occupation by Deborah Swift is a war novel. This novel tells the story of sacrifices for greater good, friendship, individual and communal struggles and at the centre of this novel is two characters Celine and Fred Huber.
So, I have decided to divide my review in two parts. First, what worked for me and second, what did not.
Good things: very poignant, written well , full of hope and I can see why certain readers would love the book.
What didn't work for me: The opening paragraph was not very engaging and I wanted to dnf but I am glad that I didn't . I wish the characters had more depth. Some of them are unbelievably good and some are unbelievably bad.
I understand that there is a particular audience who enjoy WWII novels, I am simply not one of them.
My rating : 3/5The Occupation by Deborah Swift is a war novel. This novel tells the story of sacrifices for greater good, friendship, individual and communal struggles and at the centre of this novel is two characters Celine and Fred Huber.
So, I have decided to divide my review in two parts. First, what worked for me and second, what did not.
Good things: very poignant, written well , full of hope and I can see why certain readers would love the book.
What didn't work for me: The opening paragraph was not very engaging and I wanted to dnf but I am glad that I didn't . I wish the characters had more depth. Some of them are unbelievably good and some are unbelievably bad.
I understand that there is a particular audience who enjoy WWII novels, I am simply not one of them.
March 21, 2020
Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres to read, and World War II one of the most fascinating backdrops. I visited Jersey many times as a child, and we always went to the war tunnels (probably where my interest was born) although this was always balanced by the Festival of Flowers.
The Occupation centres on a married couple - Céline, an Englishwoman born in Jersey, and her German husband Fred (Siegfried). The two met in Vienna, and later began a bakery in Jersey, where Fred's talent as a pâtissier offered the islanders delicious pastries alongside their bread orders. To everyone who knows him, he is Fred the baker ... until war breaks out and his nationality becomes his label, and Céline's.
Fred is conscripted into the German army. At first, he's quite proud of the efficiency of his compatriots, but that is short-lived when he sees the brutality that follows. His ability to speak French and English gets him a job as a translator in Paris, where he adopts the cover of Édouard Vibert and lives among the locals where he witnesses the diversion of food from the French to the German soldiers. His work reveals what is happening to the Jewish residents, and he sees firsthand a family being dragged away. His bosses soon ask him to 'spy' for them, as they are looking for members of the Résistance. At the same time, the locals suspect him when he is visited by a German officer. He must convince them (the locals, now his friends) that he's on their side. To do that, he gets involved in daring and dangerous acts against the German army. But it is when his friends are arrested that he risks his life to help them, and become a wanted man.
Meanwhile, back in Jersey, Céline worries about him, having no news at all. Her Jewish friend, Rachel, goes "missing", and then Fred's German brother Horst (A high-ranking Nazi officer) descends on the bakery ...wanting more from her than bread. All this leads to her being ostracised by her neighbours, labelled a "Jerrybag" and struggling for her own survival.
Their acts of heroism determine their fate, both Fred and Céline face the German authorities - will they survive? This is historical fiction at its best - it doesn't wrap the events up in a cosy blanket, but rather shows the good and the bad, showing how war has an effect on people that changes how they treat each other when their own survival is under threat.
This is a powerful story depicting the best and the worst of humanity, but also not painting all Germans with the same brush (Wolfgang) or making all the Jersey islanders out to be virtuous. Written from both perspectives, the author delves into their new everyday existence, each unaware of how their spouse is faring.
Highly recommended to lovers of quality, well-researched, and real historical fiction with plenty to entertain as well as shock.
The Occupation centres on a married couple - Céline, an Englishwoman born in Jersey, and her German husband Fred (Siegfried). The two met in Vienna, and later began a bakery in Jersey, where Fred's talent as a pâtissier offered the islanders delicious pastries alongside their bread orders. To everyone who knows him, he is Fred the baker ... until war breaks out and his nationality becomes his label, and Céline's.
Fred is conscripted into the German army. At first, he's quite proud of the efficiency of his compatriots, but that is short-lived when he sees the brutality that follows. His ability to speak French and English gets him a job as a translator in Paris, where he adopts the cover of Édouard Vibert and lives among the locals where he witnesses the diversion of food from the French to the German soldiers. His work reveals what is happening to the Jewish residents, and he sees firsthand a family being dragged away. His bosses soon ask him to 'spy' for them, as they are looking for members of the Résistance. At the same time, the locals suspect him when he is visited by a German officer. He must convince them (the locals, now his friends) that he's on their side. To do that, he gets involved in daring and dangerous acts against the German army. But it is when his friends are arrested that he risks his life to help them, and become a wanted man.
Meanwhile, back in Jersey, Céline worries about him, having no news at all. Her Jewish friend, Rachel, goes "missing", and then Fred's German brother Horst (A high-ranking Nazi officer) descends on the bakery ...wanting more from her than bread. All this leads to her being ostracised by her neighbours, labelled a "Jerrybag" and struggling for her own survival.
Their acts of heroism determine their fate, both Fred and Céline face the German authorities - will they survive? This is historical fiction at its best - it doesn't wrap the events up in a cosy blanket, but rather shows the good and the bad, showing how war has an effect on people that changes how they treat each other when their own survival is under threat.
This is a powerful story depicting the best and the worst of humanity, but also not painting all Germans with the same brush (Wolfgang) or making all the Jersey islanders out to be virtuous. Written from both perspectives, the author delves into their new everyday existence, each unaware of how their spouse is faring.
Highly recommended to lovers of quality, well-researched, and real historical fiction with plenty to entertain as well as shock.
August 15, 2021
This is not a "feel good" WWII story set in England, a lá "The Kitchen Front."
Fred and Céline run a bakery on the English island of Jersey, off the SW coast of England. Fred is a German national, and receives papers conscripting him into the German army; he has no choice but to go join up in France. Céline is left to herself to run the bakery on fewer and fewer rations, as well as helping w/ the milking on a local farm. When the Germans eventually take over the island (no defense from England and no fighting for the island), things become much harder for the citizens who did not flee to England, especially the Jewish citizens like Céline's friend, Rachel.
While Céline is dealing w/ shortages on Jersey, Fred suffers hazing in the German army. Because of his language skills, he is sent into France as a German spy. But Fred becomes fond of a cafe owner, Berenice, and slowly drawn into her world in the French Resistance. So now he's a double agent, facing danger from the Germans and the French. He slowly gets drawn into the Resistance activities b/c of Berenice's son Pierre (aka Antoine) and Fred's very basic knowledge of chemistry. Obviously, Fred's danger grows day by day, and he is eventually betrayed by a double-agent Resistance member and Fred and Berenice run for their lives.
Meanwhile, Fred's über-Nazi brother, Horst, arrives on Jersey and makes life miserable for Céline. Her neighbors abandon her b/c they consider her a "jerrybag." This is such a sad part of the book, b/c Céline wants nothing to do w/ Horst but has to tolerate him b/c he's her brother-in-law, and then she has no choice b/c he's a German officer running the local camp populated by German POW's. As well, she has a massive secret she's hiding from everyone, which becomes extremely complicated when Horst decides to move in w/ Céline - even into her bedroom. Yech. Of course, he's violent.
How does this all end? Will England finally win the war in time to save Céline from dying at Horst's hands or Fred dying at the hands of the Germans - or the French? As I said at the top, this isn't a happy war story, so do be prepared. A solid four stars.
Fred and Céline run a bakery on the English island of Jersey, off the SW coast of England. Fred is a German national, and receives papers conscripting him into the German army; he has no choice but to go join up in France. Céline is left to herself to run the bakery on fewer and fewer rations, as well as helping w/ the milking on a local farm. When the Germans eventually take over the island (no defense from England and no fighting for the island), things become much harder for the citizens who did not flee to England, especially the Jewish citizens like Céline's friend, Rachel.
While Céline is dealing w/ shortages on Jersey, Fred suffers hazing in the German army. Because of his language skills, he is sent into France as a German spy. But Fred becomes fond of a cafe owner, Berenice, and slowly drawn into her world in the French Resistance. So now he's a double agent, facing danger from the Germans and the French. He slowly gets drawn into the Resistance activities b/c of Berenice's son Pierre (aka Antoine) and Fred's very basic knowledge of chemistry. Obviously, Fred's danger grows day by day, and he is eventually betrayed by a double-agent Resistance member and Fred and Berenice run for their lives.
Meanwhile, Fred's über-Nazi brother, Horst, arrives on Jersey and makes life miserable for Céline. Her neighbors abandon her b/c they consider her a "jerrybag." This is such a sad part of the book, b/c Céline wants nothing to do w/ Horst but has to tolerate him b/c he's her brother-in-law, and then she has no choice b/c he's a German officer running the local camp populated by German POW's. As well, she has a massive secret she's hiding from everyone, which becomes extremely complicated when Horst decides to move in w/ Céline - even into her bedroom. Yech. Of course, he's violent.
How does this all end? Will England finally win the war in time to save Céline from dying at Horst's hands or Fred dying at the hands of the Germans - or the French? As I said at the top, this isn't a happy war story, so do be prepared. A solid four stars.
August 30, 2021
Review of The Occupation by Deborah Swift
I must say I was surprised initially and doubted the premise. I thought I’d have difficulty suspending my disbelief at the set-up of Fred having to leave Jersey under those circumstances to join the German Army. Would he have been conscripted at all? Would the Nazis really have gone after one man, a baker? Especially since the Wehrmacht had intentions of occupying Jersey? The novel led me to read about the occupation of the Channel Islands—this reader/writer was doing research on the book I was reading!
Fiction allows for a great deal, but when it’s historical and based on many true situations, the reader needs to be convinced that the scenes therein are based on real events, whether they are or aren’t. What kept me turning pages was the intricate balance and expertise that Swift exhibits in rounding out real characters that have interior monologues and doubts as to their own actions. Fred becomes an exemplary tour de force in character-building.
As the story develops, the intensity grows to the point of becoming an incredible nail-biting, nerve-racking experience that kept me up at nights thinking—and if a novel can do that—it’s a winner in my humble experience.
I must say I was surprised initially and doubted the premise. I thought I’d have difficulty suspending my disbelief at the set-up of Fred having to leave Jersey under those circumstances to join the German Army. Would he have been conscripted at all? Would the Nazis really have gone after one man, a baker? Especially since the Wehrmacht had intentions of occupying Jersey? The novel led me to read about the occupation of the Channel Islands—this reader/writer was doing research on the book I was reading!
Fiction allows for a great deal, but when it’s historical and based on many true situations, the reader needs to be convinced that the scenes therein are based on real events, whether they are or aren’t. What kept me turning pages was the intricate balance and expertise that Swift exhibits in rounding out real characters that have interior monologues and doubts as to their own actions. Fred becomes an exemplary tour de force in character-building.
As the story develops, the intensity grows to the point of becoming an incredible nail-biting, nerve-racking experience that kept me up at nights thinking—and if a novel can do that—it’s a winner in my humble experience.
December 10, 2025
What a fascinating and gripping novel. I knew little about the German occupation in the Channel Islands, and this well-researched book provided excellent information. More than that, it provided an intriguing story about a young couple separated at the beginning of the Second World War. Celine Huber is married to German Fred, and when he is conscripted into the German army, she stays in Jersey to continue the family business. Fred soon finds himself conflicted, for he wants to support the country of his birth but abhors the behaviour and intentions of his fellow countrymen. Celine faces her own dilemma, for her Jewish friend, Rachel, is in mortal danger, and to offer her shelter would be a certain death sentence if she were discovered. I won’t say more for fear of spoiling the story, but this well-written novel held my interest from the first to the very last page, and I strongly recommend it.
May 2, 2025
Really good book about the occupation of Jersey in WW2 and the local baker who has German ancestry and has been called up into service by the Nazis. Heartbreaking, sad and full of love, anxiety, fear and hope. The story about courageous people who did what they had to do to survive. Highly recommend it’s a great book.
March 22, 2021
An interesting & unusual viewpoint of WWII, one which I had not previously considered. I had no idea that a German could have been conscripted from Jersey, & it was most enlightening to be privy to his thoughts on the matter. We are so used to considering them as ‘the enemy’, & of course we have the benefit of hindsight as to what Hitler & the Nazis were really like. It is easy for us to overlook the fact that Germans could also have felt patriotism, & pride in representing their country. I was also taken aback at the contrast between the conditions for (some, at least) soldiers from the two opposing sides. For a fin de siecle French hotel to become a soldiers’ barracks – I realised that officers had taken them over, but not the ranks as well.
Interesting how the remaining women on Jersey had to work together, sharing the required physical labour necessary to maintain life.
As the War proceeds, Jersey is to be under German occupation – which Fred/Siegfied/Eduard had never anticipated. But neither he nor his wife could ever have guessed what role he was expected to play in the War, either. (I’m only a few chapters in, & already I am thinking – how can these two ever reconcile after hostilities cease : they will have experienced such different wars. Will either of them ever be able to understand the other’s reality, especially when they are on opposite sides?)
How alarmingly quickly life as we know it - ‘normal’ life – can disintegrate. I am certainly thankful we have not had to experience times such as these in our country, for which of us knows how we would react to such circumstances? Would our moral standards withstand the threat to another’s life? And what of the German army? Both the best of men, & the worst of men, were swept up into it , with even siblings responding quite differently to what was being expected of them.
Much food for thought in this book, & it is closer to reality than much fiction written of the period. Thank you, Deborah Swift!
Interesting how the remaining women on Jersey had to work together, sharing the required physical labour necessary to maintain life.
As the War proceeds, Jersey is to be under German occupation – which Fred/Siegfied/Eduard had never anticipated. But neither he nor his wife could ever have guessed what role he was expected to play in the War, either. (I’m only a few chapters in, & already I am thinking – how can these two ever reconcile after hostilities cease : they will have experienced such different wars. Will either of them ever be able to understand the other’s reality, especially when they are on opposite sides?)
How alarmingly quickly life as we know it - ‘normal’ life – can disintegrate. I am certainly thankful we have not had to experience times such as these in our country, for which of us knows how we would react to such circumstances? Would our moral standards withstand the threat to another’s life? And what of the German army? Both the best of men, & the worst of men, were swept up into it , with even siblings responding quite differently to what was being expected of them.
Much food for thought in this book, & it is closer to reality than much fiction written of the period. Thank you, Deborah Swift!
April 20, 2020
I have read many books set during WWII and the Holocaust, and while all are emotionally wrenching, some are forgettable, and some make you stay up all night to finish them. The Occupation is in the latter category for me.
Having said that I read many, my personal pet peeves about this genre are when: 1) it's a love story based on two people who hardly know each other and yet fall madly in love, and 2) it's a story set in the past and present with someone finding a book/story/photo from the past and needs desperately to find out what happened, to the extent that it's taken over their lives. This particular story does not fall into either trap- it's about the familiar, comforting love between two married people, the love between friends, and decent people caring about each other in the midst of tragedy.
Celine and Fred are ordinary folks on Jersey forced to deal with a horrible war. I appreciated that the author treated them as real people with flaws- Fred was a little pudgy and couldn't keep up with army training; having grown up in the shadow of his (awful) brother, he doubted himself constantly and ends up being the bravest one of all. His affection for Berenice- an older lady who becomes his close friend- is touching and lovely.
Celine is also portrayed as a person you could know, doing her best but wishing she could do better. Even Rachel, the Jewish friend she saves, is somewhat prickly and petulant at times, instead of being a one-dimensional saintly victim. The character of Wolfgang, the sympathetic German who helps, gives the reader just enough hope that good may be found everywhere.
I thought the ending was well thought out and realistic. While I was heartbroken by the story, I was very glad to have had the experience of reading it. I hope to read more by Ms. Swift!
Having said that I read many, my personal pet peeves about this genre are when: 1) it's a love story based on two people who hardly know each other and yet fall madly in love, and 2) it's a story set in the past and present with someone finding a book/story/photo from the past and needs desperately to find out what happened, to the extent that it's taken over their lives. This particular story does not fall into either trap- it's about the familiar, comforting love between two married people, the love between friends, and decent people caring about each other in the midst of tragedy.
Celine and Fred are ordinary folks on Jersey forced to deal with a horrible war. I appreciated that the author treated them as real people with flaws- Fred was a little pudgy and couldn't keep up with army training; having grown up in the shadow of his (awful) brother, he doubted himself constantly and ends up being the bravest one of all. His affection for Berenice- an older lady who becomes his close friend- is touching and lovely.
Celine is also portrayed as a person you could know, doing her best but wishing she could do better. Even Rachel, the Jewish friend she saves, is somewhat prickly and petulant at times, instead of being a one-dimensional saintly victim. The character of Wolfgang, the sympathetic German who helps, gives the reader just enough hope that good may be found everywhere.
I thought the ending was well thought out and realistic. While I was heartbroken by the story, I was very glad to have had the experience of reading it. I hope to read more by Ms. Swift!
August 30, 2020
My Grandfather was in Jersey for the occupation and his family spoke of the fear they experienced wondering what the Germans would do to him and I could feel that fear throughout the book, for Rachel, for Celine and Bernice. I read some reviews on here that mentioned the words "too far fetched" and I did wonder if it was going to be more drama than was necessary but it wasn't over dramatic and although very few talk about the days of ww2 especially those who were in occupied territories I really do believe they would have done what they had to do just to survive, just like we would if we had no other choice.
For me there were parts of the book that really did make me feel very nauseous but somehow that kept me reading. I needed to know what was going to happen. Admittedly there were some punctuation and other errors but the depth of the story meant I couldn't focus on them. Even though I knew what happened there was part of me that carried a spark of hope right through until the end of the epilogue.
Other than the 80's sitcom the French Resistance is not something that is spoken much about and I'm pleased it was included in the book, it added another dimension to what everyone thought happened during the war.
I stopped giving five stars long ago and had decided a really good book would get 4 and an average 3 but there is no alternative to the exceptional 5 stars for this book it gave everything and then some more.
For me there were parts of the book that really did make me feel very nauseous but somehow that kept me reading. I needed to know what was going to happen. Admittedly there were some punctuation and other errors but the depth of the story meant I couldn't focus on them. Even though I knew what happened there was part of me that carried a spark of hope right through until the end of the epilogue.
Other than the 80's sitcom the French Resistance is not something that is spoken much about and I'm pleased it was included in the book, it added another dimension to what everyone thought happened during the war.
I stopped giving five stars long ago and had decided a really good book would get 4 and an average 3 but there is no alternative to the exceptional 5 stars for this book it gave everything and then some more.
May 24, 2020
Wow, very suspenseful and fascinating read!
This story held my interest from the first to the very last page. I don't know much about German occupation in the English Channel Islands during WWII, so my perspective was certainly broadened. But, more than anything else, it was the plot that thoroughly captivated me - a German man married to an English woman, forced into the German army and faced with many ethical dilemmas; and an English wife left to manage her business alone, whose best friend is Jewish and in danger of being taken away. Great story very masterfully told! All through it , with every problem emerged and evil unveiled, lies the unspoken question: what would you do? I don't know. Can anyone say who has not encountered such dire circumstances? Yet, we know that throughout history, as in this fictional account based on real events, people have chosen to stand up at cost to their lives. May their bravery be my inspiration should my convictions be similarly tried! Author, Deborah Swift, writes with engaging clarity and depth. She draws you in and leads consistently, with no lagging moments, explicit scenes, or excessive foul language to dampen the read (thank you!!!). I look forward to reading more from her.
This story held my interest from the first to the very last page. I don't know much about German occupation in the English Channel Islands during WWII, so my perspective was certainly broadened. But, more than anything else, it was the plot that thoroughly captivated me - a German man married to an English woman, forced into the German army and faced with many ethical dilemmas; and an English wife left to manage her business alone, whose best friend is Jewish and in danger of being taken away. Great story very masterfully told! All through it , with every problem emerged and evil unveiled, lies the unspoken question: what would you do? I don't know. Can anyone say who has not encountered such dire circumstances? Yet, we know that throughout history, as in this fictional account based on real events, people have chosen to stand up at cost to their lives. May their bravery be my inspiration should my convictions be similarly tried! Author, Deborah Swift, writes with engaging clarity and depth. She draws you in and leads consistently, with no lagging moments, explicit scenes, or excessive foul language to dampen the read (thank you!!!). I look forward to reading more from her.
March 17, 2020
Occupation
Occupation during WWII is unimaginable. No food, constantly watched, people against people, and barbarians in control. It is heartbreaking what so many suffered. This story is of Jersey and it's people. Celine and Fred, a baker, Rachel, a Jewish lady, are main characters. Fred is Germain and is called to war. He becomes a sympathizer to the resistance. He is shot for treason. His brother, a German officer is a hideous man. He was evil . He was murdered. This is a story of a sad time in history. It is beyond my comprehension what the people of Europe endured during this time period. May it never happen again. Thanks to the writer for sharing this side of the war. My emotions are overwhelmed with horrid realities of what was faced by so many innocent people.
Occupation during WWII is unimaginable. No food, constantly watched, people against people, and barbarians in control. It is heartbreaking what so many suffered. This story is of Jersey and it's people. Celine and Fred, a baker, Rachel, a Jewish lady, are main characters. Fred is Germain and is called to war. He becomes a sympathizer to the resistance. He is shot for treason. His brother, a German officer is a hideous man. He was evil . He was murdered. This is a story of a sad time in history. It is beyond my comprehension what the people of Europe endured during this time period. May it never happen again. Thanks to the writer for sharing this side of the war. My emotions are overwhelmed with horrid realities of what was faced by so many innocent people.
June 22, 2020
This started off really well and I found it really interesting area to read about. I haven't read much on the Occupation of the Channel Islands so seemed a Historical Fiction book on the subject.
I found myself struggling to keep interested at times and hence the loss of a star but overall enjoyed.
I found myself struggling to keep interested at times and hence the loss of a star but overall enjoyed.
October 5, 2021
Very suspenseful.
An interesting, suspenseful and informative account of the effects of World War II on the Isle of Jersey and France. Brutally open and at times quite disturbing; the author has certainly done her research and written a heart-wrenching story of the atrocities of war.
Very highly recommended for lovers of this genre.
An interesting, suspenseful and informative account of the effects of World War II on the Isle of Jersey and France. Brutally open and at times quite disturbing; the author has certainly done her research and written a heart-wrenching story of the atrocities of war.
Very highly recommended for lovers of this genre.
December 31, 2019
Somber and a good story
This story of a young married couple living in the town of Jersey, the Channel Islands covers the years of WWII. The husband is a German national and conscripted into the German army having to leave his wife, a French woman, behind.
The story is told from the viewpoint of both husband and wife as he is sent to a German unit in France and she remains in Jersey to run their patisserie, both assuming war will not come there. But their lives are changed inexorably as France surrenders to and Jersey is occupied by the Germans.
Additionally, the wife is good friends with a Jewish woman and the occupation of Jersey becomes extremely dangerous.
I love Deborah Swift's books as she does such in-depth research for her writing and I learn much while being drawn into a world previously unknown to me. The attention to historical detail is appreciated as Fred is forced to do undesirable work for the German army and Celine must struggle to survive the occupation. The situations are so real and there are several suspenseful and chilling moments.
I was a little disheartened by the end of the book as it seemed to rush to the finish a bit. But all in all this is a great read and reminder of what occurred and the desperation to live in time of war.
High recommendation to readers of historical fiction. A very good read!
This story of a young married couple living in the town of Jersey, the Channel Islands covers the years of WWII. The husband is a German national and conscripted into the German army having to leave his wife, a French woman, behind.
The story is told from the viewpoint of both husband and wife as he is sent to a German unit in France and she remains in Jersey to run their patisserie, both assuming war will not come there. But their lives are changed inexorably as France surrenders to and Jersey is occupied by the Germans.
Additionally, the wife is good friends with a Jewish woman and the occupation of Jersey becomes extremely dangerous.
I love Deborah Swift's books as she does such in-depth research for her writing and I learn much while being drawn into a world previously unknown to me. The attention to historical detail is appreciated as Fred is forced to do undesirable work for the German army and Celine must struggle to survive the occupation. The situations are so real and there are several suspenseful and chilling moments.
I was a little disheartened by the end of the book as it seemed to rush to the finish a bit. But all in all this is a great read and reminder of what occurred and the desperation to live in time of war.
High recommendation to readers of historical fiction. A very good read!
January 26, 2020
This is a very good novel about what happened before and during the Nazi occupation of the Jersey islands. It starts off in a strong way with two main characters, Celine and Fred. Celine is Jersey born but Fred is a German. Fred ends up being called to service by the Nazis and he has to report and from there on we see the events from two different viewpoints.
Celene also has a best friend, Rachel, who happens to be Jewish and you know that is going to cause problems later on in the book. The book then goes into their daily lives both before and after Fred leaves. Although many people evacuate the island some, including Celine and Rachel, end up staying.
Things go along fairly well until the Nazis take over and things get very complicated for Celine, She ends up meeting Fred's brother, who is a full-fledged Nazi. She has to try to keep her bakery going, deal with the Nazis, worry about what has happened to Fred and try to help our Rachel, all of which puts a major burden on her shoulders.
The parts with Fred show the changes he undergoes the more he is involved with the Nazis (as a translator) and the more he gets involved with French people who work against the Nazis. We are also exposed to how the civilians hatred any one, mainly women, who may have either cooperated with the Nazis or at least seemed to.
This is an excellent book in many ways.
Celene also has a best friend, Rachel, who happens to be Jewish and you know that is going to cause problems later on in the book. The book then goes into their daily lives both before and after Fred leaves. Although many people evacuate the island some, including Celine and Rachel, end up staying.
Things go along fairly well until the Nazis take over and things get very complicated for Celine, She ends up meeting Fred's brother, who is a full-fledged Nazi. She has to try to keep her bakery going, deal with the Nazis, worry about what has happened to Fred and try to help our Rachel, all of which puts a major burden on her shoulders.
The parts with Fred show the changes he undergoes the more he is involved with the Nazis (as a translator) and the more he gets involved with French people who work against the Nazis. We are also exposed to how the civilians hatred any one, mainly women, who may have either cooperated with the Nazis or at least seemed to.
This is an excellent book in many ways.
March 2, 2020
This was a lovely surprise of a book, one that gripped me and played with my emotions.
I had an ulterior motive for reading this book whilst I had my Kindle Unlimited subscription. My mother was a child during the Nazi Occupation of Jersey during World War Two, and every now and then I like to read books set during this very dark period of my island's history. This year just like mainland Europe we will be celebrating 75 years of freedom from the Nazi Occupation, so it seemed even more appropriate to read it now.
As I mentioned above this was a really good historical fiction novel. It really did grip me from the beginning, as war is declared and Fred is called up to join the Germany army in France, leaving his wife Celine at home in their bakery back in Jersey. Little do either of them realise how difficult life is going to become for both of them in France and in Jersey in the coming years.
I loved both Celine and Fred and felt for them as followed their journeys throughout the book. I was scared for Fred as his life took a very dramatic turn in France when he unwittingly becomes a double agent. In Jersey poor Celine not only has to endure not knowing what is happening to her husband, but also the fact that the German army takes over the island changing life completely for everyone living there.
I'm really glad I read this and discovered that one of the storylines is based on true events that happened during the Occupation.
I definitely recommend this for lovers of historical fiction, particularly novels set during WW2.
I had an ulterior motive for reading this book whilst I had my Kindle Unlimited subscription. My mother was a child during the Nazi Occupation of Jersey during World War Two, and every now and then I like to read books set during this very dark period of my island's history. This year just like mainland Europe we will be celebrating 75 years of freedom from the Nazi Occupation, so it seemed even more appropriate to read it now.
As I mentioned above this was a really good historical fiction novel. It really did grip me from the beginning, as war is declared and Fred is called up to join the Germany army in France, leaving his wife Celine at home in their bakery back in Jersey. Little do either of them realise how difficult life is going to become for both of them in France and in Jersey in the coming years.
I loved both Celine and Fred and felt for them as followed their journeys throughout the book. I was scared for Fred as his life took a very dramatic turn in France when he unwittingly becomes a double agent. In Jersey poor Celine not only has to endure not knowing what is happening to her husband, but also the fact that the German army takes over the island changing life completely for everyone living there.
I'm really glad I read this and discovered that one of the storylines is based on true events that happened during the Occupation.
I definitely recommend this for lovers of historical fiction, particularly novels set during WW2.
August 7, 2021
The Occupation: World War Two Sagas, #2 is by Deborah Swift. This book takes place on Jersey Island, one of the Channel Islands of Great Britain. During World War II, this was the only part of Great Britain that was occupied by the Nazis. Although the citizens who had remained on the island surrendered and lived among the Nazis, they had never truly surrendered. They resisted as much as they possibly could. Although this story is fiction, it does give us a glimpse of what it might have been like for the citizens of the island while under occupation.
At the same time, we have the story of Fred Huber, the island baker. Since he was German, it is entirely likely he would be called up to serve in the German Army. Being German, he would probably have been happy to do so because it was his birth country. Leaving his wife would have made him have second thoughts; but at the same time the thought that his family would be proud of him would have been important too.
The question then arises for all who read the book. What would you have done if you had been in their situation?
At the same time, we have the story of Fred Huber, the island baker. Since he was German, it is entirely likely he would be called up to serve in the German Army. Being German, he would probably have been happy to do so because it was his birth country. Leaving his wife would have made him have second thoughts; but at the same time the thought that his family would be proud of him would have been important too.
The question then arises for all who read the book. What would you have done if you had been in their situation?
January 4, 2026
Set on the isle of Jersey in the Channel Islands and also in various parts of France, this story was incredibly gripping and I went through a number of tissues in the process of reading it.The Jersey portion of the story was based on the true story of a woman who sheltered a Jewish friend throughout the war. The fictional part is the story of her husband Fred Huber, a master baker who had married a Jersey girl and lived there for ten years before being called up by the Germans.
There is so much in the book that you simply have to read to appreciate. The chapters are written from alternating viewpoints so as I reader I could really understand and get to know the characters.
As the story is coming to an end, there was one scene that stood out to me. Celine, who had hidden her Jewish friend Rachel for years in very difficult circumstances, was being called a Jerrybag (a term used for female collaborators) and was about to be set upon when her friend Rachel appears and tells them to stop, that Celine had saved her life. She made a comment that everyone had been forced to collaborate in some way to survive. It leaves me with the question, what would I have done!
There is so much in the book that you simply have to read to appreciate. The chapters are written from alternating viewpoints so as I reader I could really understand and get to know the characters.
As the story is coming to an end, there was one scene that stood out to me. Celine, who had hidden her Jewish friend Rachel for years in very difficult circumstances, was being called a Jerrybag (a term used for female collaborators) and was about to be set upon when her friend Rachel appears and tells them to stop, that Celine had saved her life. She made a comment that everyone had been forced to collaborate in some way to survive. It leaves me with the question, what would I have done!
January 7, 2020
Fabulous read!
I could barely putt his book down! I've read A LOT of WWII historical fiction books, but this one is different. It takes place on Jersey, a Channel island, that was occupied by Nazi soldiers. I've never read one about this area, so it was anew premise. Celine's husband was conscripted by the German Army since he was a German soldier, but had been living on Jersey for 10 years as a master baker and owned a shop. His having to leave Celine was difficult, and he made decisions while in Germany that caused a lot of havoc in his life. Celine had to carry on with a wretched brother-in-law, who was a high-ranking Nazi officer. Her life turned into a nightmare. I won't go into details, as I don't want to spoil anything.
Swift's writing is phenomenal. She keeps you engaged from page one. Her characters are brilliantly portrayed and are either likeable or despised. You could picture the people, the places and the situations she wrote about. I will be looking for more from her. Brava!
I could barely putt his book down! I've read A LOT of WWII historical fiction books, but this one is different. It takes place on Jersey, a Channel island, that was occupied by Nazi soldiers. I've never read one about this area, so it was anew premise. Celine's husband was conscripted by the German Army since he was a German soldier, but had been living on Jersey for 10 years as a master baker and owned a shop. His having to leave Celine was difficult, and he made decisions while in Germany that caused a lot of havoc in his life. Celine had to carry on with a wretched brother-in-law, who was a high-ranking Nazi officer. Her life turned into a nightmare. I won't go into details, as I don't want to spoil anything.
Swift's writing is phenomenal. She keeps you engaged from page one. Her characters are brilliantly portrayed and are either likeable or despised. You could picture the people, the places and the situations she wrote about. I will be looking for more from her. Brava!
April 6, 2020
As a Jersey resident I was intrigued to read this book. I must confess I was half-looking for factual inaccuracies, but these were far and few between. Instead I found an authentic and moving story of a Jersey woman Céline and her German-born husband (Siegfried/Fred), separated by the imminent conflict. Fred is called up to serve in the Nazi German army in France.
The portrayal of Fred’s time in France as his loyalties are tested is very well written. Wartime Paris is described very well as are the workings of the French urban resistance fighters and the vicious Gestapo. Back in Jersey, the portrayal of island life under the new reality is realistic and the tension real as Céline shelters her Jewish friend Rachel under the noses of the Germans and at risk to both their lives.
Is there a happy ending? I’m not saying. But this book is well worth buying to see for yourself.
Five* despite two nit-picking things. (1) the newspaper of the day was the Evening Post not Jersey Evening Post and (2) Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore were certainly not old women.
The portrayal of Fred’s time in France as his loyalties are tested is very well written. Wartime Paris is described very well as are the workings of the French urban resistance fighters and the vicious Gestapo. Back in Jersey, the portrayal of island life under the new reality is realistic and the tension real as Céline shelters her Jewish friend Rachel under the noses of the Germans and at risk to both their lives.
Is there a happy ending? I’m not saying. But this book is well worth buying to see for yourself.
Five* despite two nit-picking things. (1) the newspaper of the day was the Evening Post not Jersey Evening Post and (2) Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore were certainly not old women.
January 1, 2021
Touching.
This book was different from other WWII novels because the primary setting is in one of the Channel Islands called Jersey. I never gave Jersey much thought because we habitually think of London, Paris, or Berlin. The German soldiers were a ruthless lot. I felt terrible for the people who suffered at their hands. Celine and Rachel are two strong women trying to stay alive at a time when one wrong move could cost you your own life. Fred is a brave man who is trying to help the French Resistance stay a step ahead of the Nazis. That is no easy task! The hardest lesson is in realizing that in order to save someone, it is better to give up your life. Fred saved his friends, but gave up himself. I wanted Wolfgang to have a happy ending and I was hoping to see him reunited with Rachel and Celine. But it wasn't meant to be and that's okay because war doesn't give everyone the desired outcome. I look forward to reading more WWII books in the future.
This book was different from other WWII novels because the primary setting is in one of the Channel Islands called Jersey. I never gave Jersey much thought because we habitually think of London, Paris, or Berlin. The German soldiers were a ruthless lot. I felt terrible for the people who suffered at their hands. Celine and Rachel are two strong women trying to stay alive at a time when one wrong move could cost you your own life. Fred is a brave man who is trying to help the French Resistance stay a step ahead of the Nazis. That is no easy task! The hardest lesson is in realizing that in order to save someone, it is better to give up your life. Fred saved his friends, but gave up himself. I wanted Wolfgang to have a happy ending and I was hoping to see him reunited with Rachel and Celine. But it wasn't meant to be and that's okay because war doesn't give everyone the desired outcome. I look forward to reading more WWII books in the future.
June 25, 2024
Excellent and sensitive story showing the very human cost of world war 2 and the impact on Celine (a Jersey woman) who is married to Siegfried‘Fred’ (a German) and are happily living in Jersey running a patisserie. As the war progresses it imposes its way into life in Jersey and their marriage, with Fred being conscripted to fight for the Nazi’s and Celine being labelled a ‘Jerry bag’ by some other islanders. Fred ends up in France secretly supporting the French resistance as he just can not continue to support the Nazi machine’s dehumanising actions and Celine has her friend Rachel (who is a Jew on the run in Jersey) live with her in hiding - all under the nose of Horst (Fred’s Nazi fanatic brother) who has moved himself into Celine and Fred’s House and who is horrifically sexually, physically and emotionally abusive to Celine - a really nasty guy (don’t worry Karma sorts him out!). There is sadness and disbelief in this story at the depths of evil that humanity can go to - but also happiness and joy at the snatched moments and memories of genuine love and authentic affection between people with an underlying message about human rights, judgements, communities and inclusivity versus exclusivity. A really great read and a good explainer for some of the seeming cultural heritage and trauma that Jersey carries transgenerationally. As a Jersey local this book was extremely poignant and it felt well written, it is clear that the author has researched Jersey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2020
Excellent Read
I suspect I’m not the target audience for this genre, however, I still enjoyed it a lot. Celine’s story caught me from beginning to end. Fred’s story took just a bit longer — once in France it was a bit perplexing to me — but it picked up quickly to catch my attention. Quickly I found myself engrossed in both Celine’s and Fred’s story.
The basic premise: a mixed nationality (German, English) couple that lives on the Channel Islands are separated due to the war. The book covers their individual stories of hardship and survival. It’s a well written story with an engrossing plot. Definite 5 stars and kudos to the author.
Slight spoiler alert: at the end I would have liked just a bit more writing and detail about Bernice’s meeting with Celine. But that doesn’t cause the book a negative whatsoever.
I suspect I’m not the target audience for this genre, however, I still enjoyed it a lot. Celine’s story caught me from beginning to end. Fred’s story took just a bit longer — once in France it was a bit perplexing to me — but it picked up quickly to catch my attention. Quickly I found myself engrossed in both Celine’s and Fred’s story.
The basic premise: a mixed nationality (German, English) couple that lives on the Channel Islands are separated due to the war. The book covers their individual stories of hardship and survival. It’s a well written story with an engrossing plot. Definite 5 stars and kudos to the author.
Slight spoiler alert: at the end I would have liked just a bit more writing and detail about Bernice’s meeting with Celine. But that doesn’t cause the book a negative whatsoever.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews