Defiance

by Titia Bozuwa

When the German war machine rolled over the Netherlands in May 1940, Titia Wetselaar Bozuwa was an eight-year-old girl living in the southern city of Breda. She wrote about her family’s endurance of that five-year Occupation in her memoir, In the Shadow of the Cathedral. In Defiance, her first work of fiction, she pays tribute to the many who defied the German Occupation. Challenging the expectations of Dutch society, Anna Smits enrolls as a medical student at Utrecht University. But in a country occupied by Nazi Germany, student life is not what Anna expected. Social clubs are closed; Jews are forbidden from attending schools; and in 1943, students are ordered to sign a declaration of loyalty to the occupying German government. Anna and her seven closest friends—the Group of Eight—refuse to sign. Inspired by a sermon about the Good Samaritan—a sermon that got the minister thrown into prison—the Group of Eight vows to help the victims of Hitler’s brutal regime. They hide Jews and provide them with fake IDs; they keep desperately needed medicines out of the hands of the Nazis; they raise funds for orphaned Jewish children. But as the war drags on and the Nazis’ hold tightens, the Group of Eight shrinks. The few that remain defiantly resist the ever-onerous Occupying force. But how can they fight the lawlessness with which the Germans shoot first and don’t bother with questions? How can they fight the devastating Hunger Winter of 1945? Anna clings to her beliefs and mission, aided by her remarkable grandmother, Baroness van Haersolte, as the country waits for liberation. But will they all survive that long?

Genres: Historical Fiction

572 pages, Paperback

Published October 3, 2017

Reviews

[Nana · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an exceptional book! This is truly a must read for anyone wanting to make a difference in today's world. I give it a strong 4.5.

[Ellen Stgermain · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother gave me this book for Christmas. Every year she gives her grandchildren a book for Christmas that she feels they should read and have in their personal libraries - this year she also included me. I believe she is friends with the author as my mother has a home in the town the author lives.

This is a historical novel of the Dutch during World War II. The characters are well developed and realistic. The settings and circumstances seem authentic and I wouldn't be surprised to learn that the novel is a compilation of true stories.

While it s a war story, it is more a story of courage and morality - what some people will do (and what some won't) when faced with the moral dilemmas of living in an occupied country. It is also a story of women and how they made a difference.

[andrew nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not many books take you there and tear at your heart as this does and when you finish the journey your eyes explode with emotion

If you’re human you will love this book. Today most of us have not seen war this will take you there and leave you glad in the knowledge your alive today

[ralph gillies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moved


If there were no tears in your eyes at the end of this story, there should have been. Defiance will never be described as a literary masterpiece, but should always be considered a great and very moving story. Too much truth to not be thought of as such. Rafa, Guatape, Colombia, 2020

[Ron Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting

An uplifting and soul tugging novel. In the vein of non-fiction many people can wrestle with stark realities. This book provides such a ring to wrestle with historical fact.

[Rosalie Sambuco · Rating 4 out of 5]

DEFIANCE

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is the story of the Resistance of the people of Holland. Plus the re-building and Hunger Winter the people survived. The book was very long (draggy in parts) but well written.

[Davidrbart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well told tale of Dutch resistance

Less well know than the effects of the occupation of France this is a well constructed tale of Dutch resistance.

[Elizabeth Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sobbed at the end of this book. It really touched my heart.

[Andy Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Terrifying with stunning portrayals of Nazi malfeasance. No surprise there but this story is presented in such unique perspective as to make it a must for WWII aficionados.

[ADP Lawson-Tancred · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling tale

I'm not sure that many people outside of the Netherlands today realise the level of suffering this plucky country endured during the war. This book cleverly captures that hardship and in so doing gives a vivid sense of the dangers inherent under the Nazi occupation. If I was to make one minor criticsm, I'd say that the presence of so many different characters - apart from the very well-depicted heroes - is a little confusing.